Exodus 22:15-25

15 But if its owner is with it, he shall not make it good; if it was hired, it came for its hire.

16 If a man should entice a virgin that is not betrothed and lie with her, he shall surely endow her and take her to be his wife.

17 If her father utterly refuses to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.

18 Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.

19 Whoever lies with a beast shall surely be put to death.

20 He that sacrifices unto any god, except unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.

21 Thou shalt neither mistreat a stranger nor oppress him; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

22 Ye shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child.

23 If thou afflict them in any manner, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;

24 and my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.

25 If thou should lend money to my people, to the poor who is with thee, thou shalt not be to him as a usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.

Exodus 22:15-25 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.