Disputed Virginity

Philo

On the Special Laws 3.80–82

First Half of 1st Century

For these people the law lays down as follows: In the case of persons who take maidens in lawful matrimony and have celebrated the bridal sacrifices and feasts, but retain no conjugal affection for their wives, and insult and treat these gentlewomen as if they were harlots—if such persons scheme to effect a separation, but finding no pretext for…

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This passage is found within a larger discussion of the commandment against adultery, in which Philo addresses a variety of topics relating to adultery and divorce. The passage is an exposition of Deuteronomy 22:13–19, which deals with a case of a man who falsely claims that his wife was not a virgin when he married her. Philo explains that this slanderous accusation affects not only the wife but also her legal guardians and must therefore be judged according to the assembly of the elders. Following Deuteronomy 22:19, Philo states that a man convicted of such slander is prohibited from divorcing his wife, but he adds that she is permitted to leave him, implying that women have the right to initiate divorce.

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Creator Bio

Philo

ca. 25 BCE–ca. 40

Philo of Alexandria was one of the most important figures in Hellenistic Judaism and a significant influence on early Christianity. Raised in a wealthy Jewish family and educated in Greek rhetoric and logic, Philo served as a delegate to Rome on behalf of the Jewish community of Alexandria. Most innovative among his writings are his commentaries on the Pentateuch, which approach the text allegorically and employ various Platonic perspectives in their interpretations. Philo appears to have had only minimal exposure to the Hebrew and likely relied on the Septuagint and synagogue orations on the biblical texts.

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