King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 22:13 Mean?

Deuteronomy 22:13 in the King James Version says “If any man take a wife, and go in unto her, and hate her, — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Deuteronomy 22:13 · KJV


Context

11

Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woollen and linen together.

12

Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself. quarters: Heb. wings

13

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

14

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:

15

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:


Commentary

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

This law protects vulnerable women from malicious husbands who might fabricate charges to escape marriage obligations without paying the bride-price refund or to justify divorcing an unwanted wife. The case assumes premeditated slander motivated by sin'ah (hatred), revealing character defects that emerged after marriage. Ancient Near Eastern marriage customs involved bride-price payments and consummation verification, making virginity economically and socially critical.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Israel (circa 1406 BC), marriage was a covenant involving families and economic transactions. The bride-price (mohar) compensated the father for losing his daughter's labor and established the marriage's legitimacy. Virginity at marriage proved the father had maintained his household's honor and that the bride entered marriage without prior obligations. False accusations could destroy a woman's reputation, her family's honor, and her future security, making legal protection essential. This law operates within Israel's theocratic covenant community where sexual purity symbolized covenant faithfulness to Yahweh.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this law's protection of the vulnerable woman reflect God's justice and concern for the oppressed?
  2. What does the connection between 'hating' a spouse and slandering them reveal about the relationship between love and truthfulness in marriage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
כִּֽי1 of 7
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יִקַּ֥ח2 of 7

take

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אִ֖ישׁ3 of 7

If any man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אִשָּׁ֑ה4 of 7

a wife

H802

a woman

וּבָ֥א5 of 7

and go in

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלֶ֖יהָ6 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וּשְׂנֵאָֽהּ׃7 of 7

unto her and hate

H8130

to hate (personally)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 22:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 22:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study