Deuteronomy 22:18 Meaning and Explanation
“And the elders of that city shall take that man and chastise him;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The elders punish the husband for his false accusation.
The Context of Deuteronomy 22:18
The elders enforce consequences for the husband's perjury.
What Does Deuteronomy 22:18 Mean?
Chastisement here means physical beating or corporal punishment administered by the city council. The man is guilty of bearing false witness in a legal matter—one of the gravest crimes in Israelite law.
The punishment vindicates the wife and protects the community's integrity. False accusations in marriage matters could destroy families and undermine the legitimacy of the legal system itself.
Deuteronomy 22:18 in the Original Language
yāsar (יָסַר), 'chastise' — to discipline through beating, inflicting physical punishment according to law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 22:18
What does Deuteronomy 22:18 mean?
The elders punish the husband for his false accusation.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 22:18?
The elders enforce consequences for the husband's perjury.