Deuteronomy 22:16 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 22:16 mean?

Deuteronomy 22:16 describes a situation where a young woman's father speaks to the community elders, declaring that he gave his daughter in marriage to a man who now rejects or dislikes her. The verse shows the father's defense of his daughter in a public setting, addressing accusations or disputes about her character or the marriage.

In this context, the father is responding to claims made by the husband, likely about the daughter's purity or worthiness. The elders are local leaders who hear such cases. The verse highlights the father's role in standing up for his daughter and the formal process for handling marital disputes in ancient Israel.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 22:16

• "damsel's" (נַעֲרָה, na‘ărah): This word refers specifically to a young, unmarried woman, emphasizing the daughter's youth and vulnerability in this legal setting.
• "elders" (זָקֵן, zāqēn): The term means "older men" or "community leaders," showing that respected local authorities are involved in resolving the matter.
• "hateth" (שָׂנֵא, śānē’): This verb means "to hate" or "to reject," and here it points to the husband's strong negative feelings or actions toward his wife, not just mild dislike.

Why Deuteronomy 22:16 matters

• Deuteronomy 22:16 clarifies that the father is not just a bystander but an active defender of his daughter's reputation before the community.
• The verse shows the importance of public, communal involvement in personal disputes, especially to protect vulnerable individuals from false accusations.
• This verse connects to the larger passage about justice and fairness in marriage, highlighting procedures meant to prevent abuse or slander within families.