On the Disparity of Penalties in Deuteronomy 22:13–21*

What is it about?

The issue of disparity in punishment in Deuteronomy 22:13-21 is a perennial one. Most scholars agree that there is an apparent disparity between the groom and the bride in this passage. Some scholars argue that this disparity in punishment reflects the androgynous nature of ancient Israel. However, this article presents a novel interpretation that Deut. 22:13-21 is not a false accusation by a husband with evil intentions to harm his wife, but rather a legitimate accusation by a husband against a suspicious wife who does not appear to be a virgin. As such, this article contributes to the legal debate on gender in ancient Israel and reflects their values on legal accusations._x000D_

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