Exodus 22:16-21

Social Responsibility

16 “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.

17 If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he must still pay the bride-price for virgins.

18 “Do not allow a sorceress to live.

19 “Anyone who has sexual relations with an animal is to be put to death.

20 “Whoever sacrifices to any god other than the LORD must be destroyed.^[a]

21 “Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.

Exodus 22:16-21 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

• 1. Deuteronomy 22:28
• 2. S Genesis 34:12
• 3. S Exodus 7:11; Leviticus 19:26,31; Leviticus 20:27; Deuteronomy 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:3; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Isaiah 57:3
• 4. Leviticus 18:23; Leviticus 20:15; Deuteronomy 27:21
• 5. S Exodus 20:23; Exodus 34:15; Leviticus 17:7; Numbers 25:2; Deuteronomy 32:17; Psalms 106:37
• 6. Leviticus 27:29; Deuteronomy 13:5; Deuteronomy 17:2-5; Deuteronomy 18:20; 1 Kings 18:40; 1 Kings 19:1; 2 Kings 10:25; 2 Kings 23:20; 2 Chronicles 15:13
• 7. Exodus 23:9; Leviticus 19:33; Leviticus 24:22; Numbers 15:14; Deuteronomy 1:16; Deuteronomy 24:17; Ezekiel 22:29
• 8. Deuteronomy 10:19; Deuteronomy 27:19; Zechariah 7:10; Malachi 3:5

Footnotes

• [a]. The Hebrew term refers to the irrevocable giving over of things or persons to the Lord, often by totally destroying them.