Biblica Analytica

יָבַם

ya.vam (H2992)

be brother-in-law

3 verses 2 books OT 3 / NT 0
AI Word Study

# The Hebrew Word יָבַם (yavam) The Hebrew verb יָבַם (yavam) denotes the relationship and role of being a brother-in-law, specifically in the context of a particular family obligation. With only three occurrences in the biblical text, this is a specialized term tied to a specific social practice rather than a common word in everyday language. The rarity of this verb—appearing just three times—suggests it refers to a defined legal or customary duty rather than a casual familial relationship. The terminology points to an active role or responsibility associated with being a brother-in-law, likely connected to inheritance or family continuity practices documented in ancient Hebrew society. The word's specificity and limited frequency indicate it was used in formal or legal contexts where the brother-in-law's obligations were particularly relevant. Without access to the specific biblical passages where יָבַם appears, we can note that its existence as a dedicated verb reflects the importance of brother-in-law responsibilities in biblical culture. The term's technical nature suggests that readers of the original Hebrew would have recognized it as invoking particular social expectations and legal frameworks governing family relationships and property matters.

AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.

Genesis 38:8

Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother’s wife, and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her, and raise up offspring for your brother.”

Deuteronomy 25:5

If brothers dwell together, and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the dead shall not be married outside to a stranger. Her husband’s brother shall go in to her, and take her as his wife, and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her.

Deuteronomy 25:7

If the man doesn’t want to take his brother’s wife, then his brother’s wife shall go up to the gate to the elders, and say, “My husband’s brother refuses to raise up to his brother a name in Israel. He will not perform the duty of a husband’s brother to me.”