Exodus 22:16-26

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

17 If her father shall utterly refuse to give her to him, he shall pay money according to the dower of virgins.

18 Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.

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

20 He that sacrificeth to [any] god, save to the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.

21 Thou shalt neither vex 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 shalt afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all to 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 shalt lend money to [any of] my people [that is] poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as a usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.

26 If thou shalt at all take thy neighbor's raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it to him by the setting of the sun.

Exodus 22:16-26 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.