Deuteronomy 22:25
But if a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her: then the man only that lay with her shall die:
Original Language Analysis
וְֽאִם
H518
וְֽאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 18
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יִמְצָ֣א
find
H4672
יִמְצָ֣א
find
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
3 of 18
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
הָאִ֛ישׁ
But if a man
H376
הָאִ֛ישׁ
But if a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
4 of 18
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)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְהֶחֱזִֽיק
force
H2388
וְהֶחֱזִֽיק
force
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
8 of 18
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
הָאִ֛ישׁ
But if a man
H376
הָאִ֛ישׁ
But if a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
10 of 18
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)
שָׁכַ֥ב
her and lie
H7901
שָׁכַ֥ב
her and lie
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
11 of 18
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
עִמָּ֑הּ
H5973
עִמָּ֑הּ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
12 of 18
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
וּמֵ֗ת
with her shall die
H4191
וּמֵ֗ת
with her shall die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
13 of 18
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
הָאִ֛ישׁ
But if a man
H376
הָאִ֛ישׁ
But if a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
14 of 18
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)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁכַ֥ב
her and lie
H7901
שָׁכַ֥ב
her and lie
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
16 of 18
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern law codes (Hammurabi, Middle Assyrian Laws) often punished rape victims or allowed compensation payments to fathers. Deuteronomy's protection of the victim and exclusive punishment of the perpetrator reflected Israel's distinct covenantal ethics grounded in God's character as defender of the vulnerable (Exodus 22:22-24).
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law reveal God's heart for protecting the vulnerable and defending victims of violence?
- What does the location-based presumption of innocence teach about judging righteously based on circumstances rather than assumptions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
If a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man force her—the Hebrew chazaq (חָזַק, seized/forced) combined with the isolated location (ba-sadeh, בַּשָּׂדֶה, in the field) indicates sexual assault, not consent. Then the man only that lay with her shall die—this crucial distinction protects the victim by recognizing her inability to summon help.
This law demonstrates remarkable advancement over surrounding cultures which often blamed rape victims. God's law presumes the woman's innocence based on circumstances—the field setting means her cries would go unheard. The death penalty for the rapist alone shows God values the woman's dignity and recognizes the violence done to her.