Definition: Then shall the father of the damsel, and her mother, take and bring forth [the tokens of] the damselâs virginity unto the elders of the city in the gate:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 22:15. It’s a pretty old and intriguing passage with a lot of layers! Here's my explanation, aiming for clarity and understanding: What it basically says: “Then shall the father of the damsel, and her mother, take and bring forth the damsel’s virginity unto the elders of the city in the gate.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Deuteronomy 22:15” : This is the verse itself – a passage from the Old Testament. It's part of a larger set of laws and guidelines for how families should behave, especially concerning childbirth. “Then shall the father of the damsel, and her mother, take and bring forth the damsel’s virginity unto the elders of the city in the gate.” : This is the core of the verse. Let's translate it: “Then, the father of the girl and her mother will take and bring forth the girl’s virginity into the city’s gate." What does it really mean? This verse is a bit mysterious and has been interpreted in several ways throughout history. Here are some possible interpretations – keep in mind these are just theories, and there's no single, universally accepted meaning: A Ritualistic Ceremony: Many believe this describes a carefully orchestrated ritual involving the father and mother of a young girl. It suggests a specific, symbolic act of virginity being transferred from one woman to another. Protecting the City’s Fertility: Another idea is that it's about ensuring the city’s fertility and prosperity. By bringing the girl’s virginity into the city’s gate (a symbolic space representing the center or heart), they were symbolically ensuring a healthy future for the community. A Test of Faith/Loyalty: Some scholars suggest it could be a test of loyalty to the father, the mother, and the community. The act of bringing virginity into the city represents a commitment to upholding these roles and responsibilities. Important Context – It’s Ancient! It's crucial to remember that this passage was written in an ancient context (around the 10th century BC). The understanding of what it meant wasn't always clear, and its interpretation has shifted over time. The language itself is quite archaic. In short: This verse describes a specific ritual or ceremony where the father and mother of a young girl would take her virginity and present it to the elders in a city’s gate – possibly as a way to ensure the community's well-being, honor the gods, or test loyalty. --- Do you want me to: Explain any particular interpretation further? Discuss the historical context of this verse? Compare it to other biblical passages about childbirth?