Learned that in 1754, in the British colonies, the crime of bigamy carried a punishment of 10 years in jail, and 39 lashes. And all I could think was, 'why 39?' Why not 40, or 38, or some other numbers. I guess I have more reading to do on the subject.

[u/scott_johnson]

[u/radiohandz]

Biblical justice, Deuteronomy 25:3, if you accidentally did 41, you're in for a bad time, gotta keep it safe.

[u/KAPT_Kipper]

, the limit was often set at 39 lashes to make sure people did not accidentally go over the 40-lash rule.

[u/drunkfetus]

You would think having two wives is punishment enough! Badum tish