Deuteronomy 22:23
If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her;
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִֽהְיֶה֙
H1961
יִֽהְיֶה֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְתוּלָ֔ה
that is a virgin
H1330
בְתוּלָ֔ה
that is a virgin
Strong's:
H1330
Word #:
4 of 11
a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state
אִ֛ישׁ
and a man
H376
אִ֛ישׁ
and a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
6 of 11
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וּמְצָאָ֥הּ
find
H4672
וּמְצָאָ֥הּ
find
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
אִ֛ישׁ
and a man
H376
אִ֛ישׁ
and a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
8 of 11
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
בָּעִ֖יר
her in the city
H5892
בָּעִ֖יר
her in the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
9 of 11
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
Historical Context
Betrothal in ancient Near Eastern culture was a formal contractual arrangement, typically involving bride price (mohar) paid to the father. Unlike modern engagement, betrothal created legal obligations enforceable by death penalty for sexual infidelity. This law protected both the woman's family honor and the stability of covenant marriage.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's design for covenant faithfulness in marriage reflect His own covenant faithfulness to His people?
- What does this law reveal about the seriousness with which God views sexual purity and covenant commitment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her—this case addresses consensual sexual relations with a betrothed woman, indicated by the location (בָּעִיר, ba-ir, in the city) where help was available. The verb matsa (מָצָא, to find) combined with the city setting implies opportunity, not force.
Betrothal (me'orasah, מְאֹרָשָׂה) in ancient Israel was legally binding, equivalent to marriage except for cohabitation. Sexual relations with a betrothed woman violated both her future husband's rights and the covenant structure protecting family integrity. The assumption of consent (she did not cry out) distinguishes this from verse 25.