Deuteronomy 22:27

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

For he found her in the field, [and] the betrothed damsel cried, and [there was] none to save her.

Complete Jewish Bible:

For he found her in the countryside, and the engaged girl cried out, but there was no one to save her.

Berean Standard Bible:

When he found her in the field, the betrothed woman cried out, but there was no one to save her.

American Standard Version:

for he found her in the field, the betrothed damsel cried, and there was none to save her.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For he found^{H4672} her in the field^{H7704}, and the betrothed^{H781} damsel^{H5291} cried^{H6817}, and there was none to save^{H3467} her.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Deuteronomy 22:27

Deuteronomy 22:27 is part of a broader legal code found within the Pentateuch, specifically in the book of Deuteronomy, which is traditionally attributed to Moses. This verse is situated within a section of laws that address various situations concerning sexual morality, including prohibitions against adultery and rape.

The verse itself describes a scenario involving a betrothed virgin who is sexually assaulted in the field. The text emphasizes the damsel's cry for help and the absence of anyone to rescue her. In the historical context of ancient Israel, betrothal was a binding agreement, and sexual relations with a betrothed woman were considered adultery, punishable by death for both parties involved (Deuteronomy 22:23-24). However, the following verses (22:28-29) suggest that if the assault occurred in the country, the man alone was to be put to death because the woman's cry for help would not have been heard, implying that she was forced against her will.

The themes of this verse include the sanctity of betrothal and marriage, the gravity of sexual violence, and the legal protections afforded to women in ancient Israelite society. It also reflects the patriarchal nature of that society, where a woman's social status and protection were often tied to her relationship with a man, whether father or husband. The verse underscores the importance of community responsibility in preventing harm and providing justice, as well as the recognition of the vulnerability of individuals and the need for their protection under the law.

In summary, Deuteronomy 22:27 presents a snapshot of the legal and moral expectations regarding sexual conduct in ancient Israel, highlighting the seriousness of rape and the legal consequences for the perpetrator, while also revealing the societal norms and values of the time concerning gender roles, victimhood, and communal intervention.

*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: 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.
   
2. 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.
   
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: H6817
   There are 53 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: צָעַק
   Transliteration: tsâʻaq
   Pronunciation: tsaw-ak'
   Description: a primitive root; to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly); [idiom] at all, call together, cry (out), gather (selves) (together).
   
6. Strong's Number: H3467
   There are 198 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָשַׁע
   Transliteration: yâshaʻ
   Pronunciation: yaw-shah'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor; [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory.