Deuteronomy 22:20 - But if this thing is true, that the tokens of virginity were not found in the young lady;
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What does "Deuteronomy 22:20" mean?
Deuteronomy 22:20 is part of a legal code in the Old Testament concerning sexual conduct and marriage. The verse you quoted refers to a situation where a husband accuses his new wife of not being a virgin at the time of their marriage.
Here's a breakdown of what the verse means within its context:
"But if this thing is true..." This sets up a hypothetical scenario. The husband has accused his wife of not being a virgin when they married.
"...that the tokens of virginity were not found in the young lady..." This is the key part and the source of much discussion. The "tokens of virginity" are not explicitly defined in the text, which has led to different interpretations over time. The most common understanding is that they refer to evidence of an intact hymen and/or signs of bleeding after the first instance of sexual intercourse.
In summary: The verse is saying that if, after the husband's accusation, evidence is presented (presumably to the elders of the community) that confirms the woman was not a virgin at the time of marriage, then specific consequences would follow. Deuteronomy 22:21 goes on to state that she would be brought to her father's door and stoned to death by the men of her town because she brought shame upon her family and committed a disgraceful act in Israel.
Deuteronomy 22:20 - But if this thing is true, that the tokens of virginity were not found in the young lady;
What does "Deuteronomy 22:20" mean?
Deuteronomy 22:20 is part of a legal code in the Old Testament concerning sexual conduct and marriage. The verse you quoted refers to a situation where a husband accuses his new wife of not being a virgin at the time of their marriage.
Here's a breakdown of what the verse means within its context:
"But if this thing is true..." This sets up a hypothetical scenario. The husband has accused his wife of not being a virgin when they married.
"...that the tokens of virginity were not found in the young lady..." This is the key part and the source of much discussion. The "tokens of virginity" are not explicitly defined in the text, which has led to different interpretations over time. The most common understanding is that they refer to evidence of an intact hymen and/or signs of bleeding after the first instance of sexual intercourse.
In summary: The verse is saying that if, after the husband's accusation, evidence is presented (presumably to the elders of the community) that confirms the woman was not a virgin at the time of marriage, then specific consequences would follow. Deuteronomy 22:21 goes on to state that she would be brought to her father's door and stoned to death by the men of her town because she brought shame upon her family and committed a disgraceful act in Israel.