Verses 7-10 describe the procedure to be followed if the dead man’s brother does not wish to fulfil his duty as a brother-in-law.

Go up to the gate to the elders: see similar language in 21.19. For elders see 5.23.

Does not wish to take his brother’s wife: or “refuses to marry the widow” (Contemporary English Version).

Refuses to perpetuate his brother’s name: perpetuate is the same Hebrew verb “make stand” that is used in verse 6 (“succeed to”). Good News Translation has “he refuses to give his brother a descendant among the people of Israel.”

Not perform the duty of a husband’s brother: the same language as used in verse 5.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Deuteronomy. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

Deut 25.8

Then the elders of his city shall call him: in this way the actions of the man and their consequences for the family are made public.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Deuteronomy. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .