Original Word: יָבַם
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: yabam
Pronunciation: yah-VAHM
Phonetic Spelling: (yaw-bam')
Definition: To perform the duty of a brother-in-law, to marry a brother's widow
Meaning: to marry a, brother's widow

perform the duty of a husband's brother, marry

A primitive root of doubtful meaning; used only as a denominative from yabam; to marry a (deceased) brother's widow -- perform the duty of a husband's brother, marry.

see HEBREW yabam

Word Origin
denominative verb from yabam
Definition
to perform the duty of a husband's brother
NASB Translation
duty as a brother-in-law (1), husband's brother (2), perform the duty (2), perform your duty (1).

[יָבַם] verb denominative, only

Pi`el do the duty of יָבָם to a brother's widow; Perfect וְיִבְּמָהּ consecutive Deuteronomy 25:5 and shall do a brother-in-law's office to her; Imperative יַבֵּם אֹתָהּ Genesis 38:8 (i.e. אֵשֶׁת אָחִיךָ v^a); Infinitive suffix לֹא אָבָה יַבְּמִי Deuteronomy 25:7 (on nominal suffix as object of infinitive, see Ges^{§ 115} R. 2 near the end).

יַבְנְאֵל, יַבְנֶה, יִבְנְיָה, יִבְנִיָּה see below בנה.

יַבֹּק see below בקק above

יְבֶרֶכְיָ֫הוּ see below ברך above

יִבְשָׂם see below בשׂם above

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G80 (ἀδελφός, adelphos): Brother, used in the context of familial relationships, including the brother-in-law relationship implied in levirate marriage.
• G1918 (ἐπιγαμβρεύω, epigambreuo): To marry a brother's widow, directly corresponding to the Hebrew concept of yāḇam.
• G4924 (συνεπιγαμβρεύω, synepigambreuo): To enter into a levirate marriage, further emphasizing the duty of marrying a brother's widow.

This entry provides a comprehensive understanding of the term יָבַם (yāḇam) within its biblical and cultural context, highlighting its significance in maintaining family lineage and property rights in ancient Israel.

Usage: The term is used in the context of levirate marriage, where a man is obligated to marry his deceased brother's widow to produce offspring in his brother's name.

Context: The Hebrew verb יָבַם (yāḇam) is rooted in the ancient practice of levirate marriage, a custom that is detailed in the Mosaic Law. This practice is primarily outlined in Deuteronomy 25:5-10, where it is commanded that if a man dies without leaving a son, his brother is to marry the widow. The firstborn son from this union is to carry on the deceased brother's name, ensuring the continuation of his lineage and the retention of his property within the family. This practice was not only a familial duty but also a social and economic necessity in ancient Israelite society, providing security and protection for the widow.

The concept of yāḇam is also illustrated in the narrative of Ruth and Boaz, where Boaz acts as a kinsman-redeemer, a role that overlaps with the duties of a levirate marriage, though not strictly a brother-in-law situation. The practice underscores the importance of family loyalty and the preservation of inheritance within the tribal structure of Israel.

In the New Testament, the concept of levirate marriage is referenced in discussions between Jesus and the Sadducees, as seen in Matthew 22:24-28, where they question Him about the resurrection and the implications of levirate marriage.

וְיִבְּמָֽהּ׃ וְיַבֵּ֣ם ויבם ויבמה׃ יַבְּמִֽי׃ יבמי׃ veyabBem veyibbeMah wə·yab·bêm wə·yib·bə·māh wəyabbêm wəyibbəmāh yab·bə·mî yabbeMi yabbəmîInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts