Deuteronomy 24:3 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 24:3 mean?

Deuteronomy 24:3 describes a situation where a woman, after being divorced and remarried, is either divorced again by her second husband or becomes widowed. The verse explains that if her second husband "hates" her and gives her a written divorce, or if he dies, she is released from that marriage as well.

In this part of Moses’ instructions to the Israelites, the focus is on the legal process and consequences of divorce and remarriage. The verse is part of a larger law that sets boundaries around marriage, divorce, and remarriage, aiming to protect individuals—especially women—in these situations by clarifying their legal status and what is permitted.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 24:3

• The word "hate" (שָׂנֵא, śānēʾ) here means to dislike or reject, not necessarily strong emotional hatred. It signals the husband's decision to end the marriage, not just a feeling.
• "Bill" (סֵפֶר, sēfer) and "divorcement" (כְּרִיתוּת, kĕritut) together refer to a formal written document, a "certificate of divorce," which was necessary for a legal separation. This shows that divorce was not just verbal but required an official act.
• "Sendeth" (שָׁלַח, shālaḥ) means to send away or release. The verse emphasizes that the woman is not simply abandoned but formally released from the marriage, giving her the freedom to remarry.

Why Deuteronomy 24:3 matters

• This verse clarifies that divorce in ancient Israel was a formal, legal process involving documentation, not just a private decision.
• It highlights the protection of a woman's rights by ensuring she receives a written divorce, which allowed her to remarry without accusation of adultery.
• Deuteronomy 24:3 is part of a larger passage that sets boundaries on remarriage, especially regarding returning to a former spouse, which is addressed in the following verses. This helps prevent the misuse of marriage and divorce laws for personal advantage.