Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.

DEUTERONOMY 24:4KJV
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Deuteronomy 24:4 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 24:4 mean?

Deuteronomy 24:4 says that if a man divorces his wife and she marries someone else, her first husband is not allowed to marry her again if she is divorced or widowed from her second husband. This is described as something detestable to God and is forbidden so that the land given by God is not defiled.

In this verse, Moses is giving the Israelites a law about marriage and divorce as they prepare to enter the land God promised them. The situation described is specific: a man divorces his wife, she remarries, and then her second marriage ends. The law strictly forbids the first husband from taking her back, emphasizing the seriousness of marriage vows and the importance of keeping the land morally pure according to God’s standards.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 24:4

  • "Defiled" (נִטְמְאָה, nitme’ah): This word means to become unclean or impure. Here, it refers to the woman’s changed status after remarrying, which is seen as making it inappropriate for her to return to her first husband.
  • "Abomination" (תוֹעֵבָה, to’evah): This word means something detestable or repulsive, especially in a religious or moral sense. The verse uses strong language to show that this act is not just discouraged but is deeply offensive to God.
  • "Sin" (חָטָא, chata’): This word means to miss the mark or to do wrong. The verse warns that allowing this kind of remarriage would cause the land itself to "sin," highlighting the communal impact of individual actions.

Why Deuteronomy 24:4 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the law is not just about personal relationships but also about the holiness of the community and the land itself, showing a link between private choices and public consequences.
  • Deuteronomy 24:4 helps prevent the misuse of divorce laws, making it clear that marriage is not something to be entered and exited lightly or manipulated for personal advantage.
  • The strong language ("abomination") shows how seriously God views faithfulness and purity in relationships, setting a high standard for the Israelites as they settle in the promised land.

Where else these words appear

“husband” Hebrew H1167 · used in 78 verses

  • Genesis 14:13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.
  • Judges 9:20 But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech.
  • Proverbs 16:22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

“abomination” Hebrew H8441 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 43:32 And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.
  • Psalms 88:8 Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.
  • Ezekiel 7:4 And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

“defiled” Hebrew H2930 · used in 142 verses

  • Genesis 34:5 And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come.
  • Leviticus 15:19 And if a woman have an issue, and her issue in her flesh be blood, she shall be put apart seven days: and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until the even.
  • Numbers 35:34 Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the LORD dwell among the children of Israel.