Deuteronomy Chapter 22 · Verse 20
But if this thing be true, and the tokens of virginity be not found for the damsel:
Original Language Analysis
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 9
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
אֱמֶ֣ת
be true
H571
אֱמֶ֣ת
be true
Strong's:
H571
Word #:
2 of 9
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
הָיָ֔ה
H1961
הָיָ֔ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
3 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַדָּבָ֖ר
But if this thing
H1697
הַדָּבָ֖ר
But if this thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 9
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נִמְצְא֥וּ
be not found
H4672
נִמְצְא֥וּ
be not found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
Historical Context
This verse acknowledges that not all accusations were false—sexual immorality did occur in ancient Israel despite covenant standards. The law's two-track approach (punishment for false accusers, punishment for actual unchastity) reflects realistic anthropology: humans are capable of both slander and sexual sin. The conditional structure ("if this thing be true") shows Mosaic law's casuistic format, addressing various scenarios systematically. This parallels other ancient Near Eastern law codes but is unique in grounding justice in God's revealed character rather than royal decree.
Questions for Reflection
- How does biblical law's commitment to determining truth challenge modern tendencies toward predetermined narratives in accusations?
- What does the law's equal attention to false accusations and genuine guilt teach about justice requiring fairness to all parties?
Analysis & Commentary
But if this thing be true, and the tokens of virginity be not found for the damsel—the law now addresses the alternative scenario where the accusation proves true. Emet (אֱמֶת, "true") emphasizes factual reality; biblical justice demands truth, not mere social convenience. The absence of betulim evidence indicates the bride was not a virgin at marriage.
This conditional clause establishes that truth matters supremely in biblical law. The same evidentiary standards that protected the innocent also expose the guilty. God's law doesn't presume innocence or guilt but requires proof. This demonstrates biblical justice's commitment to factual truth over favoritism, sentiment, or ideological precommitments. The law applies equally whether vindicating the innocent (vv. 13-19) or convicting the guilty (vv. 20-21)—truth determines outcomes, not power or prejudice.