Deuteronomy 22:14
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
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.”
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
The laws of this chapter provide, I. For the preservation of charity and good neighbourship, in the care of strayed or fallen cattle (Deu 22:1-4). II. For the preservation of order and distinction, that men and women should not wear one another's clothes (Deu 22:5), and that other needless mixtures should be avoided (Deu 22:9-11). III. For the preservation of birds (Deu 22:6, Deu 22:7). IV. Of life (Deu 22:8). V. Of the commandments (Deu 22:12). VI. Of the reputation of a wife abused, if she were innocent (Deu 22:13-19), but for her punishment if guilty (Deu 22:20, Deu 22:21). VII. For the preservation of the chastity of wives (Deu 22:22). Virgins betrothed (Deu 22:23-27), or not betrothed (Deu 22:28, Deu 22:29). And, lastly, against incest (Deu 22:30).
Open source ↗22:14 A husband who discovered evidence that his wife had lost her virginity prior to marriage (see 22:15) would accuse her of shameful conduct.
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
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.
So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander.
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
“You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness.
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.