Deuteronomy 21:22 Meaning and Explanation
“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:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →A law regulates the display of executed criminals on a stake or tree.
The Context of Deuteronomy 21:22
Capital criminals may be hung on a tree after execution.
What Does Deuteronomy 21:22 Mean?
After execution by other means, a body may be displayed on a stake or tree as a final dishonor and warning. This public display served as a powerful deterrent—the executed criminal's shame was made visible to all. However, the law does not permit unlimited exposure of the corpse; the next verse will add the crucial restriction.
The phrase 'sin worthy of death' shows that hanging on a tree is only for those already condemned to capital punishment. It is a post-execution display, not the means of death itself. The law assumes that some crimes merit this additional humiliation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 21:22
What does Deuteronomy 21:22 mean?
A law regulates the display of executed criminals on a stake or tree.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 21:22?
Capital criminals may be hung on a tree after execution.