Deuteronomy 22:23

If a damsel [that is] a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her;

If a damsel {H5291} that is a virgin {H1330} be betrothed {H781} unto an husband {H376}, and a man {H376} find {H4672} her in the city {H5892}, and lie {H7901} with her;

"If a girl who is a virgin is engaged to a man, and another man comes upon her in the town and has sexual relations with her;

If there is a virgin pledged in marriage to a man, and another man encounters her in the city and sleeps with her,

If there be a damsel that is a virgin betrothed unto a husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her;

Commentary

Deuteronomy 22:23 is part of a section of Mosaic Law dealing with sexual purity, justice, and the protection of individuals within the community. This verse specifically addresses a grave offense against a betrothed virgin.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, betrothal (Hebrew: 'aras) was far more than a modern engagement; it was a legally binding agreement, almost equivalent to marriage, though the couple had not yet begun living together or consummated the union. A betrothed woman was considered legally bound to her future husband, and any sexual relations with another man were viewed as adultery, a capital offense (compare Matthew 1:18-19, which highlights the seriousness of betrothal). These laws underscore the high value placed on sexual purity, family honor, and the sanctity of marital commitment in Israelite society. The location "in the city" is crucial, as it implies a public setting where a cry for help would be heard, thus informing the legal judgment that follows in the subsequent verses.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sanctity of Betrothal and Marriage: The law rigorously protected the institution of marriage and the pre-marital purity of a woman. Violating a betrothal was a serious offense against both the individuals involved and the community's moral order.
  • Justice and Accountability: This verse sets the stage for a judgment regarding a serious sexual transgression. It highlights God's concern for justice, particularly in cases of sexual misconduct.
  • Protection of the Vulnerable: While strict, these laws aimed to protect women, especially virgins, from exploitation and to ensure that sexual relations occurred within the divinely ordained covenant of marriage.
  • Importance of Consent: The distinction between an act "in the city" versus "in the field" (as seen in Deuteronomy 22:25-27) is critical. In the city, a woman was expected to cry out if assaulted, and if she did not, it implied consent (or at least complicity), making her culpable. In the field, where no one could hear, her silence was presumed to be due to force, thus absolving her.

Linguistic Insights

The term "damsel" (Hebrew: na'arah) refers to a young woman, and "virgin" (Hebrew: betulah) specifically denotes her untouched status. The phrase "betrothed unto an husband" (Hebrew: me'orasah ish) emphasizes her legal attachment to a specific man, making the act of another man "lying with her" (Hebrew: shakav immah) an act of adultery against her future husband.

Practical Application

While the specific legal ramifications for such acts have changed, the underlying principles of this verse remain relevant. It underscores God's enduring concern for:

  • The sanctity of sexual purity and fidelity within committed relationships, particularly marriage.
  • The importance of justice in cases of sexual misconduct, holding individuals accountable for their actions.
  • The protection of vulnerable individuals from exploitation and assault.
  • The value of consent in all relationships.

This verse, and the detailed laws surrounding it, reflect God's holy character and His desire for a just and morally sound society. The immediate consequence of this act is detailed in Deuteronomy 22:24.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 1:18

    ¶ Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

  • Matthew 1:19

    Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

  • Deuteronomy 20:7

    And what man [is there] that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.
← Back