King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 22:15 Mean?

Deuteronomy 22:15 in the King James Version says “Then shall the father of the damsel, and her mother, take and bring forth the tokens of the damsel's virginity unto the ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Deuteronomy 22:15 · KJV

Context

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:

16

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

17

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.

Read Deuteronomy 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The father of the damsel, and her mother, take and bring forth the tokens of the damsel's virginity (betulim, בְּתוּלִים)—the physical evidence preserved from the wedding night. Unto the elders of the city in the gate—Israel's judicial system operated through local elders (zeqenim, זְקֵנִים) who adjudicated disputes at the city gate, the public forum for legal proceedings.

The parents' active role demonstrates family solidarity and the communal nature of marriage. They defend their daughter's honor by presenting evidence they had carefully preserved. The betulim likely refers to the bloodstained cloth from the consummation night, proving the bride's virginity. This public legal process—involving elders, evidence, witnesses, and testimony—ensures justice through transparent proceedings rather than private vengeance or arbitrary judgments.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The city gate functioned as ancient Israel's courthouse where elders heard cases, rendered judgments, and executed sentences (Ruth 4:1-12; Proverbs 31:23). These weren't professional judges but respected community leaders chosen for wisdom and integrity. The preservation of physical evidence reflects ancient legal practices requiring material proof beyond mere testimony. The parents' involvement underscores that marriage joined families, not just individuals, and that families shared responsibility for their children's conduct and vindication.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the requirement for physical evidence and public proceedings protect against false accusations and ensure justice?
  2. What does the parents' role in defending their daughter teach about family loyalty and the responsibility to protect the vulnerable?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְלָקַ֛ח1 of 12

“take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֲבִ֥י2 of 12

“Then shall the father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

הַֽנַּעֲרָ֛3 of 12

“of the damsel”

H5291

a girl (from infancy to adolescence)

וְאִמָּ֑הּ4 of 12

“and her mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

וְהוֹצִ֜יאוּ5 of 12

“and bring forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶת6 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּתוּלֵ֧י7 of 12

“virginity”

H1331

(collectively and abstractly) virginity; by implication and concretely, the tokens of it

הַֽנַּעֲרָ֛8 of 12

“of the damsel”

H5291

a girl (from infancy to adolescence)

אֶל9 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

זִקְנֵ֥י10 of 12

“unto the elders”

H2205

old

הָעִ֖יר11 of 12

“of the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַשָּֽׁעְרָה׃12 of 12

“in the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

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 22:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Deuteronomy 22 with CommentaryAll Deuteronomy ChaptersComplete Deuteronomy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes