If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.
If he takes another wife, he must not reduce the food, clothing, or marital rights of his first wife.
This verse establishes that a man who takes a second wife must continue to provide fully for his first wife's needs.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is part of the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt, where God provided guidelines for social justice and family structures in a patriarchal society that allowed polygamy. It specifically addresses the rights of a woman who was originally a slave and became a wife, ensuring she retains her basic provisions if her husband takes another wife. These laws aimed to protect vulnerable individuals in ancient Near Eastern culture, reflecting God's concern for fairness and human dignity.
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