When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken.

DEUTERONOMY 24:5KJV
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Deuteronomy 24:5 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 24:5 mean?

Deuteronomy 24:5 instructs that when a man has recently married, he should not be sent to war or given other public duties; instead, he is to remain free at home for one year to bring happiness to his new wife. This law sets aside a special time for the couple to build their relationship without outside pressures.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites, giving them laws to follow as they prepare to settle in the Promised Land. The verse shows concern for the well-being of new marriages, recognizing the importance of a stable start for a family and the emotional needs of both husband and wife.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 24:5

  • "man" (אִישׁ, ish): This word refers specifically to an adult male, here meaning a husband, highlighting the responsibility placed on him in marriage.
  • "new" (חָדָשׁ, chadash): The word for "new" emphasizes that this is not just any wife, but a newly married one, underlining the fresh start and unique needs of a new household.
  • "cheer up" (שָׂמַח, samach): This verb is often understood as "to make glad" or "to bring joy." The focus is not just on physical presence but on actively fostering happiness for the wife.

Why Deuteronomy 24:5 matters

  • Deuteronomy 24:5 clarifies that the law values the emotional and relational foundation of marriage, not just legal or social obligations.
  • The verse shows that the community was expected to support new families by relieving the husband from duties that could disrupt the early days of marriage.
  • This instruction fits into a wider section of Deuteronomy focused on compassion and justice in everyday life, showing practical care for individuals within the community.

Where else these words appear

“free” Hebrew H5355 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 24:41 Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give not thee one, thou shalt be clear from my oath.
  • 1 Samuel 19:5 For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?
  • Psalms 24:4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

“new” Hebrew H2319 · used in 48 verses

  • Exodus 1:8 Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.
  • 1 Kings 11:29 And it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way; and he had clad himself with a new garment; and they two were alone in the field:
  • Isaiah 41:15 Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.

“up” Hebrew H8055 · used in 145 verses

  • Exodus 4:14 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
  • Psalms 34:2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
  • Proverbs 17:21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.