Exodus 22:16-17
“If a man seduces a virgin who is not betrothed and lies with her, he shall give the bride-price for her and make her his wife. If her father utterly refuses to give her to him, he shall pay money equal to the bride-price for virgins.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This law highlights that the "bride-price" wasn't just a transaction, but a compensation that restored the woman's honor and her place in society. The focus is on making her whole again, ensuring she has the standing to be taken as a wife, thus correcting the wrong done to her and her family.
This passage addresses the consequences of a man seducing an unmarried woman, requiring him to pay a bride-price and marry her. It's part of a series of laws in Exodus designed to protect the vulnerable and maintain social order within Israel, distinguishing these cases from the more severe punishment for the seduction of a betrothed woman. The context highlights how ancient customs around marriage and dowry played a role in regulating such relationships.
In a culture where marriage was often an agreement between families, what did this 'bride-price' really represent? It wasn't just a transaction; it was about restoring honor and establishing a legitimate union.
This law addresses the seduction of a woman who is not yet formally engaged. The term 'bride-price' (or 'dowry' in some translations) refers to the mohar, a payment made by the groom to the bride's family.
Why a Payment?
Ancient laws often made fine distinctions. Why was seducing an unbetrothed virgin treated differently than other sexual offenses?
This passage specifically addresses 'enticing' or 'seducing' a virgin who is not betrothed. The context implies consent, however wrongly obtained.
Key Differences:
Understand the original words
mohar · Hebrew Noun
The money or gift paid by a man to the family of his prospective wife, intended to compensate the family for the loss of the daughter's labor and to establish the marriage contract.
betulah · Hebrew Noun
An unmarried young woman, often emphasized in Scripture as being untouched, signifying purity and suitability for marriage.
aras · Hebrew Verb (passive participle)
A woman pledged or promised to be married to a man, a stage in the ancient Near Eastern marriage process that was legally binding and considered equivalent to marriage.
This passage describes a similar situation where a man seduces a virgin, but with the crucial difference that the father has the option to refuse the marriage, instead requiring a hefty monetary payment for the loss of her virginity. It highlights the monetary and marital consequences of seduction.
2 Samuel 13:1-15The tragic story of Amnon and Tamar shows the devastating consequences of seduction and lust when the perpetrator feels no obligation to marry the victim. It's a stark contrast to the protective law in Exodus, demonstrating what happens when such laws are disregarded or absent.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20While Exodus deals with the legal and social consequences in ancient Israel, Paul addresses the spiritual and personal implications of sexual immorality for believers. He reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, pointing to a deeper accountability than mere earthly penalties.
Matthew 5:27-28Jesus elevates the law beyond outward actions to the inner disposition, stating that even lustful thoughts are sinful. This verse broadens our understanding of sexual purity, showing that the heart's intent matters as much as the act itself.
pooleExodus 22:16: "And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife."
If a man entice a maid, by persuasions, promise of marriage, allurements, or rewards. But if she were betrothed, it was punished with death, Deu 22:23,24 .
pulpitExodus 22:16: "And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife."
Verse 16. - If a man entice. Rather "seduce." He shall surely endow her to be his wife. In the East a man commonly pays money, or money's worth, to the parents in order to obtain a wife. The seducer was to comply with this custom, and make over to the damsel's father the sum of fifty shekels of silver (Deuteronomy 22:29), for his sanction of the marriage. If the father c…
This law highlights that the "bride-price" wasn't just a transaction, but a compensation that restored the woman's honor and her place in society. The focus is on making her whole again, ensuring she has the standing to be taken as a wife, thus correcting the wrong done to her and her family.
This passage addresses the consequences of a man seducing an unmarried woman, requiring him to pay a bride-price and marry her. It's part of a series of laws in Exodus designed to protect the vulnerable and maintain social order within Israel, distinguishing these cases from the more severe punishment for the seduction of a betrothed woman. The context highlights how ancient customs around marriage and dowry played a role in regulating such relationships.
This passage addresses the consequences of a man seducing an unmarried woman, requiring him to pay a bride-price and marry her. It's part of a series of laws in Exodus designed to protect the vulnerable and maintain social order within Israel, distinguishing these cases from the more severe punishment for the seduction of a betrothed woman. The context highlights how ancient customs around marriage and dowry played a role in regulating such relationships.
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Beyond individual actions, this law speaks to the health of the entire community. How did it foster a more stable society?
This regulation was more than just a personal reprimand; it was a societal safeguard. By mandating marriage and compensation, the law aimed to:
Building a Stable Society:
"“If a man seduces a virgin who is not betrothed and lies with her, he shall give the bride-price for her and make her his wife. If her father utterly refuses to give her to him, he shall pay money equal to the bride-price for virgins." — This law highlights that the "bride-price" wasn't just a transaction, but a compensation that restored the woman's honor and her place in society. The focus is on making her whole again, ensuring she…
