Definition: And, lo, he hath given occasions of speech [against her], saying, I found not thy daughter a maid; and yet these [are the tokens of] my daughter’s virginity. And they shall spread the cloth before the elders of the city.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Deuteronomy 22:17. It’s a really important and somewhat complex verse that deals with a serious issue – protecting a woman’s honor. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: A Woman is Being Threatened: The verse describes a situation where a woman has been accused of infidelity by a man, and he’s attempting to shame her publicly. “I Found Not Thy Daughter a Maid” – A Challenge: The man is saying, “I haven't found your daughter as young as you claim.” This suggests he’s questioning the woman’s age and potentially challenging her virginity. “These are the Tokens of My Daughter’s Virginity” – A Test: He then adds that these accusations are evidence of something important: his daughter’s virginity. He’s essentially saying, “This is a sign that she is truly a virgin.” Putting it All Together - The Meaning The man is attempting to prove his claim of his daughter's virginity through a public display – he’s showing the elders of the city (a community) a cloth. He’s using this as evidence to demonstrate that her virginity is undeniable and trustworthy. Important Context - It's About Protection & Trust This verse was part of a larger set of laws in ancient Israel dealing with protecting women and ensuring trust within the community. It highlights a significant concern: protecting a woman's reputation and honor was incredibly important. It wasn’t just about a simple disagreement; it was about safeguarding a woman's standing and future. Why is this verse significant? It emphasizes the importance of trust: The verse underscores that trust in women, particularly in matters of virginity, is crucial for the stability of society. It highlights the power dynamics: It shows a situation where a man could try to manipulate or intimidate a woman through false accusations. It’s a warning against gossip and slander: The verse encourages a responsible response to accusations – not to take them lightly, but to address them fairly and with care. In short, this passage warns against spreading false accusations of infidelity and emphasizes the need to protect a woman's reputation and honor. --- Disclaimer: I’m an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on general interpretations of biblical texts. Would you like me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage?