share torah logo

Deuteronomy 22:14 - False accusation destroys reputations

Deuteronomy 22:14 - דברים 22:14

Hebrew Text

וְשָׂם לָהּ עֲלִילֹת דְּבָרִים וְהוֹצִיא עָלֶיהָ שֵׁם רָע וְאָמַר אֶת־הָאִשָּׁה הַזֹּאת לָקַחְתִּי וָאֶקְרַב אֵלֶיהָ וְלֹא־מָצָאתִי לָהּ בְּתוּלִים׃

English Translation

and lay accusing speeches against her, and bring out an evil name upon her, saying, I took this woman, and when I came to her, I found her not to be a virgin:

Transliteration

Ve-sam lah alilot devarim ve-hotzi aleha shem ra ve-amar et-ha-ishah hazot lakachti va-ekrav eleha ve-lo-matzati lah betulim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשָׂ֥ם לָהּ֙ עֲלִילֹ֣ת דְּבָרִ֔ים וְהוֹצִ֥א עָלֶ֖יהָ שֵׁ֣ם רָ֑ע וְאָמַ֗ר אֶת־הָאִשָּׁ֤ה הַזֹּאת֙ לָקַ֔חְתִּי וָאֶקְרַ֣ב אֵלֶ֔יהָ וְלֹא־מָצָ֥אתִי לָ֖הּ בְּתוּלִֽים׃
וְשָׂ֥ם לָהּ֙ עֲלִילֹ֣ת דְּבָרִ֔ים וְהוֹצִ֥א עָלֶ֖יהָ שֵׁ֣ם רָ֑ע וְאָמַ֗ר אֶת־הָאִשָּׁ֤ה הַזֹּאת֙ לָקַ֔חְתִּי וָאֶקְרַ֣ב אֵלֶ֔יהָ וְלֹא־מָצָ֥אתִי לָ֖הּ בְּתוּלִֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Devarim 22:14) is part of the Torah's discussion of the laws concerning a husband who falsely accuses his wife of not being a virgin at the time of marriage. The passage outlines the severe consequences for a man who slanders his wife with such a claim without evidence (Devarim 22:13-19). The Torah takes this accusation very seriously, as it impacts the woman's reputation and the sanctity of the marital bond.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 22:14) explains that the phrase "וְשָׂם לָהּ עֲלִילֹת דְּבָרִים" ("and lay accusing speeches against her") refers to the husband fabricating false claims. He emphasizes that the husband is not merely expressing doubt but actively constructing a malicious narrative (עֲלִילָה implies a contrived plot). Rashi further notes that "שֵׁם רָע" ("an evil name") means publicly defaming her, which compounds the sin by causing embarrassment and damage to her standing in the community.

Rambam's Legal Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Ishut 24:15), the Rambam elaborates on the legal ramifications. He states that if a husband falsely accuses his wife of premarital infidelity and is proven wrong through witnesses (e.g., if her virginity was attested to at marriage), he is:

  • Fined 100 silver shekels (as per Devarim 22:19).
  • Permanently forbidden from divorcing her against her will (a punishment for his slander).
  • Subject to lashes for bearing false witness (since his claim is treated as a false accusation).

Midrashic Insight

The Sifrei (Devarim 227) connects this law to the broader Torah principle of guarding against lashon hara (evil speech). The severity of the punishment reflects how damaging false accusations are to marital trust and societal harmony. The Midrash underscores that the husband's sin is not just against his wife but against the community, as his words could undermine the integrity of other families.

Moral and Ethical Lessons

This verse teaches several key principles in Jewish thought:

  • The gravity of speech: False accusations, especially in matters of morality, carry severe consequences.
  • Protection of the vulnerable: The Torah safeguards the wife's dignity by requiring strict evidence for such claims.
  • Marital integrity: A husband must approach his wife with trust and respect, not suspicion.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ketubot 46a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding a husband who accuses his wife of not being a virgin at the time of marriage. The Talmud examines the implications and procedures related to such accusations.
📖 Sotah 2a
The verse is referenced in discussions about the laws of the Sotah (a woman suspected of adultery), drawing parallels between the accusations of a husband and the procedures outlined in the Torah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 22:14 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 22:14 discusses a situation where a husband falsely accuses his wife of not being a virgin at the time of marriage. According to Rashi, this verse is part of the Torah's laws protecting women from slander and ensuring justice in marital disputes. The Torah outlines a legal process to investigate such claims and imposes consequences for false accusations.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it establishes the Torah's commitment to justice, especially in protecting a woman's reputation. The Talmud (Ketubot 46a) explains that false accusations of this nature are taken very seriously, and the Torah provides a detailed legal framework to handle such cases. It emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and the severe consequences of spreading falsehoods.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 22:14?
A: We learn the importance of honesty and the severe consequences of false accusations, especially those that damage a person's reputation. The Rambam (Hilchot Ishut 24:15) explains that the Torah's laws in this case teach us to be cautious with our words and to uphold justice. It also highlights the value of protecting the dignity of individuals in society.
Q: How does this verse apply today?
A: While the specific legal procedures may not apply in the same way today, the ethical principles remain relevant. The verse teaches us about the gravity of spreading false rumors (lashon hara) and the importance of verifying facts before making accusations. Jewish law still emphasizes the severe sin of harming someone's reputation unjustly.
Q: What happens if the husband's accusation is proven false?
A: According to the Torah (Deuteronomy 22:18-19), if the husband's accusation is proven false, the elders of the city punish him with lashes, fine him 100 silver shekels (given to the woman's father), and he may never divorce her. Rashi explains that this strict penalty serves as a deterrent against false accusations and reinforces the sanctity of marriage.