Exodus 22:16-20

Regulations Regarding Various Offences

16 " 'If a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged and he lies with her, he surely will give her bride price {to have her as his wife}.
17 If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he will weigh out money according to the bride price for the virgin.
18 " 'You will not let a witch live.
19 " 'Anyone lying with an animal will surely be put to death.
20 " 'Whoever sacrifices to the gods--not to Yahweh, to him alone--will be destroyed.

Exodus 22:16-20 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.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Literally "for him for a woman"
Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.