Translations
Modern
…then the husband who divorced her first may not remarry her after she has been defiled, for that is an abomination to the LORD. You must not bring sin upon the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance.
Traditional
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.
Literal
…then her former husband who divorced her must not take her back to be wife to him after that she has been defiled; for that is an abomination before the face of YHWH, and you shall not bring sin upon the land that YHWH your God is giving to you as an inheritance.
Latin
…non poterit prior maritus recipere eam in uxorem: quia polluta est, et abominabilis facta est coram Domino: ne peccare facias terram tuam, quam Dominus Deus tuus tradiderit tibi possidendam.
Original
Hebrew
English
…then the husband who divorced her first may not remarry her after she has been defiled, for that is an abomination to the LORD. You must not bring sin upon the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance.
Notes
They might call a woman defiled because she had two husbands. Returning to the first husband would be considered adultery.
sin upon the land: In ancient Israel, community was very important. An individual's identity was closely tied to the community. One person's sin affected the entire community.
Theme notes and profiles
Parallels
Glossary
Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Certificate of Divorce Covenant Deuteronomy, Book of Divorce Hammurabi, Law Code of Marriage, Marriage Customs
Topics
Abomination to God: Uncleanness Divorce: General Scriptures Concerning Divorce: Women: Married After, Could not Return to First Husband Marriage: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To