Exodus 22:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "If a man seduces a virgin who is not betrothed and lies with her, he shall give the bride-price for her and make her his wife.

NIV: "If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged to be married and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price, and she shall be his wife.

NASB: If a man seduces a virgin who is not betrothed and sleeps with her, he must pay a dowry for her to be his wife.

CSB: "If a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged, and he sleeps with her, he must certainly pay the bridal price for her to be his wife.

NLT: If a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged to anyone and has sex with her, he must pay the customary bride price and marry her.

KJV: And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.

NKJV: “If a man entices a virgin who is not betrothed, and lies with her, he shall surely pay the bride-price for her to be his wife.

Exodus 22:16–31 describes ancient Israel's laws regarding godly social justice. Young women taken advantage of by men have the right to compensation. God gives Israel a general warning about mistreating foreigners, travelers, the poor, and the disadvantaged. Also forbidden are things associated with ancient pagan worship, such as sorcery, sexual contact with animals, idolatry, blasphemy, and cursing leaders.

God's laws for Israel enforced protections for property, including livestock. Thieves were required to compensate their victims. For parallel reasons, men who seduced young women were obliged to marry or at least compensate them. Negligent destruction of property is forbidden. Israel is not to take advantage of foreign travelers or the poor. Other laws in this chapter cover sins related to the pagan worship of ancient nations. This includes idolatry, bestiality, defiance of authority, and resistance to proper worship. Israel is not to eat animals killed by other wild animals.

Exodus 20 introduced the Mosaic covenant by declaring the Ten Commandments. What follows are a series of rules which establish the ancient nation of Israel. Among these are further details about marriage, theft, negligence, care for the poor, and respect for God. The following chapter continues this discussion by addressing other subjects. In chapter 24, the people will confirm this covenant with the Lord.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 6/15/2025 3:05:06 AM