Exodus 22:16 - “If a man entices a virgin who isn’t pledged to be married, and lies with her, he shall surely pay a dowry for her to be his wife.
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What does "Exodus 22:16" mean?
Exodus 22:16 lays out a legal consequence for a man who has sexual relations with a virgin who is not betrothed (promised) to another man. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"If a man entices a virgin who isn’t pledged to be married..." This sets the context: The man initiated the interaction (enticed), and the woman involved is a virgin who is not already promised in marriage to someone else. "Entice" here doesn't necessarily imply force, but it does suggest he played a part in leading to the sexual encounter.
"...and lies with her..." This refers to sexual intercourse.
"...he shall surely pay a dowry for her to be his wife." This is the core consequence. He is obligated to pay the traditional bride-price (dowry) to her father, as if he were entering a normal marriage agreement. More importantly, the verse suggests he is obligated to marry her.
In essence, this verse is concerned with:
Protecting a woman's honor and future prospects: In ancient Israelite society, a woman's virginity was highly valued, and its loss could significantly impact her chances of marriage and social standing. This law sought to remedy that damage by requiring the man to marry her and provide for her.
Maintaining social order: The law aimed to prevent men from taking advantage of women and disrupting the social fabric. By imposing a consequence (marriage and a dowry), it discouraged casual sexual encounters.
Addressing the issue of responsibility: It places the responsibility for the situation on the man, requiring him to take on the commitment of marriage and the financial burden of providing for his wife.
Important considerations:
Interpretation varies: The interpretation of this verse has been debated over time. Some interpretations emphasize the obligation to marry, while others focus more on the payment of the dowry.
Cultural context is crucial: Understanding the values and social norms of ancient Israelite society is essential for interpreting this law accurately.
No element of consent mentioned: The verse does not directly address the issue of consent, which is a critical aspect of modern legal and ethical considerations. Some scholars argue that the woman's lack of betrothal suggests a degree of freedom, but the legal focus is primarily on the man's actions and their consequences.
Modern relevance: This verse is often cited in discussions about sexual ethics, responsibility, and the rights of women. However, its direct application in modern legal systems is limited due to differences in cultural values and legal frameworks.
Exodus 22:16 - “If a man entices a virgin who isn’t pledged to be married, and lies with her, he shall surely pay a dowry for her to be his wife.
What does "Exodus 22:16" mean?
Exodus 22:16 lays out a legal consequence for a man who has sexual relations with a virgin who is not betrothed (promised) to another man. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"If a man entices a virgin who isn’t pledged to be married..." This sets the context: The man initiated the interaction (enticed), and the woman involved is a virgin who is not already promised in marriage to someone else. "Entice" here doesn't necessarily imply force, but it does suggest he played a part in leading to the sexual encounter.
"...and lies with her..." This refers to sexual intercourse.
"...he shall surely pay a dowry for her to be his wife." This is the core consequence. He is obligated to pay the traditional bride-price (dowry) to her father, as if he were entering a normal marriage agreement. More importantly, the verse suggests he is obligated to marry her.
In essence, this verse is concerned with:
Protecting a woman's honor and future prospects: In ancient Israelite society, a woman's virginity was highly valued, and its loss could significantly impact her chances of marriage and social standing. This law sought to remedy that damage by requiring the man to marry her and provide for her.
Maintaining social order: The law aimed to prevent men from taking advantage of women and disrupting the social fabric. By imposing a consequence (marriage and a dowry), it discouraged casual sexual encounters.
Addressing the issue of responsibility: It places the responsibility for the situation on the man, requiring him to take on the commitment of marriage and the financial burden of providing for his wife.
Important considerations:
Interpretation varies: The interpretation of this verse has been debated over time. Some interpretations emphasize the obligation to marry, while others focus more on the payment of the dowry.
Cultural context is crucial: Understanding the values and social norms of ancient Israelite society is essential for interpreting this law accurately.
No element of consent mentioned: The verse does not directly address the issue of consent, which is a critical aspect of modern legal and ethical considerations. Some scholars argue that the woman's lack of betrothal suggests a degree of freedom, but the legal focus is primarily on the man's actions and their consequences.
Modern relevance: This verse is often cited in discussions about sexual ethics, responsibility, and the rights of women. However, its direct application in modern legal systems is limited due to differences in cultural values and legal frameworks.