Deuteronomy 22:21

Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father's house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you.

Then they shall bring out {H3318} the damsel {H5291} to the door {H6607} of her father's {H1} house {H1004}, and the men {H582} of her city {H5892} shall stone {H5619} her with stones {H68} that she die {H4191}: because she hath wrought {H6213} folly {H5039} in Israel {H3478}, to play the whore {H2181} in her father's {H1} house {H1004}: so shalt thou put {H1197} evil {H7451} away {H1197} from among {H7130} you.

then they are to lead the girl to the door of her father's house, and the men of her town will stone her to death, because she has committed in Isra'el the disgraceful act of being a prostitute while still in her father's house. In this way you will put an end to such wickedness among you.

she shall be brought to the door of her father’s house, and there the men of her city will stone her to death. For she has committed an outrage in Israel by being promiscuous in her father’s house. So you must purge the evil from among you.

then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father’s house, and the men of her city shall stone her to death with stones, because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the harlot in her father’s house: so shalt thou put away the evil from the midst of thee.

Commentary

Context of Deuteronomy 22:21

Deuteronomy 22:21 is part of a larger section in the Deuteronomic Code that outlines various social and civil laws for ancient Israel, particularly concerning sexual purity and family honor. This specific verse details the severe punishment for a newlywed woman accused by her husband of not being a virgin on their wedding night, if the accusation was proven true by the elders of the city (as described in the preceding verses, Deuteronomy 22:13-20). In ancient Israelite society, a woman's virginity prior to marriage was of paramount importance, directly tied to her family's reputation and the social order. This law underscored the sanctity of marriage and the community's commitment to maintaining moral integrity.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sanctity of Marriage and Purity: The law emphasizes the high value placed on premarital chastity and marital fidelity in ancient Israel. Sexual purity was not merely a personal matter but a societal one, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people.
  • Community Purity and Justice: The phrase "so shalt thou put evil away from among you" (a recurring theme in Deuteronomy, e.g., Deuteronomy 13:5) highlights that the offense was seen as a defilement of the entire community, requiring decisive action to maintain God's blessing and order. The public nature of the execution served as a deterrent and a demonstration of communal commitment to divine law.
  • Folly in Israel: The text describes the act as having "wrought folly in Israel." The Hebrew word for "folly" here is nevalah (נְבָלָה), which signifies a disgraceful, outrageous, or morally reprehensible act. It's not just a mistake, but a profound moral and social transgression that brings shame upon the individual, her family, and the community.

Linguistic Insights

The term "wrought folly" translated from the Hebrew nevalah (נְבָלָה) is significant. It denotes an act of great wickedness, often associated with a lack of moral discernment or a perverse character. It is used elsewhere for serious moral offenses, such as rape (Genesis 34:7) or grievous disrespect for God (Judges 19:23-24). This underscores that the specific sexual transgression described in Deuteronomy 22:21 was considered a severe breach of covenant and social order, not merely a private indiscretion.

Practical Application and Reflection

While the literal application of this severe punishment is not practiced in modern societies, nor is it part of the New Covenant under Christ, the underlying principles remain relevant. This verse highlights:

  • The Seriousness of Sin: God views sexual immorality and deceit as serious matters that can have profound consequences on individuals, families, and communities.
  • The Value of Purity: The Bible consistently upholds the importance of sexual purity and fidelity within marriage. The New Testament calls believers to honor marriage and keep the marriage bed undefiled (Hebrews 13:4) and to flee sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18).
  • Removing "Evil": The command to "put evil away from among you" translates spiritually for believers today into a call for personal repentance, church discipline when necessary, and a commitment to living lives that honor God. Through Christ, we are called to cleanse ourselves from all impurity and perfect holiness in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1).
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 34:7 (5 votes)

    And the sons of Jacob came out of the field when they heard [it]: and the men were grieved, and they were very wroth, because he had wrought folly in Israel in lying with Jacob's daughter; which thing ought not to be done.

  • Deuteronomy 13:5 (5 votes)

    And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn [you] away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.

  • Judges 20:6 (4 votes)

    And I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel: for they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel.

  • Deuteronomy 17:7 (3 votes)

    The hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So thou shalt put the evil away from among you.

  • Deuteronomy 19:19 (3 votes)

    Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you.

  • 2 Samuel 13:12 (3 votes)

    And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly.

  • 2 Samuel 13:13 (3 votes)

    And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee.