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⇱ Deuteronomy 24:5 If a man is newly married, he must not be sent to war or be pressed into any duty. For one year he is free to stay at home and bring joy to the wife he has married.

◄ Deuteronomy 24:5 ►
New International Version
If a man has recently married, he must not be sent to war or have any other duty laid on him. For one year he is to be free to stay at home and bring happiness to the wife he has married.

New Living Translation
“A newly married man must not be drafted into the army or be given any other official responsibilities. He must be free to spend one year at home, bringing happiness to the wife he has married.

English Standard Version
“When a man is newly married, he shall not go out with the army or be liable for any other public duty. He shall be free at home one year to be happy with his wife whom he has taken.

Berean Standard Bible
If a man is newly married, he must not be sent to war or be pressed into any duty. For one year he is free to stay at home and bring joy to the wife he has married.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
“When a man has taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war or be charged with any business; he shall be free at home one year, and bring happiness to his wife whom he has taken.

New American Standard Bible
“When a man takes a new wife, he is not to go out with the army, nor be assigned any duty; he shall be free at home for one year and shall make his wife whom he has taken happy.

NASB 1995
“When a man takes a new wife, he shall not go out with the army nor be charged with any duty; he shall be free at home one year and shall give happiness to his wife whom he has taken.

NASB 1977
“When a man takes a new wife, he shall not go out with the army, nor be charged with any duty; he shall be free at home one year and shall give happiness to his wife whom he has taken.

Legacy Standard Bible
“When a man takes a new wife, he shall not go out with the army nor be charged with any duty; he shall be free at home one year and shall give gladness to his wife whom he has taken.

Amplified Bible
“When a man takes a new wife, he shall not go out [to fight] with the army nor be charged with any duty; he shall be free at home for one year and shall bring happiness to his wife whom he has taken.

Christian Standard Bible
“When a man takes a bride, he must not go out with the army or be liable for any duty. He is free to stay at home for one year, so that he can bring joy to the wife he has married.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When a man takes a bride, he must not go out with the army or be liable for any duty. He is free to stay at home for one year, so that he can bring joy to the wife he has married.”

American Standard Version
When a man taketh a new wife, he shall not go out in the host, neither shall he be charged with any business: he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer his wife whom he hath taken.

Contemporary English Version
If a man and a woman have been married less than one year, he must not be sent off to war or sent away to do forced labor. He must be allowed to stay home for a year and be happy with his wife.

English Revised Version
When a man taketh a new wife, he shall not go out in the host, neither shall he be charged with any business: he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer his wife which he hath taken.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A man who has recently been married will be free from military duty or any other public service. For one year he is free to stay at home and make his new wife happy.

Good News Translation
"When a man is newly married, he is not to be drafted into military service or any other public duty; he is to be excused from duty for one year, so that he can stay at home and make his wife happy.

International Standard Version
"When a man is newly married, he must not be sent out to war or have a related duty placed on him. Let him stay home for one year and be happy with his wife whom he has married.

NET Bible
When a man is newly married, he need not go into the army nor be obligated in any way; he must be free to stay at home for a full year and bring joy to the wife he has married.

New Heart English Bible
When a man takes a new wife, he shall not go out in the army, neither shall he be assigned any business: he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer his wife whom he has taken.

Webster's Bible Translation
When a man hath newly taken a 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 his wife which he hath taken.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
If a man is newly married, he must not be sent to war or be pressed into any duty. For one year he is free to stay at home and bring joy to the wife he has married.

World English Bible
When a man takes a new wife, he shall not go out in the army, neither shall he be assigned any business. He shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer his wife whom he has taken.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
When a man takes a new wife, he does not go out into the host, and [one] does not pass over to him for anything; he is free at his own house [for] one year, and his wife, whom he has taken, he has made glad.

Young's Literal Translation
When a man taketh a new wife, he doth not go out into the host, and one doth not pass over unto him for anything; free he is at his own house one year, and hath rejoiced his wife whom he hath taken.

Smith's Literal Translation
When a man shall take a new wife, he shall not go out in the war, and nothing shall pass upon him for any word: he shall be free to his house one year, and gladden his wife whom he took.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
When a man hath lately taken a wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall any public business be enjoined him, but he shall be free at home without fault, that for one year he may rejoice with his wife.

Catholic Public Domain Version
When a man has recently taken a wife, he shall not go out to war, nor shall any public office be enjoined upon him. Instead, he shall be free at home without guilt, so that for one year he may rejoice with his wife.

New American Bible
When a man is newly wed, he shall not go out on a military expedition, nor shall any duty be imposed on him. He shall be exempt for one year for the sake of his family, to bring joy to the wife he has married.

New Revised Standard Version
When a man is newly married, he shall not go out with the army or be charged with any related duty. He shall be free at home one year, to be happy with the wife whom he has married.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When a man takes a new wife, he shall not go out with the army, neither shall he be charged with any business; but he shall be free at his home for one year, and shall rejoice with his wife whom he has taken.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when a man will take a new wife, he shall not go forth in the army and he shall not go to any matter, but he shall be in his house one year and he shall rejoice with the wife whom he has taken.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
When a man taketh a new wife, he shall not go out in the host, neither shall he be charged with any business; he shall be free for his house one year, and shall cheer his wife whom he hath taken.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And if any one should have recently taken a wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall any thing be laid upon him; he shall be free in his house; for one year he shall cheer his wife whom he has taken.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Law of Divorce
…4then 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. 5If a man is newly married, he must not be sent to war or be pressed into any duty. For one year he is free to stay at home and bring joy to the wife he has married.

Cross References
Genesis 2:24
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Ecclesiastes 9:9
Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of the fleeting life that God has given you under the sun—all your fleeting days. For this is your portion in life and in your labor under the sun.

Proverbs 5:18-19
May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth: / A loving doe, a graceful fawn—may her breasts satisfy you always; may you be captivated by her love forever.

1 Corinthians 7:33-34
But the married man is concerned about the affairs of this world, how he can please his wife, / and his interests are divided. The unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the work of the Lord, how she can be holy in both body and spirit. But the married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world, how she can please her husband.

Ephesians 5:28-29
In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. / Indeed, no one ever hated his own body, but he nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church.

1 Peter 3:7
Husbands, in the same way, treat your wives with consideration as a delicate vessel, and with honor as fellow heirs of the gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

Matthew 19:4-6
Jesus answered, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ / and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? / So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”

Mark 10:6-9
However, from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ / ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, / and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. ...

1 Corinthians 7:3-5
The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. / The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife. / Do not deprive each other, except by mutual consent and for a time, so you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again, so that Satan will not tempt you through your lack of self-control.

Ephesians 5:31
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”

Genesis 1:27-28
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. / God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.”

1 Timothy 5:14
So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander.

Song of Solomon 4:10-11
How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! Your love is much better than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume than all spices. / Your lips, my bride, drip sweetness like the honeycomb; honey and milk are under your tongue, and the fragrance of your garments is like the aroma of Lebanon.

Colossians 3:19
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

1 Corinthians 11:11-12
In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. / For just as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.


Deuteronomy 20:7
And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.

Genesis 2:24
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Matthew 19:4-6
And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, …

neither, etc.

Proverbs 5:18
Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

Ecclesiastes 9:9
Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.

1 Corinthians 7:29
But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;

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Deuteronomy 24
1. Of divorce
5. A new married man goes not to war
6. Of pledges
7. Of kidnapping
8. Of leprosy
10. Of pledges
14. The hire is to be given
16. Of justice
19. Of charity














If a man is newly married
In ancient Israel, marriage was a significant covenant, reflecting God's relationship with His people. The emphasis on a newly married man highlights the importance of establishing a strong foundation for the marriage. This period allowed the couple to bond and set the tone for their future together. The concept of marriage as a covenant is echoed in Malachi 2:14, where marriage is described as a covenant before God.

he must not be sent to war
This provision underscores the value placed on family and the sanctity of marriage. By exempting a newly married man from military service, the law prioritizes the stability and growth of the family unit. This reflects God's design for marriage as a source of support and companionship, as seen in Genesis 2:18, where God declares it is not good for man to be alone.

or be pressed into any duty
The exemption from other duties further emphasizes the importance of the marital relationship. It allowed the husband to focus entirely on his new wife, ensuring that their relationship was nurtured without external pressures. This principle of prioritizing family can be seen in the New Testament, where Paul advises believers to care for their families (1 Timothy 5:8).

For one year he is free to stay at home
The one-year period provided a significant amount of time for the couple to adjust to their new life together. This time was crucial for building a strong, lasting relationship. The idea of rest and focus on family is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in the Sabbath rest commanded in Exodus 20:8-11, which emphasizes the importance of rest and relationship with God and family.

and bring joy to the wife he has married
The husband's role in bringing joy to his wife highlights the biblical principle of love and care within marriage. Ephesians 5:25-28 instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, emphasizing sacrificial love and care. This joy is not merely emotional but encompasses providing, protecting, and nurturing the wife, reflecting Christ's relationship with the church.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Newly Married Man
The primary subject of this verse, representing a man who has recently entered into the covenant of marriage.

2. Wife
The newly married man's partner, who is to be the recipient of his attention and joy during the first year of marriage.

3. Army
Represents the military obligations that the man is exempt from during the first year of marriage.

4. Israelite Society
The cultural and religious context in which these laws were given, emphasizing the importance of family and community stability.

5. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, who conveyed God's laws to the Israelites.
Teaching Points
The Sanctity of Marriage
Marriage is a sacred covenant that requires dedication and nurturing, especially in its formative first year.

Prioritizing Relationships
The exemption from military duty highlights the importance of prioritizing one's spouse and family over other obligations.

Joy in Marriage
Bringing joy to one's spouse is a divine mandate, emphasizing the role of love, care, and companionship in marriage.

Community and Family Stability
Strong marriages contribute to the stability and health of the broader community, reflecting God's design for society.

God's Provision for Rest and Bonding
The law provides a period of rest and bonding, recognizing the need for couples to establish a strong foundation for their future together.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 24:5?

2. How does Deuteronomy 24:5 emphasize the importance of family in God's design?

3. What does "not go out with the army" reveal about God's priorities?

4. How can newlyweds today apply the principle of "bring joy to his wife"?

5. What other Scriptures highlight the significance of marriage and family responsibilities?

6. How does this verse inform our understanding of work-life balance in marriage?

7. Why does Deuteronomy 24:5 prioritize a newlywed man's absence from war?

8. How does Deuteronomy 24:5 reflect ancient Israelite societal values?

9. What theological significance does Deuteronomy 24:5 hold for marriage?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 24?

11. What does the Bible say about women's rights?

12. Does the Bible mention self-marriage?

13. What does the Bible say about remarriage after widowhood?

14. How can a story that endorses forced marriage be harmonized with other biblical teachings on love and compassion (Judges 21)?
What Does Deuteronomy 24:5 Mean
If a man is newly married

“Newly married” places the focus on the fragile, formative first season of a covenant. Genesis 2:24 highlights that marriage creates a new household, and Proverbs 18:22 reminds us that finding a wife is “finding a good thing.” God pauses the usual demands of life so this brand-new home can root itself.

he must not be sent to war

Israel’s wars were often divinely directed (Deuteronomy 20:1–4), yet God shields the young husband from the battlefield. The same protection appears in Deuteronomy 20:7, underscoring that God values marriage as much as military victory. Safety of the couple outweighs national service for a brief, critical window.

or be pressed into any duty

The exemption is broad—“any duty” (see 1 Samuel 8:11 for the normal weight of royal service). Everyday obligations, civic projects, even temple assignments are set aside. Love must be cultivated before life’s burdens multiply (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12).

For one year he is free to stay at home

Twelve months signal completeness (Ecclesiastes 3:1). A full annual cycle lets the couple experience every season together, building routines, trust, and shared memories without outside interference. Freedom here is not idleness but purposeful presence (Psalm 128:1–4).

and bring joy to the wife he has married

The command is positive: the husband’s assignment is happiness. Proverbs 5:18 urges, “Rejoice in the wife of your youth,” while Ephesians 5:25 calls husbands to love sacrificially. Joy is fostered by protection, provision, companionship, and spiritual leadership (1 Peter 3:7). The verse assumes that when the husband pours joy into his bride, the whole household ultimately thrives (Ruth 4:14–15).

summary

Deuteronomy 24:5 shows God’s tender regard for marriage: He defers war, work, and every competing claim so a new husband can devote an entire year to establishing a joyful, stable home. By prioritizing the couple’s bond, the Lord safeguards the family’s future strength and, in turn, the nation’s spiritual health.

Deuteronomy 24:5--end of Deuteronomy 25

VARIOUS PRECEPTS OF HUMANITY.

(5) He shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business.--He shall not go forth in warfare, neither shall warfare pass upon him in any form. In Numbers 4:23; Numbers 4:30 the service of the tabernacle is called its "warfare."

He shall be free at home.--Literally, he shall be clear for his home; free from all charges, so as to belong to that.

Verse 5. - A man newly married was to be exempt from going to war, and was not to have any public burdens imposed on him for a year after his marriage. Charged with any business; literally, there shall not pass upon him for any matter; i.e. there shall not be laid on him anything in respect of any business. This is explained by what follows. Free shall he be for his house for one year; i.e. no public burden shall be laid on him, that he may be free to devote himself entirely to his household relations, and be able to cheer and gladden his wife (comp. Deuteronomy 20:7). "By this law God showed how he approved of holy wedlock (as by the former he showed his hatred of unjust divorces) when, to encourage the newly married against the cumbrances which that estate bringeth with it, and to settle their love each to other, he exempted those men from all wars, cares, and expenses, that they might the more comfortably provide for their own estate" (Ainsworth).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
If
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

a man
אִישׁ֙ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

is newly
חֲדָשָׁ֔ה (ḥă·ḏā·šāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 2319: New

married,
יִקַּ֥ח (yiq·qaḥ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

he must not
לֹ֤א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

be sent
יֵצֵא֙ (yê·ṣê)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

to war
בַּצָּבָ֔א (baṣ·ṣā·ḇā)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

or
וְלֹא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

be pressed into
יַעֲבֹ֥ר (ya·‘ă·ḇōr)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

any
לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

duty.
דָּבָ֑ר (dā·ḇār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

For one
אֶחָ֔ת (’e·ḥāṯ)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

year
שָׁנָ֣ה (šā·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8141: A year

he is
יִהְיֶ֤ה (yih·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

free
נָקִ֞י (nā·qî)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5355: Clean, free from, exempt

to stay at home
לְבֵיתוֹ֙ (lə·ḇê·ṯōw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

and bring joy
וְשִׂמַּ֖ח (wə·śim·maḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8055: To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesome

to the wife
אִשְׁתּ֥וֹ (’iš·tōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

he has married.
לָקָֽח׃ (lā·qāḥ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3947: To take


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 24:5 When a man takes a new wife (Deut. De Du)