Deuteronomy 22:20

But if this thing be true, [and the tokens of] virginity be not found for the damsel:

But if this thing {H1697} be true {H571}, and the tokens of virginity {H1331} be not found {H4672} for the damsel {H5291}:

"But if the charge is substantiated that evidence for the girl's virginity could not be found;

If, however, this accusation is true, and no proof of the young woman’s virginity can be found,

But if this thing be true, that the tokens of virginity were not found in the damsel;

Commentary

Deuteronomy 22:20 (KJV) is a critical verse within the Mosaic Law, outlining the severe consequences for a woman found not to be a virgin at the time of her marriage, specifically when her husband brings such an accusation.

Context

This verse is part of a broader legal section in Deuteronomy (chapters 22-25) dealing with various civil and moral laws for ancient Israel. Specifically, Deuteronomy 22:20 is the pivot point in a case described from Deuteronomy 22:13-21. It addresses a scenario where a newly married man accuses his wife of not being a virgin. In ancient Israelite society, a woman's virginity prior to marriage was of paramount importance, symbolizing her purity, the honor of her family, and the integrity of the marriage covenant. The "tokens of virginity" refer to the physical evidence, typically bloodstains on the wedding night garment, which served as proof of a virgin bride's consummation of the marriage.

Key Themes

  • Chastity and Purity: The law underscored the high value placed on sexual purity and virginity, particularly for women, within the covenant community. This was not merely a cultural norm but a divine standard for the sanctity of marriage.
  • Truth and Justice: The passage emphasizes the need for truth to be established in legal disputes. If the accusation was false, the husband faced severe penalties (Deuteronomy 22:18-19). Conversely, if the accusation was true as per this verse, justice was swift and severe.
  • Societal Honor: A woman's virginity was intrinsically linked to her family's honor and reputation. The absence of "tokens of virginity" brought immense shame upon her and her household, indicating a breach of trust and societal norms.
  • Severity of Law: The consequence for this offense, as described in the subsequent verse (Deuteronomy 22:21), highlights the strictness of the Mosaic Law concerning sexual offenses and the protection of marital integrity.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "tokens of virginity" (Hebrew: bəṯûlîm - literally "virginity" or "proof of virginity") refers to the physical signs that confirmed a woman's virginity upon marriage. While modern understanding of female anatomy and cultural practices differs, in the ancient Near East, this evidence was widely accepted as definitive proof. The absence of these "tokens" indicated that the woman had engaged in sexual intercourse prior to marriage, which was a grave offense under the Law.

Practical Application

While the specific legal and social context of Deuteronomy 22:20 is rooted in ancient Israelite society and its distinct customs, the underlying principles remain relevant. The Bible consistently upholds the sanctity of marriage and the importance of sexual purity. The New Testament similarly calls believers to sexual integrity, emphasizing that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:18-20) and that marriage is to be held in honor among all (Hebrews 13:4). This verse serves as a stark reminder of God's unchanging standard for sexual faithfulness and the seriousness with which He views violations of the covenant of marriage, even if the cultural expressions of judgment have changed.

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Cross-References

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