Old Testament
Deuteronomy 21:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But if later you are no longer pleased with her, you must let her go wherever she wants. You absolutely must not sell her for money or treat her as a slave, because you have already been intimate with her.
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And it shall be, if thou have no delight in her, then thou shalt let her go whither she will; but thou shalt not sell her at all for money, thou shalt not make merchandise of her, because thou hast humbled her.
What Deuteronomy 21:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse addresses a situation where a man has taken a woman as his wife but later finds that he no longer wants to be with her. It emphasizes the importance of treating her with respect and dignity. If he decides to let her go, he must allow her the freedom to choose her own path. He cannot sell her or treat her as property, as they have shared an intimate relationship. This reflects a deeper understanding of human relationships, highlighting that love and commitment should not be taken lightly. The verse serves as a reminder that once a bond is formed, it carries responsibilities. It encourages treating others with kindness and fairness, even when circumstances change. Ultimately, it calls for compassion and respect in all relationships, ensuring that no one is treated as a mere object or commodity. This principle can guide us in our interactions today, reminding us to honor the dignity of every person we encounter in our lives, regardless of the situation we find ourselves in.
How to apply Deuteronomy 21:14 to your life
In our daily lives, we should strive to treat others with respect and kindness, especially in difficult situations. When relationships change, it’s important to handle them with care and compassion. Remember that everyone deserves to be treated as a person, not as an object or possession. This principle can guide our interactions with others, fostering healthier relationships overall. Always prioritize the dignity of those around you.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Deuteronomy
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 21:14 teach about relationships?
Deuteronomy 21:14 emphasizes the importance of treating individuals with respect and dignity, especially in the context of intimate relationships. It highlights that once a bond is formed, it carries responsibilities. If a man no longer wishes to be with a woman he has married, he must allow her the freedom to choose her own path and cannot treat her as property or sell her. This teaches us to handle relationship changes with care and compassion.
How should I apply Deuteronomy 21:14 in modern life?
In modern life, Deuteronomy 21:14 encourages us to treat others with kindness and respect, especially during difficult transitions in relationships. It reminds us to prioritize the dignity of individuals, ensuring that we do not objectify or commodify them. When relationships change, we should approach the situation with compassion, allowing others the freedom to move on without treating them as possessions.
Why is selling a woman prohibited in Deuteronomy 21:14?
Selling a woman in Deuteronomy 21:14 is prohibited because it reduces her to a mere object or property, disregarding her humanity and dignity. The verse stresses that after an intimate relationship, the woman deserves respect and autonomy. This prohibition serves as a reminder of the moral obligation to treat others with kindness and to honor the commitments made in relationships.
What are the broader implications of this verse for society?
The broader implications of Deuteronomy 21:14 for society include the promotion of respect, dignity, and compassion in all human relationships. It calls for a societal standard where individuals are valued for who they are, rather than as possessions. This principle can guide interactions in various contexts, fostering healthier relationships and encouraging a culture of empathy and understanding.
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