King James Version
Deuteronomy 22:20 in the King James Version says “But if this thing be true, and the tokens of virginity be not found for the damsel:” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“But if this thing be true, and the tokens of virginity be not found for the damsel:”
Deuteronomy 22:20 · KJV
And the elders of that city shall take that man and chastise him;
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.
But if this thing be true, and the tokens of virginity be not found for the damsel:
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.
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.
KJV Study — Public Domain
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
“But if this thing”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“be not found”
H4672properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
“and the tokens of virginity”
H1331(collectively and abstractly) virginity; by implication and concretely, the tokens of it
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.
Deuteronomy 22:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.