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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכִֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יְפַתֶּ֣ה

H6601

entice

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

H376

And if a man

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

H1330

a maid

a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֹרָ֖שָׂה

H781

that is not betrothed

to promise to marry

וְשָׁכַ֣ב

H7901

and lie

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

עִמָּ֑הּ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#10

יִמְהָרֶ֥נָּה

H4117

endow

to bargain (for a wife), i.e., to wed

#11

יִמְהָרֶ֥נָּה

H4117

endow

to bargain (for a wife), i.e., to wed

#12

לּ֖וֹ

#13

לְאִשָּֽׁה׃

H802

her to be his wife

a woman

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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