Deuteronomy 22:24

Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, being in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour’s wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you.

Deuteronomy 22:24 (KJV)

Context

Deuteronomy records the laws God gave Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. This verse addresses a specific case: a betrothed virgin and a man who is not her fiancé, both found in the city. Betrothal in ancient Israel was a binding covenant, so the woman was already considered another man’s wife. The law prescribes that both be brought to the city gate and stoned. This penalty upheld the marriage covenant’s integrity and served as a deterrent.

Meaning

The damsel is held accountable because she did not cry out for help. In the city, people could hear her, so her silence implied consent. The man is guilty because he humbled his neighbour’s wife, violating the betrothed woman’s future husband. The phrase “put away evil from among you” is a recurring formula in Deuteronomy, stressing the need to remove sin from the community. The law distinguishes this case from one in the field, where a woman’s cry could not be heard and she is presumed innocent (Deuteronomy 22:25-27).

Biblical connections

Adultery was a grave offense in the Mosaic Law. The seventh commandment explicitly prohibits it (Exodus 20:14), and Leviticus 20:10 commands death for both adulterers. In the New Testament, Jesus deepens this teaching. In Matthew 5:27-28, He says that even looking at a woman with lustful intent is adultery in the heart, emphasizing inner purity beyond outward actions. These passages together show that God values faithfulness in marriage and purity of heart.

Application

This law may seem harsh today, but it illustrates how seriously God regarded the marriage covenant. It also teaches communal responsibility: the whole community was to uphold moral standards and remove evil. For believers now, the principle remains to honor marriage and sexual purity. The law’s severity reminds us that sin has consequences, but it also points to the need for justice that protects the vulnerable.

Reflection

Consider how this passage challenges modern views on sexual morality. It calls us to examine not only actions but also the heart, as Jesus taught. It also reminds us that God’s laws were given to preserve holiness and order among His people. While the death penalty is not applied today, the call to purity and faithfulness remains. Let this verse prompt self-examination and a renewed commitment to honor God in all relationships.