Deuteronomy 22:25

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

But if a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her: then the man only that lay with her shall die:

Complete Jewish Bible:

"But if the man comes upon the engaged girl out in the countryside, and the man grabs her and has sexual relations with her, then only the man who had intercourse with her is to die.

Berean Standard Bible:

But if the man encounters a betrothed woman in the open country, and he overpowers her and lies with her, only the man who has done this must die.

American Standard Version:

But if the man find the damsel that is betrothed in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her; then the man only that lay with her shall die:

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

But if a man^{H376} find^{H4672} a betrothed^{H781} damsel^{H5291} in the field^{H7704}, and the man^{H376} force^{H2388} her, and lie^{H7901} with her: then the man^{H376} only that lay^{H7901} with her shall die^{H4191}:

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Deuteronomy 22:25

Deuteronomy 22:25 is part of a larger section in the book of Deuteronomy that outlines various laws for the Israelite community, covering topics such as social justice, religious observance, and moral conduct. This particular verse addresses the serious issue of sexual assault, specifically in the context of a betrothed woman—a woman who is legally promised to be married to another man—being raped.

In the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel, a betrothed woman was considered to be under the protection of her future husband. The act of forcing oneself upon a betrothed woman was not only a violent crime against the woman but also an affront to the man to whom she was betrothed, violating his rights and property. The verse specifies that if such a crime occurs, the perpetrator is to be held solely responsible and is to be put to death. The betrothed woman, on the other hand, is not to be punished, as she is considered a victim of violence.

The theme of the verse emphasizes the gravity of sexual violence and the need for justice and protection for victims. It underscores the sanctity of the marriage covenant and the importance of personal integrity and respect for others' commitments. The law seeks to uphold the moral fabric of the community by prescribing a severe penalty for the crime of rape, thereby deterring such behavior and affirming the value of each individual, particularly the vulnerable.

In summary, Deuteronomy 22:25 reflects the ancient Israelite legal system's stance on protecting the rights of individuals, particularly betrothed women, and maintaining the moral and social order within the community through strict penalties for sexual crimes. This verse is part of a broader legal framework found in the Pentateuch, which aims to govern the behavior of the Israelites in a way that reflects the values and will of God as understood within the context of their society.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H376
   There are 1507 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אִישׁ
   Transliteration: ʼîysh
   Pronunciation: eesh
   Description: contracted for אֱנוֹשׁ (or perhaps rather from an unused root meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation); also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare אִשָּׁה.
   
2. Strong's Number: H4672
   There are 425 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מָצָא
   Transliteration: mâtsâʼ
   Pronunciation: maw-tsaw'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present; [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on.
   
3. Strong's Number: H781
   There are 307 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָרַשׂ
   Transliteration: ʼâras
   Pronunciation: aw-ras'
   Description: a primitive root; to engage for matrimony; betroth, espouse.
   
4. Strong's Number: H5291
   There are 57 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נַעֲרָה
   Transliteration: naʻărâh
   Pronunciation: nah-ar-aw'
   Description: feminine of נַעַר; a girl (from infancy to adolescence); damsel, maid(-en), young (woman).
   
5. Strong's Number: H7704
   There are 309 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׂדֶה
   Transliteration: sâdeh
   Pronunciation: saw-deh'
   Description: or שָׂדַי; from an unused root meaning to spread out; a field (as flat); country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild.
   
6. Strong's Number: H2388
   There are 266 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חָזַק
   Transliteration: châzaq
   Pronunciation: khaw-zak'
   Description: a primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer; aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand.
   
7. Strong's Number: H7901
   There are 194 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁכַב
   Transliteration: shâkab
   Pronunciation: shaw-kab'
   Description: a primitive root; to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose); [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay.
   
8. Strong's Number: H4191
   There are 694 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מוּת
   Transliteration: mûwth
   Pronunciation: mooth
   Description: a primitive root; to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill; [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise.