Deuteronomy 22:19

KJV

And they shall amerce him in an hundred [shekels] of silver, and give [them] unto the father of the damsel, because he hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin of Israel: and she shall be his wife; he may not put her away all his days.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall amerce {H6064} him in an hundred {H3967} shekels of silver {H3701}, and give {H5414} them unto the father {H1} of the damsel {H5291}, because he hath brought up {H3318} an evil {H7451} name {H8034} upon a virgin {H1330} of Israel {H3478}: and she shall be his wife {H802}; he may {H3201} not put her away {H7971} all his days {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The leaders of that town are to take the man, punish him, and fine him two-and-a-half pounds of silver shekels, which they will give to the girl's father, because he has publicly defamed a virgin of Isra'el. She will remain his wife, and he is forbidden from divorcing her as long as he lives.

Berean Standard Bible

They are also to fine him a hundred shekels of silver and give them to the young woman’s father, because this man has given a virgin of Israel a bad name. And she shall remain his wife; he must not divorce her as long as he lives.

American Standard Version

and they shall fine him a hundred shekels of silver, and give them unto the father of the damsel, because he hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin of Israel: and she shall be his wife; he may not put her away all his days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 22:19 prescribes a severe penalty for a man who falsely accuses his newlywed wife of not being a virgin. This law mandates a substantial fine of one hundred shekels of silver, payable to the young woman's father, and, more significantly, prohibits the husband from divorcing her for the remainder of his life. This legislation underscores the profound value placed on a woman's honor and reputation in ancient Israel, serving as a powerful deterrent against slander and ensuring the security and dignity of the innocent party within the covenant of marriage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 22:19 is situated within a broader section of Israelite civil and social laws, specifically [Deuteronomy 22](/deuteronomy/22 "Deuteronomy 22 - Laws Concerning Social and Moral Conduct"), which addresses a range of topics from lost property to sexual purity and marriage. This particular verse forms the culmination of a specific legal case initiated in [Deuteronomy 22:13](/deuteronomy/22-13 "Deuteronomy 22:13 - False Accusation Against a Virgin Bride"). The preceding verses ([Deuteronomy 22:13-18](/deuteronomy/22-13 "Deuteronomy 22:13-18 - The Case of the Slandered Bride")) describe the scenario: a man marries a woman, then dislikes her and brings a false accusation of non-virginity against her. The law then outlines the procedure for the parents to present evidence of their daughter's virginity. If the accusation is disproven, as is the premise for verse 19, the husband is deemed a slanderer, and the severe consequences outlined in this verse are applied. This structure highlights a meticulous legal process designed to protect the vulnerable.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, a woman's virginity at marriage was of paramount importance, directly tied to her family's honor and her own social standing. Marriage was not merely a private contract but a covenantal union with significant communal implications, often arranged by families. Defamation, particularly concerning sexual purity, was a grave offense that could utterly ruin a woman's reputation, render her unmarriageable, and bring deep shame upon her family. The absence of a husband's protection or the inability to remarry could lead to destitution for a woman. The laws in Deuteronomy, including this one, reflect a society where legal protection was crucial for maintaining social order, family integrity, and the dignity of individuals, especially those more vulnerable to societal pressures or malicious intent. The penalty of 100 shekels of silver was a substantial sum, indicating the severity of the offense and the value placed on a woman's honor, far exceeding the typical bride-price mentioned in [Exodus 22:17](/exodus/22-17 "Exodus 22:17 - Bride-Price for Seduction").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Mosaic Law. Foremost is the theme of **Justice and Truth**, as God's law meticulously seeks to establish truth and punish false witness, especially when it harms the innocent. It emphasizes **Protection of the Vulnerable**, particularly women, who in this patriarchal society were susceptible to abuse of power. The law acts as a strong deterrent against malicious slander and arbitrary divorce, ensuring a woman's security and dignity within marriage. Furthermore, it highlights the **Sanctity and Permanence of Marriage**, underscoring that marriage is a sacred bond not to be lightly broken, especially through deceit. The lifelong prohibition against divorce for the slandering husband demonstrates the severe consequences of attempting to undermine the marital covenant through falsehood, contrasting sharply with the general provisions for divorce found later in [Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - Law Concerning Divorce"). This specific case reinforces the idea that marriage, once entered, carries profound and lasting obligations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Amerce (Hebrew, _ʿānaš'_):** This verb means "to fine," "to punish," or "to mulct." It denotes the imposition of a penalty, specifically a financial one, for an offense. In this context, it signifies a punitive measure enforced by the community or legal authority, underscoring that the husband's act was a public wrong requiring public restitution and punishment.
* **Evil Name (Hebrew, _dibbâ raʿah'_):** This phrase literally translates to "bad report" or "evil rumor." It refers to slander, defamation, or a malicious accusation designed to damage someone's reputation. The use of "evil" (רָעָה, _raʿah_) emphasizes the moral depravity and destructive nature of the false accusation, highlighting that it was not merely a mistake but a deliberate act of character assassination.
* **Put her away (Hebrew, _šālaḥ'_):** While _šālaḥ_ generally means "to send away" or "to divorce," in this specific context, the phrase "he may not put her away all his days" (לֹא יוּכַל לְשַׁלְּחָהּ כָּל־יָמָיו) carries the force of an absolute, lifelong prohibition against divorce. It signifies the permanent and indissoluble nature of the marriage bond imposed as a consequence of the husband's malicious slander, ensuring the woman's security and punishing his deceit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall amerce him in an hundred [shekels] of silver,"**: This clause specifies the financial penalty imposed on the husband. The "they" refers to the community elders or judges who would oversee the legal process. One hundred shekels of silver was a very substantial sum, double the typical bride-price, indicating the extreme gravity of the offense of slandering a virgin. This fine served as both a punitive measure against the husband and a form of restitution.
* **"and give [them] unto the father of the damsel,"**: This directs the destination of the fine. The money is paid to the young woman's father, acknowledging that the slander not only harmed the daughter but also brought shame and dishonor upon the entire family, whose reputation was tied to hers. It also compensated the family for the emotional distress and potential loss of social standing.
* **"because he hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin of Israel:"**: This provides the explicit reason for the severe punishment. The husband's crime was not merely a private marital dispute but a public act of defamation against a "virgin of Israel," implying an offense against the community's moral fabric and God's standards of truth and purity. The phrase "brought up an evil name" emphasizes the deliberate and malicious nature of the slander.
* **"and she shall be his wife; he may not put her away all his days."**: This final clause outlines the most profound and lasting consequence. The marriage, which the husband attempted to dissolve through deceit, is now legally and permanently binding. This ensures the slandered woman's security and status within the community, while simultaneously serving as a lifelong punishment and deterrent for the husband, preventing him from ever escaping the consequences of his malicious act.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 22:19 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Legal Casuistry**, a common form in ancient Near Eastern law codes, where a specific case (protasis: "If a man does X...") is followed by a prescribed legal consequence (apodosis: "...then Y shall happen to him"). This structure provides clear, unambiguous legal precedent. The verse also uses **Hyperbole** in the severity of the punishment (a very large fine and lifelong marriage), which serves to emphasize the extreme seriousness of the offense and act as a strong deterrent. The phrase "brought up an evil name" is a form of **Euphemism** or **Idiom** for slander or defamation, highlighting the destructive power of words. Finally, the stark contrast between the husband's malicious intent to discard his wife and the forced permanence of the marriage creates a powerful **Irony**, where his attempt to escape the marriage results in its unbreakable bond.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 22:19 stands as a powerful testament to God's profound concern for justice, truth, and the protection of the vulnerable within the covenant community. It reveals a divine standard that values human dignity and reputation, particularly for women, and condemns malicious falsehood. The law's severity reflects the high value God places on the sanctity of marriage and the integrity of human relationships, demonstrating that attempts to undermine these through deceit incur significant divine disapproval and societal repercussions. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing the destructive nature of slander and the importance of truthful speech in fostering a righteous community.

* [Proverbs 10:18](/proverbs/10-18 "Proverbs 10:18 - The Folly of Slander")
* [Psalm 101:5](/psalm/101-5 "Psalm 101:5 - God's Judgment on Slanderers")
* [Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Wholesome Speech")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient law from Deuteronomy 22:19 offers profound contemporary lessons for individuals and communities. It compels us to consider the immense power of our words and the devastating impact of slander and false accusations. In an age where information spreads rapidly, often without verification, this text serves as a stark reminder of the sacred duty to uphold truth and protect the reputations of others. It challenges us to be careful stewards of our speech, recognizing that malicious words can inflict wounds deeper and more lasting than physical harm. Furthermore, the law's emphasis on the permanence of marriage, even in the face of malicious attempts to dissolve it, underscores the sanctity and covenantal nature of marital vows. It calls us to cultivate integrity within our relationships, valuing honesty and commitment above personal convenience or selfish desires. Ultimately, this passage invites us to live in a manner that reflects God's own character—a God who champions justice, truth, and the protection of the innocent.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge my own tendencies toward gossip or unverified speech?**
* **In what ways can I actively contribute to a culture of truthfulness and honor in my relationships and community?**
* **What does the severe consequence for false accusation teach me about the value God places on a person's reputation and dignity?**
* **How does the enforced permanence of the marriage in this case speak to the sanctity and commitment inherent in the covenant of marriage?**

### FAQ

**Why was the penalty for false accusation so severe in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The severity of the penalty for false accusation, particularly against a virgin, stemmed from several critical factors in ancient Israelite society. First, a woman's virginity at marriage was intrinsically linked to her and her family's honor and social standing. A false accusation of non-virginity could utterly destroy her reputation, render her unmarriageable, and bring deep shame upon her entire family. Second, the law aimed to protect the vulnerable. Without such a stringent deterrent, a man could easily discard an unwanted wife by simply fabricating a lie, leaving her disgraced and destitute. Third, it underscored the value of truth and justice in the community. Slander was not just a private matter but an offense against the moral fabric of society and God's standard of truth. The substantial fine (100 shekels of silver, double the typical bride-price in [Exodus 22:17](/exodus/22-17 "Exodus 22:17 - Bride-Price for Seduction")) and the lifelong prohibition against divorce ([Deuteronomy 22:19](/deuteronomy/22-19 "Deuteronomy 22:19 - Penalty for False Accusation")) served as powerful deterrents against such malicious acts, ensuring both restitution for the wronged party and a lasting consequence for the deceiver.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Deuteronomy 22:19 provides a specific legal framework for justice within the Old Covenant, its underlying principles find profound fulfillment and transformation in Christ. The law's zealous protection of the innocent and condemnation of false accusation foreshadows Jesus, who was himself the ultimate innocent victim of false witness and slander, as seen in the trials before the Sanhedrin and Pilate ([Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus"); [Mark 14:56-59](/mark/14-56 "Mark 14:56-59 - False Accusations Against Jesus")). Furthermore, the law's emphasis on the sanctity and permanence of marriage, particularly when attempts are made to undermine it through deceit, points to Christ's own teaching on marriage as a lifelong, covenantal bond instituted by God ([Matthew 19:4-6](/matthew/19-4 "Matthew 19:4-6 - Jesus on Marriage and Divorce")). In the New Covenant, believers are called to embody the truth and integrity championed in this law, not merely out of fear of legal penalty but from a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit, reflecting the character of Christ who is "the way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). The ultimate fulfillment lies in Christ's work, which brings true justice and restores honor, not through legal fines, but through His atoning sacrifice, which covers all sin, including the sin of slander, and enables believers to live lives of truth and integrity in Him ([Colossians 3:9-10](/colossians/3-9 "Colossians 3:9-10 - Put Off the Old Self")).

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.

Cross-References

Matthew 19:8

He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

Matthew 19:9

And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except [it be] for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

Deuteronomy 22:29

Then the man that lay with her shall give unto the damsel's father fifty [shekels] of silver, and she shall be his wife; because he hath humbled her, he may not put her away all his days.

Deuteronomy 24:1

¶ 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.

Deuteronomy 24:4

Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that [is] abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance.