Deuteronomy 22:20 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 22:20 mean?

Deuteronomy 22:20 states that if the accusation against a young woman is proven true and there is no evidence of her virginity, then the situation described in the law will proceed based on that finding. This verse is part of a legal instruction about marriage and accusations of sexual misconduct in ancient Israel.

In this passage, Moses is speaking to the Israelites, giving them laws for community life as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The verse comes in the middle of a section outlining what should happen if a husband accuses his new wife of not being a virgin at marriage. The verse sets the stage for what follows if the claim is verified, emphasizing the seriousness with which such accusations were handled in that society.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 22:20

• "thing" (דָּבָר, davar): This word often means "matter" or "case." Here, it refers to the specific accusation being investigated, highlighting that the law is dealing with a particular legal situation.
• "true" (אֱמֶת, emet): This word means "truth" or "faithfulness." Its use here stresses that the judgment depends on the accusation being confirmed as fact, not just rumor or suspicion.
• "virginity" (בְּתוּלִים, b'tulim): This word refers to the physical signs of virginity expected at the time of marriage. The verse is concerned with whether these signs are present, which was considered evidence in this legal context.
• "found" (מָצָא, matsa): This verb means "to find" or "to be discovered." It highlights the investigative aspect of the process—whether the evidence is actually present.
• "damsel" (נַעֲרָה, na'arah): This term refers to a young woman of marriageable age, focusing the law specifically on women in this social category.

Why Deuteronomy 22:20 matters

• Deuteronomy 22:20 clarifies that the law required actual evidence before any action could be taken, not just an accusation or suspicion.
• The verse shows the seriousness with which issues of marriage and sexual conduct were treated in ancient Israel, reflecting the values and social structures of that time.
• Understanding this verse helps make sense of the larger passage, which is about protecting individuals from false accusations and ensuring fair legal procedures.