What does Deuteronomy 22:21 mean?
"Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father's house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you." - Deuteronomy 22:21

Deuteronomy 22:21 (KJV) states, "Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father's house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you."
This verse is part of the Book of Deuteronomy, which is the fifth book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It contains the final speech of Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. Deuteronomy is a book of laws and regulations intended to govern the moral and social behavior of the Israelites.
The verse in question deals with the punishment for a woman who is accused of committing adultery. In ancient Israelite society, adultery was considered a serious transgression, not only against the husband, but also against God and the community. The punishment for adultery was death by stoning, a practice that was used as a deterrent against such behavior.
The verse reflects the patriarchal nature of ancient Israelite society, where women were seen as the property of their fathers or husbands. The fact that the woman is brought to the door of her father's house implies that her actions have disgraced her family and brought shame upon them. The emphasis on the "men of her city" carrying out the punishment also underscores the communal aspect of justice in ancient Israelite society.
From a thematic standpoint, this verse highlights the importance of maintaining moral purity and upholding the sanctity of marriage within the community. It also underscores the severity of the consequences for violating these moral and social norms. The verse serves as a warning against immorality and as a reinforcement of the importance of adhering to societal laws and regulations.
In a broader context, this verse raises important questions about the intersection of religion, morality, and justice. It prompts us to consider the ethical implications of such a harsh punishment for adultery and the unequal treatment of men and women in ancient Israelite society. It also challenges us to reflect on the evolving nature of moral and social norms and how they are shaped by cultural and religious beliefs.
Symbolically, the stoning of the woman in this verse serves as a potent reminder of the consequences of moral transgressions. It symbolizes the harsh judgment and punishment that can come from straying from the expected moral and social codes. At the same time, it also serves as a symbol of the power dynamics and inequality that existed within ancient Israelite society.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 22:21 (KJV) is a verse that deals with the punishment for adultery in ancient Israelite society. It reflects the moral and social norms of the time, emphasizing the importance of upholding purity and sanctity within the community. From a thematic standpoint, it underscores the consequences of moral transgressions and the importance of adhering to societal laws and regulations. It also prompts us to reflect on the ethical implications of such punishments and the evolving nature of moral and social norms. Symbolically, the stoning of the woman serves as a potent reminder of the power dynamics and inequality that existed within ancient Israelite society.
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Deuteronomy 22:21 Artwork
Deuteronomy 22:21 - "Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father's house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you."
"Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father's house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you." - Deuteronomy 22:21
Deuteronomy 21:22 - "¶ And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree:"
"¶ And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree:" - Deuteronomy 21:22
Deuteronomy 1.1-21
Matthew 9:21-22
Matthew 9:21-22
Matthew 9:21-22
Matthew 9:21-22
Matthew 9:21-22
Deuteronomy 22:20 - "But if this thing be true, and the tokens of virginity be not found for the damsel:"
Deuteronomy 22:10 - "¶ Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together."
Deuteronomy 22:18 - "And the elders of that city shall take that man and chastise him;"
Deuteronomy 23:22 - "But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee."
Genesis 21:22
Genesis 22-21
Deuteronomy 9:22 - "And at Taberah, and at Massah, and at Kibroth-hattaavah, ye provoked the LORD to wrath."
Deuteronomy 22:11 - "¶ Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woollen and linen together."
Deuteronomy 22:13 - "¶ If any man take a wife, and go in unto her, and hate her,"
Acts 1:21-22
Deuteronomy 31:22 - "¶ Moses therefore wrote this song the same day, and taught it the children of Israel."
Deuteronomy 22:27 - "For he found her in the field, and the betrothed damsel cried, and there was none to save her."
Acts 1:21-22
Deuteronomy 3:22 - "Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you."
Deuteronomy 22:23 - "¶ If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her;"
Deuteronomy 33:22 - "¶ And of Dan he said, Dan is a lion's whelp: he shall leap from Bashan."
Deuteronomy 27:21 - "Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen."
Deuteronomy 22:22 - "¶ If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel."
Deuteronomy 22:30 - "¶ A man shall not take his father's wife, nor discover his father's skirt."
Deuteronomy 22:28 - "¶ If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, which is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found;"