Exodus 22:16
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 22:16
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.
Chapter Context
Exodus 22 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, love, faith. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 22:16
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?