Exodus 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.
Original Language Analysis
וְכִֽי
H3588
וְכִֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְפַתֶּ֣ה
entice
H6601
יְפַתֶּ֣ה
entice
Strong's:
H6601
Word #:
2 of 13
to open, i.e., be (causatively, make) roomy; usually figuratively (in a mental or moral sense) to be (causatively, make) simple or (in a sinister way)
אִ֗ישׁ
And if a man
H376
אִ֗ישׁ
And if a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 13
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)
בְּתוּלָ֛ה
a maid
H1330
בְּתוּלָ֛ה
a maid
Strong's:
H1330
Word #:
4 of 13
a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 13
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 #:
6 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וְשָׁכַ֣ב
and lie
H7901
וְשָׁכַ֣ב
and lie
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
8 of 13
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
עִמָּ֑הּ
H5973
עִמָּ֑הּ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
9 of 13
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures valued female virginity highly for marriage. This law protected seduced women from abandonment and destitution. The bride-price (mohar) was substantial, making seduction costly for men.
Questions for Reflection
- How does forcing marriage after seduction protect the woman in ancient culture?
- What principles about sexual purity and responsibility can Christians apply from this law?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.
'Entice' (יְפַתֶּה, yefateh) means seduce—consensual but unmarried sex. The man 'shall surely endow' (מָהֹר יִמְהָרֶנָּה, mahor yimharenah)—pay bride-price and marry her. This protects the woman's reputation and future—in ancient culture, loss of virginity outside marriage ruined marriage prospects. The law forces responsibility: you engaged her sexually, now marry her. The bride-price compensates the father for daughter's diminished value. Deuteronomy 22:28-29 adds the marriage is permanent (he cannot divorce her). The law deters sexual immorality while protecting victims of seduction.