Deuteronomy 22:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And the damsel's father shall say unto the elders, I gave my daughter unto this man to wife, and he hateth her;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The father testifies that he gave his daughter in marriage and the husband now hates her.
The Context of Deuteronomy 22:16
The father's testimony defending his daughter's honor.
What Does Deuteronomy 22:16 Mean?
The father's words establish the legal facts: marriage occurred with proper transfer (her father's authority passing to the husband). The hatred is not a private grief but a public legal fact that shapes the case.
His testimony also frames the husband's accusation as malicious—he hates her first, then manufactures the charge to justify divorce. The order of emotions matters to the legal judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 22:16
What does Deuteronomy 22:16 mean?
The father testifies that he gave his daughter in marriage and the husband now hates her.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 22:16?
The father's testimony defending his daughter's honor.