Deuteronomy 22:28
If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, which is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found;
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
וְנִמְצָֽאוּ׃
find
H4672
וְנִמְצָֽאוּ׃
find
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
2 of 12
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
אִ֗ישׁ
If a man
H376
אִ֗ישׁ
If a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 12
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)
בְתוּלָה֙
that is a virgin
H1330
בְתוּלָה֙
that is a virgin
Strong's:
H1330
Word #:
5 of 12
a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וּתְפָשָׂ֖הּ
and lay hold
H8610
וּתְפָשָׂ֖הּ
and lay hold
Strong's:
H8610
Word #:
9 of 12
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
וְשָׁכַ֣ב
on her and lie
H7901
וְשָׁכַ֣ב
on her and lie
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
10 of 12
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
Historical Context
In ancient patriarchal society, loss of virginity outside marriage severely damaged a woman's prospects and family reputation. Without legal protection, such a woman might face destitution. The law's requirement that the man marry her and pay fifty shekels (substantial sum) without right of divorce provided economic security and social restoration.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law balance consequences for wrongdoing with protection for those whose reputation and future have been damaged?
- What principles of restorative justice can guide Christian responses to sexual sin that damages both parties' futures?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, which is not betrothed—this case differs from verses 23-27 because the woman is not betrothed, hence not under covenant obligation to another man. Lay hold on her (tapas, תָּפַשׂ) can mean seize but lacks the violent overtones of chazaq (verse 25), suggesting this may involve seduction rather than forcible rape. And they be found implies discovery by others, creating public knowledge requiring resolution.
The ambiguity of this scenario (somewhere between consent and force) requires different remedy than the clear-cut cases above. The absence of betrothal means no third-party covenant rights are violated, but the woman's marriageability and family honor are damaged. The remedy (verse 29) protects her future through mandatory marriage and bride price.