Old Testament
Deuteronomy 22:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
In that case, the young woman's father and mother must bring proof of her virginity to the city elders at the town gate.
Compare translations
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:
What Deuteronomy 22:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, the focus is on a young woman’s virginity and the importance of proving it in a specific cultural context. If a man accuses her of not being a virgin, her parents must present evidence to the city elders. This evidence typically consisted of tokens or items that demonstrated her virginity. The elders would then assess the situation and make a judgment based on the proof provided. This process highlights the value placed on family honor and the seriousness of accusations in that society. It also reflects the community's role in resolving disputes and maintaining social order. The emphasis on proof indicates that accusations should not be taken lightly and must be substantiated. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and the consequences of dishonor in relationships. It also illustrates how cultural practices can shape the way personal matters are handled within a community, emphasizing accountability and responsibility among families.
How to apply Deuteronomy 22:15 to your life
In our lives today, we can learn the importance of honesty and integrity in our relationships. Just as the young woman's family had to provide proof, we should strive to be truthful and transparent. This encourages trust and respect in our interactions with others, fostering healthier relationships overall. Taking responsibility for our actions is crucial in maintaining our integrity and reputation in the community. We should also be cautious about making accusations without evidence.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Deuteronomy 22:15
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Deuteronomy 22:15
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 22:15 mean?
Deuteronomy 22:15 discusses the requirement for a young woman's parents to provide proof of her virginity if she is accused of not being a virgin. This reflects the cultural importance of virginity and family honor in ancient Israel.
What is the significance of virginity in Deuteronomy 22:15?
In Deuteronomy 22:15, virginity is significant as it represents family honor and social status. The verse emphasizes the need for evidence to support accusations, highlighting the seriousness of such claims in the community.
What does the term 'tokens of virginity' refer to in Deuteronomy 22:15?
The 'tokens of virginity' in Deuteronomy 22:15 refer to physical evidence or items that demonstrate a young woman's virginity, which her parents must present to the city elders if she is accused.
How does Deuteronomy 22:15 reflect community responsibility?
Deuteronomy 22:15 reflects community responsibility by showing that disputes regarding personal honor are resolved by the elders, emphasizing the role of the community in maintaining social order and integrity.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.