Exodus 22:17 - If her father utterly refuses to give her to him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.
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What does "Exodus 22:17" mean?
This verse from Exodus 22:17 deals with a situation where a man has seduced a virgin woman and her father refuses to allow him to marry her. Let's break down what it means:
"If her father utterly refuses to give her to him...": This implies the man has already engaged in some form of sexual activity with the woman, likely seduction. The usual course of action would be for him to marry her, thus restoring her honor and providing for her future. However, the father has the right to refuse this marriage. This refusal could be for various reasons, such as the man being unsuitable, of a lower social standing, or simply deemed unworthy.
"...he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.": Despite the father's refusal to allow the marriage, the man is still held accountable for the damage he has caused. By seducing her, he has diminished her value as a potential bride in the eyes of society. Therefore, he must pay a sum of money equivalent to the standard dowry that would be paid for a virgin.
Interpretation and Context:
Compensation for Loss of Marital Value: The key point is that the man is compensating the father for the loss of his daughter's value in the marriage market. In ancient Israelite society, a woman's virginity was highly valued. By taking her virginity, the man has reduced her chances of finding a suitable husband and damaged her family's honor.
Economic and Social Considerations: Marriage in this era was not solely about love and companionship; it was also a crucial economic and social arrangement. The dowry provided financial security for the woman within her marriage. The man's payment in this situation serves as a form of redress for the potential hardship she will face.
Deterrent: The law also served as a deterrent against premarital sexual relations and the exploitation of women. By imposing a financial penalty, it discourages men from taking advantage of women.
Protection for Women: Although the verse seems to treat the woman as property, it is also seen as a form of protection. It acknowledges that a woman's future and social standing are affected by the loss of her virginity and provides a legal remedy to ensure she is not left destitute.
In summary:
Exodus 22:17 outlines a legal consequence for a man who seduces a virgin but is then denied marriage by her father. The man must pay a sum of money equivalent to the standard dowry of a virgin, compensating the father for the loss of his daughter's marital value and ensuring she receives some form of financial support. It reflects the social and economic values of the time, highlighting the importance of virginity and the need to protect women from exploitation.
Exodus 22:17 - If her father utterly refuses to give her to him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.
What does "Exodus 22:17" mean?
This verse from Exodus 22:17 deals with a situation where a man has seduced a virgin woman and her father refuses to allow him to marry her. Let's break down what it means:
"If her father utterly refuses to give her to him...": This implies the man has already engaged in some form of sexual activity with the woman, likely seduction. The usual course of action would be for him to marry her, thus restoring her honor and providing for her future. However, the father has the right to refuse this marriage. This refusal could be for various reasons, such as the man being unsuitable, of a lower social standing, or simply deemed unworthy.
"...he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.": Despite the father's refusal to allow the marriage, the man is still held accountable for the damage he has caused. By seducing her, he has diminished her value as a potential bride in the eyes of society. Therefore, he must pay a sum of money equivalent to the standard dowry that would be paid for a virgin.
Interpretation and Context:
Compensation for Loss of Marital Value: The key point is that the man is compensating the father for the loss of his daughter's value in the marriage market. In ancient Israelite society, a woman's virginity was highly valued. By taking her virginity, the man has reduced her chances of finding a suitable husband and damaged her family's honor.
Economic and Social Considerations: Marriage in this era was not solely about love and companionship; it was also a crucial economic and social arrangement. The dowry provided financial security for the woman within her marriage. The man's payment in this situation serves as a form of redress for the potential hardship she will face.
Deterrent: The law also served as a deterrent against premarital sexual relations and the exploitation of women. By imposing a financial penalty, it discourages men from taking advantage of women.
Protection for Women: Although the verse seems to treat the woman as property, it is also seen as a form of protection. It acknowledges that a woman's future and social standing are affected by the loss of her virginity and provides a legal remedy to ensure she is not left destitute.
In summary:
Exodus 22:17 outlines a legal consequence for a man who seduces a virgin but is then denied marriage by her father. The man must pay a sum of money equivalent to the standard dowry of a virgin, compensating the father for the loss of his daughter's marital value and ensuring she receives some form of financial support. It reflects the social and economic values of the time, highlighting the importance of virginity and the need to protect women from exploitation.