Deuteronomy 22:17

Marriage Violations · Deuteronomy 22:13–30
Read Deuteronomy 22

Translations

Modern
And 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.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And behold, he has charged her with shameful conduct, saying, ‘I did not find your daughter a virgin,’ and these are the tokens of the virginity of my daughter.” And they shall spread the cloth before the elders of the city.
Latin
…imponit ei nomen pessimum, ut dicat: Non inveni filiam tuam virginem: et ecce hæc sunt signa virginitatis filiæ meæ. Expandent vestimentum coram senioribus civitatis:

Original

Hebrew
English
And 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.

Notes

The cloth (literally covering) may also have been a piece of clothing, such as a night garment.

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes Human Sexuality

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Covenant Deuteronomy, Book of Marriage, Marriage Customs

Topics

Adultery: Penalties For Character: Defamation of, Punished Church: Rules of Discipline In, Mosaic and Christian Damages and Compensation: General Scriptures Concerning Government: Municipal: Devolving Upon a Local Senate and Executive officers Husband: General Scriptures Concerning Slander: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Virgin: Character of, to be Protected Virgin: Proofs of