But unto the damsel thou shalt do nothing; there is in the damsel no sin worthy of death: for as when a man riseth against his neighbour, and slayeth him, even so is this matter:

DEUTERONOMY 22:26KJV
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Deuteronomy 22:26 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 22:26 mean?

Deuteronomy 22:26 says that the young woman in question should not be punished, because she has committed no crime deserving death; the situation is compared to an innocent person being attacked and killed by someone else. The verse makes clear that the woman is not guilty and should not suffer consequences for what happened.

In this part of Deuteronomy, Moses is giving laws to the Israelites about justice in difficult cases, specifically about accusations involving a young woman. The verse uses a comparison to murder to stress the woman's innocence, showing that she is a victim, not a wrongdoer. The law is meant to protect the innocent from unfair punishment.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 22:26

  • דָּבָר (davar, "matter" or "thing"): This word is used at the end of the verse to refer to the situation or case being discussed. It highlights that the law is addressing a specific kind of incident, not making a general rule about all accusations.
  • חֵטְא (chet, "sin"): This word, translated as "sin," emphasizes that the woman has not done anything morally or legally wrong. The verse is clear that she bears no guilt in this matter.
  • מָוֶת (mavet, "death"): The word for "death" is used to show the seriousness of the accusation and the usual penalty for certain crimes, but here it is made clear that such a penalty is not appropriate for the woman.

Why Deuteronomy 22:26 matters

  • This verse corrects any misunderstanding that a victim of violence or accusation is automatically guilty or deserving of punishment; it insists on careful judgment and protection for the innocent.
  • The comparison to murder underlines the seriousness of wrongly punishing someone who is not at fault, reinforcing the need for justice and fairness in the community.
  • Deuteronomy 22:26 fits into a larger section about sexual ethics and legal procedures, showing the importance of distinguishing between guilt and innocence in cases that could easily lead to injustice.

Where else these words appear

“sin” Hebrew H2399 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 41:9 Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:
  • Deuteronomy 19:15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
  • Psalms 103:10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

“slayeth” Hebrew H7523 · used in 40 verses

  • Exodus 20:13 Thou shalt not kill.
  • Numbers 35:30 Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die.
  • Joshua 21:32 And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammothdor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs; three cities.

“damsel” Hebrew H5291 · used in 57 verses

  • Genesis 24:14 And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.
  • Deuteronomy 22:28 If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, which is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found;
  • 1 Kings 1:3 So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.