About Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy contains Moses' final addresses to Israel, restating the Law and calling the new generation to covenant faithfulness.

Author: MosesWritten: c. 1406 BCReading time: ~4 minVerses: 30
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King James Version

Deuteronomy 22

30 verses with commentary

Various Laws of Responsibility

Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother.</strong> This law requires active responsibility for neighbors' property. Indifference to others' loss violates covenant community obligations - believers must actively help preserve what belongs to their brothers.<br><br>The phrase <em>hide thys...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**XXII.** Deuteronomy 22:1-4. **LOST PROPERTY.** (1) **Go astray.**—Literally, *being driven away, *as by wild beasts (Jeremiah 1:17), or by robbers. It is not simply straying. “I will seek that which was lost and bring again that which *was driven away*” (Ezekiel 34:16), and so in many other passages. **Thou shalt not . . . hide thyself from them.**—Comp. Proverbs 24:12. “If thou sayest, Behold w...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 22 Chapter Outline Of humanity towards brethren.(1-4) Various precepts.(5-12) Against impurity.(13-30) **Verses 1-4** If we duly regard the golden rule of "doing to others as we would they should do unto us," many particular precepts might be omitted. We can have no property in any thing that we find. Religion teaches us to be neighbourly, and to be ready to do all go...
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And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again.</strong> The law extends beyond convenient situations to require effort even when restoration is difficult. Distance or anonymity does not excuse the obligation to preserve neighb...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 22 Chapter Outline Of humanity towards brethren.(1-4) Various precepts.(5-12) Against impurity.(13-30) **Verses 1-4** If we duly regard the golden rule of "doing to others as we would they should do unto us," many particular precepts might be omitted. We can have no property in any thing that we find. Religion teaches us to be neighbourly, and to be ready to do all go...
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In like manner shalt thou do with his ass; and so shalt thou do with his raiment; and with all lost thing of thy brother's, which he hath lost, and thou hast found, shalt thou do likewise: thou mayest not hide thyself.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>In like manner shalt thou do with his ass; and so shalt thou do with his raiment; and with all lost thing of thy brother's, which he hath lost, and thou hast found, shalt thou do likewise: thou mayest not hide thyself.</strong> The expansion to <em>all lost thing</em> demonstrates the comprehensive scope of neighbor love. This is not limited to livestock but applies to any possession - ani...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 22 Chapter Outline Of humanity towards brethren.(1-4) Various precepts.(5-12) Against impurity.(13-30) **Verses 1-4** If we duly regard the golden rule of "doing to others as we would they should do unto us," many particular precepts might be omitted. We can have no property in any thing that we find. Religion teaches us to be neighbourly, and to be ready to do all go...
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Thou shalt not see thy brother's ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Thou shalt not see thy brother's ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again.</strong> Beyond returning lost property, this law requires helping neighbors in immediate distress. Seeing animals fallen under burdens demands active assistance, not indifference.<br><br>The repetition <em>hide thyself</em> again condemns willf...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 22 Chapter Outline Of humanity towards brethren.(1-4) Various precepts.(5-12) Against impurity.(13-30) **Verses 1-4** If we duly regard the golden rule of "doing to others as we would they should do unto us," many particular precepts might be omitted. We can have no property in any thing that we find. Religion teaches us to be neighbourly, and to be ready to do all go...
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The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.</strong> God establishes distinction between male and female in dress and appearance. This maintains the creation order where God made humanity male and female with distinct identities.<br><br>The word <em>abomination</em> (to'ev...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **The woman shall not wear . . .**—One of the things of which we may well say with St. Paul, “Doth not nature itself teach you?”

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

De 14:11-20. Of Birds. **11-20. Of all clean birds ye shall eat--**(See on Le 11:21).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-12** God's providence extends itself to the smallest affairs, and his precepts do so, that even in them we may be in the fear of the Lord, as we are under his eye and care. Yet the tendency of these laws, which seem little, is such, that being found among the things of God's law, they are to be accounted great things. If we would prove ourselves to be God's people, we must have resp...
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If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the way in any tree, or on the ground, whether they be young ones, or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the way in any tree, or on the ground, whether they be young ones, or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young.</strong> This environmental law demonstrates God's concern for sustainability and compassion even toward animals. Taking both mother and offspring would destroy future produ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **If a bird’s nest.**—On this precept there is a remarkable comment in the Talmud (*Kiddushin, *p. 39, *b*)*. *“Rabbi Akiba says, You will not find a single duty prescribed in the Law with a promise of reward attached to it, which has not also the resurrection of the dead hanging thereby. In the command to honour thy father and mother, it is written (Deuteronomy 5) ‘that thy days may be prolon...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

De 14:11-20. Of Birds. **11-20. Of all clean birds ye shall eat--**(See on Le 11:21).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-12** God's providence extends itself to the smallest affairs, and his precepts do so, that even in them we may be in the fear of the Lord, as we are under his eye and care. Yet the tendency of these laws, which seem little, is such, that being found among the things of God's law, they are to be accounted great things. If we would prove ourselves to be God's people, we must have resp...
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But thou shalt in any wise let the dam go, and take the young to thee; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But thou shalt in any wise let the dam go, and take the young to thee; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days.</strong> The command <em>let the dam go</em> is emphatic - releasing the mother is not optional suggestion but firm requirement. Obedience to this seemingly minor law carries promise of blessing.<br><br>The promise <em>that it may be well with thee</e...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

De 14:11-20. Of Birds. **11-20. Of all clean birds ye shall eat--**(See on Le 11:21).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-12** God's providence extends itself to the smallest affairs, and his precepts do so, that even in them we may be in the fear of the Lord, as we are under his eye and care. Yet the tendency of these laws, which seem little, is such, that being found among the things of God's law, they are to be accounted great things. If we would prove ourselves to be God's people, we must have resp...
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When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence.

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KJV Study Commentary

Safety regulations: 'When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence.' Flat roofs required protective walls (<em>ma'aqeh</em>, מַעֲקֶה, railing/parapet) preventing falls. This applies covenant love to daily safety—'love thy neighbor' includes practical protection. The phrase 'bring not blood upo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **When thou buildest a new house.**—Obviously the Law refers to houses with flat roofs, upon which it was customary to walk (1Samuel 9:25-26; 2Samuel 11:2).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

De 14:11-20. Of Birds. **11-20. Of all clean birds ye shall eat--**(See on Le 11:21).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-12** God's providence extends itself to the smallest affairs, and his precepts do so, that even in them we may be in the fear of the Lord, as we are under his eye and care. Yet the tendency of these laws, which seem little, is such, that being found among the things of God's law, they are to be accounted great things. If we would prove ourselves to be God's people, we must have resp...
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Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with divers seeds: lest the fruit of thy seed which thou hast sown, and the fruit of thy vineyard, be defiled. fruit of thy seed: Heb. fulness of the seed

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with divers seeds</strong>—The Hebrew <em>kil'ayim</em> (divers kinds/mixed seeds) refers to forbidden mixture, violating created order. <strong>Lest the fruit of thy seed which thou hast sown, and the fruit of thy vineyard, be defiled</strong>—<em>Qadash</em> (defiled/consecrated) here means 'become holy' in the technical sense of being set apart to the san...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9-11) These precepts appear also in Leviticus 19:19, more briefly. (9) **Defiled**—or *sanctified. *Different crops become “common” at different times. The year’s corn was freed by the wave-sheaf and wave-loaves. The trees not for five years. The rule about the ox and the ass may rest partly on the ground of humanity, the step and the pull of the two creatures being so very unlike. St. Paul gives...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

De 14:11-20. Of Birds. **11-20. Of all clean birds ye shall eat--**(See on Le 11:21).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-12** God's providence extends itself to the smallest affairs, and his precepts do so, that even in them we may be in the fear of the Lord, as we are under his eye and care. Yet the tendency of these laws, which seem little, is such, that being found among the things of God's law, they are to be accounted great things. If we would prove ourselves to be God's people, we must have resp...
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Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together.

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KJV Study Commentary

Practical wisdom: 'Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together.' Unequal yoking prohibited—oxen and donkeys have different strengths, gaits, and sizes. Forcing them together inefficiently plows while harming both animals. This reflects creation order—respecting animals' design and treating them humanely. Proverbs 12:10: 'A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast.' Paul applies this sp...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

De 14:11-20. Of Birds. **11-20. Of all clean birds ye shall eat--**(See on Le 11:21).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-12** God's providence extends itself to the smallest affairs, and his precepts do so, that even in them we may be in the fear of the Lord, as we are under his eye and care. Yet the tendency of these laws, which seem little, is such, that being found among the things of God's law, they are to be accounted great things. If we would prove ourselves to be God's people, we must have resp...
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Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woollen and linen together.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woollen and linen together</strong>—<em>Sha'atnez</em> (divers sorts/mixed fabrics) specifically prohibits wool-linen blend. Leviticus 19:19 gives the parallel law. Why this prohibition? It may symbolize separation from Egyptian and Canaanite practices where mixed fabrics appeared in priestly or magical contexts. More fundamentally, it t...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **A garment . . . of woollen and linen together.**—In Ezekiel 44:17-18, the priests are altogether forbidden the use of woollen garments during their ministry. “The *fine linen *is the righteousness of saints” (Revelation 19:8), literally, *their requirements. *That is what they need. But it is said of the priests in Ezekiel, “They shall not gird themselves with anything that causeth sweat: *...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

De 14:11-20. Of Birds. **11-20. Of all clean birds ye shall eat--**(See on Le 11:21).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-12** God's providence extends itself to the smallest affairs, and his precepts do so, that even in them we may be in the fear of the Lord, as we are under his eye and care. Yet the tendency of these laws, which seem little, is such, that being found among the things of God's law, they are to be accounted great things. If we would prove ourselves to be God's people, we must have resp...
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Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself. quarters: Heb. wings

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture</strong>—The Hebrew <em>gedilim</em> (fringes/tassels) appears only here; the parallel in Numbers 15:37-41 uses <em>tzitzit</em>. These tassels, attached to garment corners, served as visual reminders of God's commandments. Numbers 15:39 explains: 'that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **Thou shalt make thee fringes.**—See Numbers 16:32-41 for the origin of this requirement. We may call this fringe (or κράςπεδον*, *Greek) on the four sides of the square shawl or mantle, a mourning for the *one man who was executed for sabbath breaking in the wilderness, *as well as a reminder to Israel to do all the commandments and be holy unto their God. Of this κράςπεδον*, *when worn by ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

De 14:11-20. Of Birds. **11-20. Of all clean birds ye shall eat--**(See on Le 11:21).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-12** God's providence extends itself to the smallest affairs, and his precepts do so, that even in them we may be in the fear of the Lord, as we are under his eye and care. Yet the tendency of these laws, which seem little, is such, that being found among the things of God's law, they are to be accounted great things. If we would prove ourselves to be God's people, we must have resp...
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Laws Concerning Sexual Purity

If any man take a wife, and go in unto her, and hate her,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>If any man take a wife, and go in unto her, and hate her</strong>—this introduces a case law addressing false accusations against a bride's virginity. The Hebrew <em>sane'</em> (שָׂנֵא, "hate") describes not mere emotion but covenantal rejection and breach of marriage commitment. <em>Ba' 'el</em> (בָּא אֵל, "go in unto") is the standard euphemism for consummating marriage.<br><br>This law ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

Deuteronomy 22:13-30. **LAWS OF CONJUGAL FIDELITY.** (13-21) **Virginity.**—The law in these verses will be best appreciated by considering its *effects. *The maidens in Israel would be compelled to guard their maidenliness and innocence, as they valued their lives. Jealousy and caprice on the part of the husbands, in view of this law, would be avoided as likely to incur discredit and serious pena...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

De 14:11-20. Of Birds. **11-20. Of all clean birds ye shall eat--**(See on Le 11:21).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-30** These and the like regulations might be needful then, and yet it is not necessary that we should curiously examine respecting them. The laws relate to the seventh commandment, laying a restraint upon fleshly lusts which war against the soul.

And give occasions of speech against her, and bring up an evil name upon her, and say, I took this woman, and when I came to her, I found her not a maid:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Give occasions of speech against her</strong> (<em>'alilot devarim</em>, עֲלִילֹת דְּבָרִים)—literally "fabrications of words," deliberate false charges. <strong>Bring up an evil name upon her</strong> (<em>hotsi' shem ra'</em>, הוֹצִיא שֵׁם רָע) means to publicly defame someone, destroying their reputation. The husband's specific accusation—<strong>I found her not a maid</strong> (<em>lo'...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

De 14:11-20. Of Birds. **11-20. Of all clean birds ye shall eat--**(See on Le 11:21).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-30** These and the like regulations might be needful then, and yet it is not necessary that we should curiously examine respecting them. The laws relate to the seventh commandment, laying a restraint upon fleshly lusts which war against the soul.

Then shall the father of the damsel, and her mother, take and bring forth the tokens of the damsel's virginity unto the elders of the city in the gate:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The father of the damsel, and her mother, take and bring forth the tokens of the damsel's virginity</strong> (<em>betulim</em>, בְּתוּלִים)—the physical evidence preserved from the wedding night. <strong>Unto the elders of the city in the gate</strong>—Israel's judicial system operated through local elders (<em>zeqenim</em>, זְקֵנִים) who adjudicated disputes at the city gate, the public f...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**21. Ye shall not eat of any thing that dieth of itself--**(See on Le 17:15; Le 22:8). **thou shalt give it unto the stranger that is in thy gates--**not a proselyte, for he, as well as an Israelite, was subject to this law; but a heathen traveller or sojourner. **Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk--**This is the third place in which the prohibition is repeated [Ex 23:19; 34:26]...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-30** These and the like regulations might be needful then, and yet it is not necessary that we should curiously examine respecting them. The laws relate to the seventh commandment, laying a restraint upon fleshly lusts which war against the soul.

And the damsel's father shall say unto the elders, I gave my daughter unto this man to wife, and he hateth her;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The damsel's father shall say unto the elders, I gave my daughter unto this man to wife, and he hateth her</strong>—the father functions as legal advocate for his daughter, presenting the case. The phrase <strong>I gave my daughter</strong> (<em>natati 'et-bitti</em>, נָתַתִּי אֶת־בִּתִּי) emphasizes the father's authority in arranging marriage and his responsibility to ensure his daughter...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22-27. Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed--**The dedication of a tenth part of the year's produce in everything was then a religious duty. It was to be brought as an offering to the sanctuary; and, where distance prevented its being taken in kind, it was by this statute convertible into money.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-30** These and the like regulations might be needful then, and yet it is not necessary that we should curiously examine respecting them. The laws relate to the seventh commandment, laying a restraint upon fleshly lusts which war against the soul.

And, lo, he hath given occasions of speech against her, saying, I found not thy daughter a maid; and yet these are the tokens of my daughter's virginity. And they shall spread the cloth before the elders of the city.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Lo, he hath given occasions of speech against her</strong>—the father reiterates that the charges are <em>'alilot devarim</em> (fabrications). <strong>These are the tokens of my daughter's virginity</strong> (<em>ve-'eleh betulei bitti</em>, וְאֵלֶּה בְּתוּלֵי בִתִּי)—the father presents physical evidence. <strong>They shall spread the cloth before the elders</strong> (<em>paras ha-simlah<...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22-27. Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed--**The dedication of a tenth part of the year's produce in everything was then a religious duty. It was to be brought as an offering to the sanctuary; and, where distance prevented its being taken in kind, it was by this statute convertible into money.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-30** These and the like regulations might be needful then, and yet it is not necessary that we should curiously examine respecting them. The laws relate to the seventh commandment, laying a restraint upon fleshly lusts which war against the soul.

And the elders of that city shall take that man and chastise him;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The elders of that city shall take that man and chastise him</strong>—<em>yasar</em> (יָסַר, "chastise") means to discipline, correct, or punish, often through physical beating (Proverbs 23:13). The corporal punishment publicly humiliates the false accuser, matching his attempt to publicly shame his innocent wife. The elders' judgment isn't arbitrary—they've examined evidence, heard testim...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22-27. Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed--**The dedication of a tenth part of the year's produce in everything was then a religious duty. It was to be brought as an offering to the sanctuary; and, where distance prevented its being taken in kind, it was by this statute convertible into money.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-30** These and the like regulations might be needful then, and yet it is not necessary that we should curiously examine respecting them. The laws relate to the seventh commandment, laying a restraint upon fleshly lusts which war against the soul.

And they shall amerce him in an hundred shekels of silver, and give them unto the father of the damsel, because he hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin of Israel: and she shall be his wife; he may not put her away all his days.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>They shall amerce him in an hundred shekels of silver</strong>—<em>'anash</em> (עָנַשׁ, "amerce") means to fine or levy a monetary penalty. One hundred shekels represented a substantial sum, roughly 2.5 pounds of silver, approximately 2-3 years' wages for a laborer. This heavy fine served as restitution and deterrent. <strong>Give them unto the father</strong>—the financial penalty goes to...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22-27. Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed--**The dedication of a tenth part of the year's produce in everything was then a religious duty. It was to be brought as an offering to the sanctuary; and, where distance prevented its being taken in kind, it was by this statute convertible into money.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-30** These and the like regulations might be needful then, and yet it is not necessary that we should curiously examine respecting them. The laws relate to the seventh commandment, laying a restraint upon fleshly lusts which war against the soul.

But if this thing be true, and the tokens of virginity be not found for the damsel:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But if this thing be true, and the tokens of virginity be not found for the damsel</strong>—the law now addresses the alternative scenario where the accusation proves true. <em>Emet</em> (אֱמֶת, "true") emphasizes factual reality; biblical justice demands truth, not mere social convenience. The absence of <em>betulim</em> evidence indicates the bride was not a virgin at marriage.<br><br>Th...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22-27. Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed--**The dedication of a tenth part of the year's produce in everything was then a religious duty. It was to be brought as an offering to the sanctuary; and, where distance prevented its being taken in kind, it was by this statute convertible into money.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-30** These and the like regulations might be needful then, and yet it is not necessary that we should curiously examine respecting them. The laws relate to the seventh commandment, laying a restraint upon fleshly lusts which war against the soul.

Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father's house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die</strong>—the death penalty for proven premarital unchastity, executed at the father's house to symbolize familial shame. <em>Saqal ba-'avanim</em> (סָקַל בָּאֲבָנִים, "stone with stones") was Israel's standard capital punishment method, requiring communit...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22-27. Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed--**The dedication of a tenth part of the year's produce in everything was then a religious duty. It was to be brought as an offering to the sanctuary; and, where distance prevented its being taken in kind, it was by this statute convertible into money.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-30** These and the like regulations might be needful then, and yet it is not necessary that we should curiously examine respecting them. The laws relate to the seventh commandment, laying a restraint upon fleshly lusts which war against the soul.

If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband</strong>—<em>shakav 'im-'isshah be'ulat ba'al</em> (שָׁכַב עִם־אִשָּׁה בְּעֻלַת בַּעַל), literally "lying with a woman owned by a master/husband." <strong>Then they shall both of them die</strong>—both adulterers receive capital punishment equally, unlike many ancient Near Eastern codes that punished women more severely than men. T...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**28-29. At the end of three years ... the Levite ... shall come, &amp;c.--**The Levites having no inheritance like the other tribes, the Israelites were not to forget them, but honestly to tithe their increase [Nu 18:24]. Besides the tenth of all the land produce, they had forty-eight cities, with the surrounding grounds [Nu 35:7], "the best of the land," and a certain proportion of the sacrifice...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-30** These and the like regulations might be needful then, and yet it is not necessary that we should curiously examine respecting them. The laws relate to the seventh commandment, laying a restraint upon fleshly lusts which war against the soul.

If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her</strong>—this case addresses consensual sexual relations with a betrothed woman, indicated by the location (בָּעִיר, <em>ba-ir</em>, in the city) where help was available. The verb <em>matsa</em> (מָצָא, to find) combined with the city setting implies opportunity, not force.<br><br>B...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

Deuteronomy 22:23-27. **PURITY OF THE BETROTHED.** (24) **His neighbour’s wife.**—It is evident from the language of this precept that a betrothed virgin in Israel is regarded as *a wife. *The man who humbles her “hath humbled *his neighbour’s wife.” *This illustrates the language of Matthew 1 Joseph, when Mary was found with child, sought to *put her away *(as though she were already his wife). T...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**28-29. At the end of three years ... the Levite ... shall come, &amp;c.--**The Levites having no inheritance like the other tribes, the Israelites were not to forget them, but honestly to tithe their increase [Nu 18:24]. Besides the tenth of all the land produce, they had forty-eight cities, with the surrounding grounds [Nu 35:7], "the best of the land," and a certain proportion of the sacrifice...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-30** These and the like regulations might be needful then, and yet it is not necessary that we should curiously examine respecting them. The laws relate to the seventh commandment, laying a restraint upon fleshly lusts which war against the soul.

Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, being in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour's wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Ye shall stone them with stones that they die</strong>—both parties receive capital punishment, but for different reasons. <strong>The damsel, because she cried not, being in the city</strong>—her silence implies consent since help was available. <strong>The man, because he hath humbled his neighbour's wife</strong>—the verb <em>innah</em> (עִנָּה, humbled/violated) shows he violated anoth...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-30** These and the like regulations might be needful then, and yet it is not necessary that we should curiously examine respecting them. The laws relate to the seventh commandment, laying a restraint upon fleshly lusts which war against the soul.

But if a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her: then the man only that lay with her shall die: force: or, take strong hold of

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>If a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man force her</strong>—the Hebrew <em>chazaq</em> (חָזַק, seized/forced) combined with the isolated location (<em>ba-sadeh</em>, בַּשָּׂדֶה, in the field) indicates sexual assault, not consent. <strong>Then the man only that lay with her shall die</strong>—this crucial distinction protects the victim by recognizing her inability to sum...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 15 De 15:1-11. The Seventh Year, a Year of Release for the Poor. **1. At the end of every seven years--**during the last of the seven, that is, the sabbatical year (Ex 21:2; 23:11; Le 25:4; Jr 34:14).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-30** These and the like regulations might be needful then, and yet it is not necessary that we should curiously examine respecting them. The laws relate to the seventh commandment, laying a restraint upon fleshly lusts which war against the soul.

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:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Unto the damsel thou shalt do nothing; there is in the damsel no sin worthy of death</strong>—explicit protection of the rape victim, with emphatic declaration of her innocence. The comparison <strong>as when a man riseth against his neighbour, and slayeth him</strong> classifies rape as violent assault equivalent to murder, not mere sexual sin.<br><br>This analogy is profound: just as a m...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**2. Every creditor that lendeth ought unto his neighbour shall release it--**not by an absolute discharge of the debt, but by passing over that year without exacting payment. The relief was temporary and peculiar to that year during which there was a total suspension of agricultural labor. **he shall not exact it ... of his brother--**that is, an Israelite, so called in opposition to a stranger...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-30** These and the like regulations might be needful then, and yet it is not necessary that we should curiously examine respecting them. The laws relate to the seventh commandment, laying a restraint upon fleshly lusts which war against the soul.

For he found her in the field, and the betrothed damsel cried, and there was none to save her.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For he found her in the field, and the betrothed damsel cried, and there was none to save her</strong>—God presumes the woman resisted (<em>tza'aqah</em>, צָעֲקָה, she cried out) but no rescuer (<em>moshia</em>, מוֹשִׁיעַ, savior) was available. The legal presumption favors the victim when circumstances make resistance futile.<br><br>This principle reveals God's compassionate justice: the ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3. Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it again--**Admission to all the religious privileges of the Israelites was freely granted to heathen proselytes, though this spiritual incorporation did not always imply an equal participation of civil rights and privileges (Le 25:44; Jr 34:14; compare 1Ch 22:2; 2Ch 2:17).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-30** These and the like regulations might be needful then, and yet it is not necessary that we should curiously examine respecting them. The laws relate to the seventh commandment, laying a restraint upon fleshly lusts which war against the soul.

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;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, which is not betrothed</strong>—this case differs from verses 23-27 because the woman is <em>not</em> betrothed, hence not under covenant obligation to another man. <strong>Lay hold on her</strong> (<em>tapas</em>, תָּפַשׂ) can mean seize but lacks the violent overtones of <em>chazaq</em> (verse 25), suggesting this may involve seduction rather than...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

Deuteronomy 22:28-29.—**SEDUCTION.** See Exodus 22:16-17. The sin of seduction before marriage is punished by a heavy fine. We have recently amended our own laws in the direction of this very precept. But the fact that marriage was made compulsory in these cases makes the Law stricter still. It seems, however, from Exodus 22:17, that the *girl’s father *might forbid the marriage, though the seduce...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4. Save when there shall be no poor man among you--**Apparently a qualifying clause added to limit the application of the foregoing statement [De 15:3]; so that "the brother" to be released pointed to a poor borrower, whereas it is implied that if he were rich, the restoration of the loan might be demanded even during that year. But the words may properly be rendered (as on the Margin) to the en...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-30** These and the like regulations might be needful then, and yet it is not necessary that we should curiously examine respecting them. The laws relate to the seventh commandment, laying a restraint upon fleshly lusts which war against the soul.

Then the man that lay with her shall give unto the damsel's father fifty shekels of silver, and she shall be his wife; because he hath humbled her, he may not put her away all his days.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Then the man that lay with her shall give unto the damsel's father fifty shekels of silver, and she shall be his wife; because he hath humbled her, he may not put her away all his days.</strong> This verse addresses the case of rape in Israelite society, providing both justice and protection for the victim. The Hebrew verb <em>shakab</em> (שָׁכַב, "lay with") combined with <em>taphas</em> ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-30** These and the like regulations might be needful then, and yet it is not necessary that we should curiously examine respecting them. The laws relate to the seventh commandment, laying a restraint upon fleshly lusts which war against the soul.

A man shall not take his father's wife, nor discover his father's skirt.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>A man shall not take his father's wife</strong>—prohibiting marriage to one's stepmother, an act constituting both sexual immorality and dishonoring one's father. <strong>Nor discover his father's skirt</strong> (גַּלָּה כְּנַף אָבִיו, <em>galah kenaf aviv</em>)—literally 'uncover his father's wing/corner.' The idiom 'covering with the skirt' denoted taking someone in marriage (Ruth 3:9, E...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-30** These and the like regulations might be needful then, and yet it is not necessary that we should curiously examine respecting them. The laws relate to the seventh commandment, laying a restraint upon fleshly lusts which war against the soul.

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