Deuteronomy 22:18
And the elders of that city shall take that man and chastise him;
Original Language Analysis
וְלָֽקְח֛וּ
shall take
H3947
וְלָֽקְח֛וּ
shall take
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
1 of 8
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
הָֽעִיר
of that city
H5892
הָֽעִיר
of that city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
3 of 8
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
הַהִ֖וא
H1931
הַהִ֖וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
4 of 8
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָאִ֑ישׁ
that man
H376
הָאִ֑ישׁ
that man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
6 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Historical Context
Corporal punishment was standard in ancient judicial systems. Israel's law limited such punishment (Deuteronomy 25:3 restricts beatings to forty lashes) unlike many contemporary cultures that imposed unlimited brutality. The elders' authority to execute judgment locally ensured swift justice without centralized bureaucracy. This decentralized system required wise, godly leaders in each community—a model requiring Israel's covenant faithfulness to function properly. When Israel apostatized, judicial corruption followed (Isaiah 1:23; Micah 3:11).
Questions for Reflection
- How does swift, certain punishment for false accusation protect both individuals and community integrity?
- What does the public nature of both the accusation and the punishment teach about biblical justice being communal and restorative?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The elders of that city shall take that man and chastise him—yasar (יָסַר, "chastise") means to discipline, correct, or punish, often through physical beating (Proverbs 23:13). The corporal punishment publicly humiliates the false accuser, matching his attempt to publicly shame his innocent wife. The elders' judgment isn't arbitrary—they've examined evidence, heard testimony, and determined the husband's guilt.
This judicial punishment serves multiple purposes:
Biblical justice is restorative and communal, not merely punitive and individual. The punishment fits the crime—public humiliation for one who sought to publicly shame.