This verse is part of the law concerning levirate marriage (sometimes called "brother's marriage") in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. It addresses a situation where a man has died without leaving a son. The law commands his brother (or closest male relative) to marry the widow and raise up offspring for the deceased brother. This was to ensure the deceased brother's family line and inheritance continued.

Deuteronomy 25:8 specifically deals with what happens if the brother refuses to fulfill this obligation. Let's break down the meaning:

"Then the elders of his city shall call him, and speak to him:" The elders were the respected leaders of the community, and they would be involved in mediating disputes and ensuring justice. They would summon the brother and discuss the matter with him, presumably urging him to reconsider his refusal. They represent the community's pressure to uphold the law and provide for the widow.

"and if he stands and says, “I don’t want to take her”:" This is the brother's formal declaration of refusal. He is publicly stating that he does not want to marry his brother's widow. The law acknowledges the possibility of this refusal, although it strongly implies a social and moral obligation to comply. The refusal could be for various reasons: he might already be married, he might not find the widow attractive, or he might not want the financial burden associated with the inheritance and raising children for his deceased brother.

In summary, Deuteronomy 25:8 is the first step in a process that allows a brother to refuse to participate in levirate marriage. It requires him to publicly state his refusal before the elders of the city. The subsequent verses (25:9-10) describe the ritual of humiliation that the widow performs upon the refusing brother, publicly shaming him for not fulfilling his obligation and thus diminishing his social standing in the community. This ritual highlights the societal importance placed on continuing the deceased brother's lineage.