Deuteronomy 22:14

KJV

And give occasions of speech against her, and bring up an evil name upon her, and say, I took this woman, and when I came to her, I found her not a maid:

KJV (with Strong's)

And give {H7760} occasions {H5949} of speech {H1697} against her, and bring up {H3318} an evil {H7451} name {H8034} upon her, and say {H559}, I took {H3947} this woman {H802}, and when I came {H7126} to her, I found {H4672} her not a maid {H1331}:

Complete Jewish Bible

brings false charges against her and defames her character by saying, 'I married this woman, but when I had intercourse with her I did not find evidence that she was a virgin';

Berean Standard Bible

and he then accuses her of shameful conduct and gives her a bad name, saying, “I married this woman and had relations with her, but I discovered she was not a virgin.”

American Standard Version

and lay shameful things to her charge, and bring up an evil name upon her, and say, I took this woman, and when I came nigh to her, I found not in her the tokens of virginity;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 22:14 introduces a grave legal scenario within ancient Israelite society, detailing a husband's accusation against his new wife, claiming she was not a virgin at the time of their marriage. This verse sets the stage for a judicial process designed to address such a serious charge, which, if proven true, carried severe consequences for the woman, but if proven false, resulted in significant penalties for the accuser, underscoring the high value placed on marital purity and the dangers of slander within the covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger section of Deuteronomy (chapters 22-25) that outlines a diverse array of civil, social, and moral laws governing the daily life of the Israelite community. Specifically, verses 13-21 form a distinct legal unit addressing accusations of a bride's pre-marital impurity. Deuteronomy 22:14 initiates the legal process by stating the husband's accusation, which is then followed by the parents' defense and presentation of evidence in [Deuteronomy 22:15-17](/deuteronomy/22-15 "Deuteronomy 22:15-17 - The Parents' Defense"). The subsequent verses detail the judicial outcome: severe punishment for the woman if the accusation is proven true ([Deuteronomy 22:20-21](/deuteronomy/22-21 "Deuteronomy 22:20-21 - Punishment for Impurity")) or for the husband if it is proven false ([Deuteronomy 22:18-19](/deuteronomy/22-18 "Deuteronomy 22:18-19 - Punishment for False Accusation")). This immediate context highlights the meticulous nature of Israelite law concerning family honor and sexual purity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, virginity at marriage was a highly prized attribute for a bride, signifying purity, honor, and the legitimacy of the marital covenant. A woman's virginity was not merely a personal matter but deeply intertwined with the honor of her family, particularly her father. Marriages were often arranged, and the consummation of the marriage was a public act, with evidence of virginity (e.g., bloodstains on a sheet) sometimes displayed to validate the union and the bride's purity. Accusations like the one in [Deuteronomy 22:14](/deuteronomy/22-14 "Deuteronomy 22:14 - The Accusation") were therefore devastating, potentially leading to public shame, divorce, or even death by stoning, as prescribed for certain sexual offenses in [Deuteronomy 22:20-21](/deuteronomy/22-20 "Deuteronomy 22:20-21 - Punishment for Unchastity"). The law, however, also provided a structured legal process to prevent arbitrary or malicious accusations, reflecting a concern for justice and the protection of the vulnerable within the patriarchal framework.
* **Key Themes:** This specific statute contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It underscores the theme of **holiness and purity** within the covenant community, reflecting God's demand for His people to be set apart from the surrounding nations' practices, particularly in matters of sexual morality (cf. [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Laws Concerning Sexual Immorality")). The detailed legal procedure highlights God's concern for **justice and due process**, ensuring that accusations are not met with arbitrary punishment but are subject to a fair hearing and the presentation of evidence, as seen in [Deuteronomy 22:15](/deuteronomy/22-15 "Deuteronomy 22:15 - Evidence Presented"). Furthermore, the severe penalties for false accusation (cf. [Deuteronomy 22:19](/deuteronomy/22-19 "Deuteronomy 22:19 - Penalty for Slander")) emphasize the theme of **truth and the condemnation of slander**, echoing the ninth commandment against bearing false witness ([Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment")). Ultimately, the passage reflects God's desire to uphold the **sanctity and integrity of marriage** as a foundational institution within Israelite society.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Occasions of speech (Hebrew, _‘alilah'_):** This term refers to a pretext, a charge, or a deed. In this context, it signifies the husband's fabrication of a reason or opportunity to make a damaging accusation against his wife. It implies a deliberate act of malice, where the husband actively seeks to find fault or create a basis for discrediting her, rather than a genuine discovery. The KJV's "give occasions of speech against her" captures the active, intentional nature of the husband's harmful intent.
* **Evil name (Hebrew, _shem ra'_):** This phrase literally means "bad name" or "bad reputation." It refers to the public defamation and slander of the wife, aiming to destroy her honor and standing within the community. In a society where honor and shame were paramount, an "evil name" could be more devastating than physical harm, leading to social ostracization and ruin. The husband's goal is to publicly disgrace her and, by extension, her family.
* **Not a maid (Hebrew, _lo matsa lah betulim'_):** This is a direct and unambiguous legal phrase meaning "did not find virginity for her." The term "maid" (KJV) is an archaic but accurate translation for "virgin" in this context. This phrase is the core of the accusation, alleging that the bride was not a virgin at the time of her marriage, which was a fundamental expectation and legal requirement for a legitimate marriage in ancient Israel, particularly for a first marriage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And give occasions of speech against her,"**: This opening clause describes the husband's initial malicious action. He is not merely discovering a fact but actively seeking or fabricating a reason to accuse his wife. The phrase implies a deliberate intention to find fault or create a pretext for bringing a charge against her, suggesting a pre-meditated act of slander rather than an honest mistake or discovery.
* **"and bring up an evil name upon her,"**: Following the "occasions of speech," the husband proceeds to publicly defame his wife. This is the act of slander itself, where he spreads a damaging and dishonorable reputation about her. The "evil name" would strip her of her honor and standing in the community, causing profound social and personal devastation. This clause emphasizes the public nature and destructive impact of the accusation.
* **"and say, I took this woman, and when I came to her, I found her not a maid:"**: This final clause articulates the specific, devastating accusation. The husband explicitly states that upon consummating the marriage ("when I came to her"), he discovered she was not a virgin ("found her not a maid"). This direct statement is the legal charge that triggers the subsequent judicial process outlined in the surrounding verses. It is the core claim that challenges the legitimacy of the marriage and the woman's honor.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Legal Language** throughout, characteristic of the Deuteronomic code, presenting a clear statute with defined actions and consequences. The use of phrases like "give occasions of speech," "bring up an evil name," and "say" demonstrates a form of **Repetition** or **Parallelism**, emphasizing the verbal nature and the escalating severity of the husband's malicious actions. He doesn't just think it; he actively creates a pretext, then publicly slanders, and finally makes a formal accusation. There is an implicit **Contrast** between the expected purity of a bride and the alleged impurity, which sets up the dramatic tension of the legal case. The verse also functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, introducing the conflict that will be resolved through the judicial process detailed in the subsequent verses of [Deuteronomy 22](/deuteronomy/22 "Deuteronomy 22 - Laws on Morality and Property"), building anticipation for the outcome of this grave accusation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 22:14, though detailing a specific ancient legal case, resonates with timeless theological principles. It highlights God's profound concern for truth, justice, and the sanctity of covenant relationships, particularly marriage. The law's provision for a rigorous judicial process, including severe penalties for false accusation, underscores the divine abhorrence of slander and deceit, viewing them as destructive forces within the community. God's character as a righteous judge who defends the vulnerable is evident, even within the strictures of Old Testament law. This passage reveals that integrity, honor, and fidelity are not merely social conventions but reflections of God's own nature, which He desires to see embodied in His people.

* [Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment")
* [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are an Abomination")
* [Malachi 2:14-16](/malachi/2-14 "Malachi 2:14-16 - God Hates Divorce")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific legal mechanisms of ancient Israel are not directly applicable to contemporary society, the underlying moral and spiritual principles of Deuteronomy 22:14 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This passage serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of false accusations, slander, and gossip. In an age where information spreads rapidly, often without verification, the call to integrity in speech and the condemnation of bearing false witness are more critical than ever. We are challenged to cultivate a culture of truthfulness, protecting the reputations of others and speaking words that build up rather than tear down. Furthermore, the passage reinforces the sacredness of marriage as a covenant established by God, calling believers to uphold purity, fidelity, and honor within this foundational relationship. It reminds us that God is a God of justice who cares deeply about the vulnerable and demands that His people reflect His righteousness in their interactions and relationships.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge my own tendencies to speak carelessly or to entertain gossip about others?**
* **In what ways can I actively promote truth and protect the reputations of others in my personal relationships and community?**
* **What does this ancient law teach me about God's enduring concern for justice and the protection of the vulnerable, and how can I embody that concern today?**

### FAQ

**What was the purpose of such a harsh law regarding a bride's virginity?**

Answer: The law concerning a bride's virginity, while appearing harsh by modern standards, served multiple purposes within ancient Israelite society. Firstly, it upheld the high value placed on sexual purity and fidelity, which were seen as integral to the holiness of God's covenant people. Virginity before marriage was a sign of a woman's moral integrity and her family's honor. Secondly, it was a legal mechanism to ensure the legitimacy of offspring and the purity of family lines, which was crucial in a patriarchal society with strong tribal and inheritance structures. Lastly, and significantly, the law in [Deuteronomy 22:13-21](/deuteronomy/22-13 "Deuteronomy 22:13-21 - Law Concerning a Bride's Virginity") was not solely punitive but also protective. It provided a formal legal process to verify accusations, offering the accused woman and her family an opportunity to present evidence and defend her honor, thereby safeguarding against malicious or unfounded slander, with severe penalties for the false accuser.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Deuteronomy 22:14 details a specific legal statute from the Old Covenant, its underlying principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus, the embodiment of truth and justice, consistently defended the vulnerable against false accusations and societal condemnation. He challenged the legalistic interpretations that often overlooked the spirit of the law, as seen in His interaction with the woman caught in adultery in [John 8:1-11](/john/8-1 "John 8:1-11 - Jesus and the Woman Caught in Adultery"). There, He did not condemn her but exposed the hypocrisy of her accusers, demonstrating a divine concern for mercy alongside justice. Furthermore, Jesus Himself was the ultimate victim of false accusations and slander, enduring an "evil name" and being unjustly condemned, yet He remained pure and spotless ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")). He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, revealing that true purity is not merely external virginity but an internal transformation of the heart ([Matthew 5:8](/matthew/5-8 "Matthew 5:8 - Blessed are the Pure in Heart")). Through His sacrifice, Christ makes His Church, His bride, pure and spotless, without blemish or wrinkle ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church")), offering a spiritual cleansing that far surpasses any ritual or legal requirement, inviting all who believe into a covenant relationship of perfect purity and unfailing fidelity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.