Deuteronomy 22:16
Deuteronomy 22:16 in Multiple Translations
and say to the elders, “I gave my daughter in marriage to this man, but he has come to hate her.
And the damsel’s father shall say unto the elders, I gave my daughter unto this man to wife, and he hateth her;
and the damsel’s father shall say unto the elders, I gave my daughter unto this man to wife, and he hateth her;
And let the girl's father say to the responsible men, I gave my daughter to this man for his wife, but he has no love for her;
and the father will explain to them, “I gave my daughter in marriage to this man, but he has ended up hating her.
And the maydes father shall say vnto the Elders, I gaue my daughter vnto this man to wife, and he hateth her:
and the father of the damsel hath said unto the elders, My daughter I have given to this man for a wife, and he doth hate her;
The young lady’s father shall tell the elders, “I gave my daughter to this man as his wife, and he hates her.
And the damsel's father shall say to the elders, I gave my daughter to this man for a wife, and he hateth her,
And the father shall say: I gave my daughter unto this man to wife: and because he hateth her,
Then the father of the young woman must say to the elders, ‘I gave my daughter to this man to be his wife. But now he says that he doesn’t want her any more.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 22:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 22:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אָמַ֛ר
אֲבִ֥י
ה/נער
הַֽ/נַּעַרָ֖ה
אֶל
הַ/זְּקֵנִ֑ים
אֶת
בִּתִּ֗/י
נָתַ֜תִּי
לָ/אִ֥ישׁ
הַ/זֶּ֛ה
לְ/אִשָּׁ֖ה
וַ/יִּשְׂנָאֶֽ/הָ
וְ/אָמַ֛ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
אֲבִ֥י
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms
ה/נער
naʻărâh
H5291
maiden
Art | N-fs
הַֽ/נַּעַרָ֖ה
naʻărâh
H5291
maiden
Art | N-fs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/זְּקֵנִ֑ים
zâqên
H2205
old
Art | Adj
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בִּתִּ֗/י
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs | Suff
נָתַ֜תִּי
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
לָ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֛ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
לְ/אִשָּׁ֖ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Prep | N-fs
וַ/יִּשְׂנָאֶֽ/הָ
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 22:16
וְ/אָמַ֛ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲבִ֥י
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
ה/נער
naʻărâh
H5291
"maiden"
Art | N-fs
A maiden is a young, unmarried woman, often described as a servant or attendant. In the Bible, it refers to women like the maidens who served in the temple or the young women who were eligible for marriage.
Definition: 1) girl, damsel, female servant 1a) girl, damsel, little girl 1a1) of young woman, marriageable young woman, concubine, prostitute 1b) maid, female attendant, female servant
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: damsel, maid(-en), young (woman). See also: Genesis 24:14; Ruth 2:5; Proverbs 9:3.
הַֽ/נַּעַרָ֖ה
naʻărâh
H5291
"maiden"
Art | N-fs
A maiden is a young, unmarried woman, often described as a servant or attendant. In the Bible, it refers to women like the maidens who served in the temple or the young women who were eligible for marriage.
Definition: 1) girl, damsel, female servant 1a) girl, damsel, little girl 1a1) of young woman, marriageable young woman, concubine, prostitute 1b) maid, female attendant, female servant
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: damsel, maid(-en), young (woman). See also: Genesis 24:14; Ruth 2:5; Proverbs 9:3.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/זְּקֵנִ֑ים
zâqên
H2205
"old"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בִּתִּ֗/י
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
נָתַ֜תִּי
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לָ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
הַ/זֶּ֛ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
לְ/אִשָּׁ֖ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
וַ/יִּשְׂנָאֶֽ/הָ
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 22:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Deuteronomy 22:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 22:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 22:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:16
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 22:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:16
Context — Marriage Violations
14and he then accuses her of shameful conduct and gives her a bad name, saying, “I married this woman and had relations with her, but I discovered she was not a virgin.”
15Then the young woman’s father and mother shall bring the proof of her virginity to the city elders at the gate
16and say to the elders, “I gave my daughter in marriage to this man, but he has come to hate her.
17And now he has accused her of shameful conduct, saying, ‘I discovered that your daughter was not a virgin.’ But here is the proof of her virginity.” And they shall spread out the cloth before the city elders. 18Then the elders of that city shall take the man and punish him.Deuteronomy 22:16 Summary
Deuteronomy 22:16 is a verse that talks about a situation where a husband is making false accusations against his wife, saying that she was not a virgin when they got married. The wife's parents bring proof of her virginity to the city elders to clear her name, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 22:15. This verse is important because it shows how much God values honesty and integrity in relationships, as seen in other passages like Ephesians 4:25 and Proverbs 10:9. It also reminds us that we should always strive to treat others with love, respect, and kindness, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and Matthew 7:12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Deuteronomy 22:16?
Deuteronomy 22:16 is part of a larger passage, Deuteronomy 22:13-21, that deals with the situation of a husband accusing his wife of not being a virgin at the time of their marriage, as seen in Deuteronomy 22:14. This law protected the wife from false accusations and ensured that the husband was held accountable for his actions, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 22:18.
Why did the father and mother need to bring proof of the daughter's virginity?
The father and mother needed to bring proof of the daughter's virginity to the city elders to clear their daughter's name and prove that the husband's accusations were false, as stated in Deuteronomy 22:17. This was an important step in protecting the daughter's reputation and ensuring that justice was served, similar to the importance of witnesses in other biblical contexts, such as Deuteronomy 19:15.
What was the punishment for the husband if he was found to be making false accusations?
If the husband was found to be making false accusations, he would be punished by the city elders, as stated in Deuteronomy 22:18. This punishment served as a deterrent to husbands who might be tempted to make false accusations against their wives, and it also reflected the importance of honesty and integrity in marriage, as emphasized in Ephesians 5:25-33.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of marriage and relationships in the Bible?
Deuteronomy 22:16 is part of a larger biblical theme that emphasizes the importance of honesty, integrity, and respect in marriage and relationships, as seen in passages like Ephesians 5:25-33 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. This verse highlights the need for husbands to treat their wives with love, respect, and kindness, and for wives to be treated with dignity and honor, as reflected in Genesis 2:24 and Matthew 19:4-6.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principles of honesty and integrity in my own relationships, whether romantic or otherwise, as seen in this verse and other biblical passages like Colossians 3:9-10?
- What are some ways that I can work to protect and uphold the reputation of others, as the father and mother do for their daughter in this verse, and as encouraged in Proverbs 22:1?
- How can I balance the need to speak truth with the need to be gracious and loving in my interactions with others, as reflected in this verse and other passages like Ephesians 4:15?
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a culture of respect and kindness in my own community, whether at home, at work, or in my church, as encouraged in this verse and other biblical passages like Romans 12:10?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 22:16
And the damsel's father shall say unto the elders,.... Not her mother; hence we learn, says Jarchi, that a woman has not power (or is not allowed) to speak before men; that is, in public see 1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 22:16
If any man take a wife, and go in unto her, and hate her, If any man take a wife ... The regulations that follow might be imperatively needful in the then situation of the Israelites; and yet it is
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:16
Deuteronomy 22:16 And the damsel’ s father shall say unto the elders, I gave my daughter unto this man to wife, and he hateth her;Ver. 16. And he hateth her.] Which is a monster in nature.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:16
Deuteronomy 22:13-30. LAWS OF .(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 penalties. A fine of 100 shekels (as in Deuteronomy 22:19), or 50 (as in Deuteronomy 22:29), was no light matter for a nation who found a quarter shekel sufficient for a present to a great man (1 Samuel 9:8), and half a shekel too much for a poll-tax on the men of military age (1 Chronicles 21:3, and Exodus 30:15; Nehemiah 10:32). The law of the jealousy offering in Numbers 5:12-31, must also be taken into consideration, as guarding the fidelity of the wife. It would be most unadvisable for either man or woman so to act as to bring themselves under the penalties here described. The tendency of these laws would be to make all men watchful and careful for the honour of their families. (21) She hath wrought folly in Israel.—This expression should be noticed. It appears for the first time in Genesis 34:7, very shortly after the bestowal of the name Israel (Genesis 32).
It would almost appear that the name entailed a higher standard of behaviour upon Jacob’s family, after the hand of the Holy One had been laid upon their father. A separate code of rules were binding upon the chosen people from the very beginning of their history. Hardly any point is made of more importance, from the birth of Isaac downwards, than the purity of the chosen seed. (22) Adultery.—See Leviticus 20:10. “Moses in the Law commanded us that such should be stoned.” It was not disputed by our Saviour (John 8:5).
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 22:16
13–30. Six Laws on Cases of Unchastity Of these the first five prescribe the procedure in criminal cases:—1st. Of a Husband’s Charges against His Bride (Deuteronomy 22:13-21); 2nd. Of Adultery (Deuteronomy 22:22); 3rd. Of Dishonouring a Betrothed Virgin with her consent (Deuteronomy 22:23 f.); 4th. Of the Same without her consent (Deuteronomy 22:25-27); 5th. Of Dishonouring an Unbetrothed Virgin (Deuteronomy 22:28 f.); while the 6th forbids Marriage with a Father’s Wife (30 [Deuteronomy 23:1]). Of the first five each opens similarly to each of the group Deuteronomy 21:15-23, i.e. with an if, and differently from those of the group Deuteronomy 22:1-12, and they share with the former group and with Deuteronomy 19:1-13, and other laws, these marks:—the elders are the public authority, Deuteronomy 22:15 ff., cp. Deuteronomy 19:12, Deuteronomy 21:3; Deuteronomy 21:19 f.; neighbour (not brother, characteristic of the Sg. passages) is used, Deuteronomy 22:24; Deuteronomy 22:26, cp. Deuteronomy 19:4 f., Deuteronomy 19:11; Deuteronomy 19:14; field (sadeh) in its wider sense, Deuteronomy 22:25; Deuteronomy 22:27, cp.
Deuteronomy 21:1; and sin worthy of death (ḥ ?eṭ ?’-maweth), Deuteronomy 22:26, cp. Deuteronomy 19:6, Deuteronomy 21:22. The direct address to Israel is seldom used, and the form varies. In the closing formulas, Deuteronomy 22:21-22; Deuteronomy 22:24, it is Sg. and Sg. also in the body of the 4th law, Deuteronomy 22:24 (unless this be editorial), but Sam. LXX have Pl. In the body of the 3rd law, Deuteronomy 22:24, it is Pl. In considering these plain-spoken laws it is just to remember that with all their imperfections they represent an advance in social ethics; an upward stage in the struggle against debasing practices and the animal passions of men. That we do not need some of them to-day is due to the fact that their enforcement under religious sanction was needed at the time of their origin. It is only ignorance or ingratitude which can cavil at their spirit or their form.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:16
13-29. If any man take a wife, etc. — This section relates to purity in reference to marriage. The wellbeing of the family and of the state depends upon strict observance of the laws of purity in the relation of husband and wife.