Question 1

What does Deuteronomy 22:13 mean?

Accepted Answer

Deuteronomy 22:13 describes a situation where a man marries a woman, has sexual relations with her, and then comes to dislike or reject her. The verse introduces a specific case in Israelite law dealing with marriage and the actions a husband might take if he turns against his wife. In this part of Deuteronomy, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel, giving them laws and instructions for living as a community. The verse sets up a scenario that will be addressed in the following verses, focusing on fairness and justice in marriage relationships, especially regarding accusations a husband might make against his wife.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 22:13

Accepted Answer

man (אִישׁ, ish): This word refers to an adult male, usually with an emphasis on his role or responsibility, here as a husband. take (לָקַח, laqach): Often used for "taking" a wife in marriage, this word highlights the formal, legal act of entering into marriage. wife (אִשָּׁה, ishah): This term means "woman" or "wife," emphasizing her new status in the marriage relationship. in (בּוֹא, bo): This verb means "to go in" or "to enter," and in this context, it is a common way of referring to sexual relations in Hebrew narrative. hate (שָׂנֵא, sane): This word means "to hate" or "to reject," and in this context, it signals a strong emotional or relational turning away from the wife, not just mild dislike.

Question 3

Why Deuteronomy 22:13 matters

Accepted Answer

Deuteronomy 22:13 is the starting point for a law that protects women from false accusations and unfair treatment by their husbands, showing concern for justice in marriage. The verse highlights that the law takes seriously a husband's change of attitude toward his wife, not ignoring the possibility of mistreatment or wrongful accusations. Understanding the specific words used helps clarify that the issue is not just personal dislike, but a significant rejection that could have legal and social consequences for the woman.

Deuteronomy 22:13 (KJV)