Deuteronomy 24:1 Meaning and Explanation
“When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A man who finds his wife displeasing may divorce her by giving her a written bill.
The Context of Deuteronomy 24:1
Laws governing marriage and family in Israel.
What Does Deuteronomy 24:1 Mean?
Deuteronomy addresses the practical reality of divorce within Israel's covenant community. The requirement of a written bill—rather than mere dismissal—provided the wife documentation of her changed status and right to remarry.
The word 'uncleanness' (HEBR) refers to something objectionable, though Scripture does not specify exactly what qualifies. The law regulates a serious matter through formal procedure, establishing that divorce involves specific steps, not mere impulse.
Deuteronomy 24:1 in the Original Language
תִּשְׁלַח (tishlach), 'send away'—to dismiss with legal consequence; distinct from casual separation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 24:1
What does Deuteronomy 24:1 mean?
A man who finds his wife displeasing may divorce her by giving her a written bill.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 24:1?
Laws governing marriage and family in Israel.