Exodus 22:16-31

16 If a man seduce a virgin not yet espoused, and lie with her: he shall endow her, and have her to wife.
17 If the maid’s father will not give her to him, he shall give money according to the dowry, which virgins are wont to receive.
18 Wizards thou shalt not suffer to live.
19 Whosoever copulateth with a beast; shall be put to death.
20 He that sacrificeth to gods, shall be put to death, save only to the Lord.
21 Thou shalt not molest a stranger, nor afflict him: for yourselves also were strangers in the land of Egypt.
22 You shall not hurt a widow or an orphan.
23 If you hurt them, they will cry out to me, and I will hear their cry:
24 And my rage shall be enkindled, and I will strike you with the sword, and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.
25 If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor, that dwelleth with thee, thou shalt not be hard upon them as an extortioner, nor oppress them with usuries.
26 If thou take of thy neighbour a garment in pledge, thou shalt give it him again before sunset.
27 For that same is the only thing, wherewith he is covered, the clothing of his body, neither hath he any other to sleep in: if he cry to me, I will hear him, because I am compassionate.
28 Thou shalt not speak ill of the gods, and the prince of thy people thou shalt not curse.
29 Thou shalt not delay to pay thy tithes and thy firstfruits: thou shalt give the firstborn of thy sons to me.
30 Thou shalt do the same with the firstborn of thy oxen also and sheep: seven days let it be with its dam: the eighth day thou shalt give it to me.
31 You shall be holy men to me: the flesh that beasts have tasted of before, you shall not eat, but shall cast it to the dogs.

Exodus 22:16-31 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.

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