Board index ‹ Specific Bible verses, texts, and passages ‹ Deuteronomy

[Salam]

Deuteronomy 22:13-21 How could some girl prove her virginity with a cloth? Not all women bleed when their hymen breaks plus if the mans gentle there'll be no vaginal blood

[jimwalton]

Glad to talk.

The Bible is not a law record, explaining all the ins and outs, details and reasons. It would have to be far more thorough if that’s what it were. Instead, it’s case law (an illustration of maybe what could happen), outlining possibilities and expressing intent, which in this case is to do whatever is necessary to establish guilt or innocence and act accordingly. In its casuistry (hypothetical case law), it gives principles and generic illustrations, expecting that mature judges will understand the intent and create laws accordingly, ruling over the community in fairness and wisdom.

The specifications for how to establish innocence or guilt are not limited to what is written here (see if there’s blood on the sheets). Of course you’re right that not all women bleed when their hymen breaks; they knew that as well as we do. Instead, the text asks for evidence proving guilt or innocence. And if she’s guilty, she should be punished, and if innocent, acquitted. This is not a problem. It was up to the judges, accusers, defenders, and the community to establish reasonable ways to ascertain “virginity.” “Fair process” is both implied and understood. God didn't provide all the information—this isn’t apodictic law. Instead, the people are charged with figuring it out, using wisdom, common sense, and whatever evidence and testimony are available, and ruling fairly.