Exodus 22:17
If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 10
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
אָבִ֖יהָ
If her father
H1
אָבִ֖יהָ
If her father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
4 of 10
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
לְתִתָּ֣הּ
to give
H5414
לְתִתָּ֣הּ
to give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 10
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
יִשְׁקֹ֔ל
her unto him he shall pay
H8254
יִשְׁקֹ֔ל
her unto him he shall pay
Strong's:
H8254
Word #:
8 of 10
to suspend or poise (especially in trade)
Cross References
Genesis 34:12Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give according as ye shall say unto me: but give me the damsel to wife.1 Samuel 18:25And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king's enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.Deuteronomy 22:29Then the man that lay with her shall give unto the damsel's father fifty shekels of silver, and she shall be his wife; because he hath humbled her, he may not put her away all his days.
Historical Context
These civil regulations distinguished Israel from surrounding nations, creating a society reflecting God's justice. The laws balance individual rights with community welfare, property rights with compassion for the poor.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
- What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.
This ordinance reveals God's comprehensive justice—regulating economic transactions, property rights, and social relationships. The mishpatim create framework for covenant community to flourish. Each law applies broader principles: love God supremely, love neighbor practically. Modern believers aren't bound by ceremonial laws but should pursue their spirit—justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). God's character revealed in law guides Christian ethics.