Exodus 22:16-17

Laws About Social Justice

16 1"If a man seduces a virgin[a] who is not betrothed and lies with her, he shall give the bride-price[b] for her and make her his wife.
17 If her father utterly refuses to give her to him, 2he shall pay money equal to the 3bride-price for virgins.

Exodus 22:16-17 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 22

This chapter contains various laws concerning theft, Ex 22:1-4, concerning damage done to fields and vineyards by beasts, and to corn in stacks or standing, by fire, Ex 22:5,6, concerning anything or creature deposited in the hands of a neighbour, and they be stolen or lost by one means or another, Ex 22:7-13, concerning anything borrowed, and it comes to any damage, Ex 22:14,15, concerning fornication, Ex 22:16,17 concerning witchcraft, bestiality, and idolatry, Ex 22:18-20 concerning oppression, and affliction of the stranger, fatherless, and widow, Ex 22:21-24 concerning taking usury and pledges, Ex 22:25-27, concerning irreverence to magistrates, Ex 22:28, concerning the offering of firstfruits to God, Ex 22:29,30 and the chapter is concluded with a prohibition of eating anything torn by beasts, Ex 22:31.

Cross References 3

  • 1. Deuteronomy 22:28, 29
  • 2. [See ver. 16 above]
  • 3. Genesis 34:12; 1 Samuel 18:25

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. Or a girl of marriageable age; also verse 17
  • [b]. Or engagement present; also verse 17
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.