Exodus 22:16

KJV

¶ And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if a man {H376} entice {H6601} a maid {H1330} that is not betrothed {H781}, and lie {H7901} with her, he shall surely {H4117} endow {H4117} her to be his wife {H802}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"If a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged to be married and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price for her to be his wife.

Berean Standard Bible

If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged in marriage and sleeps with her, he must pay the full dowry for her to be his wife.

American Standard Version

And if a man entice a virgin that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely pay a dowry for her to be his wife.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 22:16 presents a specific legal statute within ancient Israel's civil code, addressing the scenario where an unbetrothed woman is enticed into sexual relations. This law mandates that the man responsible must pay the customary bride-price and marry her. This provision served to protect the woman's honor and social standing, ensure her financial security, and reinforce the sanctity of marriage as the divinely ordained context for sexual intimacy and the foundation of family within the covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 22:16 is situated within the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22-23:33), a foundational collection of civil and social laws delivered by God to Moses immediately following the Ten Commandments. This section marks a transition from broad moral principles to detailed casuistic (case-by-case) legislation governing daily life in Israel. Chapter 22, in particular, addresses various offenses against property, personal injury, and social order, before delving into regulations concerning sexual conduct, cultic purity, and social responsibilities. The "if...then" structure of this law is characteristic of casuistic legal formulations prevalent in ancient Near Eastern law codes. This specific statute concerning enticement is part of a broader legal framework designed to uphold sexual purity, protect vulnerable members of society, particularly women, and maintain the moral and social integrity of the Israelite community, emphasizing the consequences of actions that disrupt divinely established order.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the patriarchal societies of the ancient Near East, including Israel, a woman's virginity prior to marriage was of paramount importance, directly linked to her family's honor and her own eligibility for a respectable union. To "entice" (Hebrew: _pathah_) an unbetrothed woman and engage in sexual intercourse with her outside of marriage brought significant shame upon her and her family, potentially jeopardizing her future marriage prospects and social standing. This law distinguishes between an unbetrothed woman and a betrothed woman; sexual relations with a betrothed woman by another man constituted adultery, which was a capital offense (as detailed in [Deuteronomy 22:23-24](/deuteronomy/22-23 "Deuteronomy 22:23-24 - Penalty for Adultery")). The requirement for the man to "endow her" (Hebrew: _mahar_) refers to the payment of a bride-price, a customary sum given by the prospective groom to the bride's father as compensation for the loss of his daughter's labor and as a demonstration of his commitment and ability to provide for her. This legal provision, therefore, functioned as a form of restorative justice, aiming to mitigate the dishonor and economic vulnerability of the woman by compelling the man to legitimize the relationship through marriage and financial provision, thereby reinforcing the foundational principle of [marriage as the divinely ordained context for sexual intimacy and procreation](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The Institution of Marriage"). It also stands distinct from the law concerning rape in [Deuteronomy 22:28-29](/deuteronomy/22-28 "Deuteronomy 22:28-29 - Law Concerning Rape"), where the emphasis is on violent coercion rather than enticement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several major theological and narrative themes found throughout the Book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Equity**, demonstrating God's meticulous concern for fair and equitable treatment within the covenant community, particularly for the vulnerable. Secondly, it highlights the **Sanctity of Human Sexuality and Marriage**, establishing clear boundaries for sexual expression within the covenant of marriage and emphasizing its sacred nature as a reflection of God's design for human flourishing. Thirdly, the law speaks to the theme of **Personal Responsibility and Consequences**, illustrating that actions, especially those that violate social and moral norms, carry significant and divinely mandated repercussions. Finally, it reinforces the concept of **Restoration and Protection**, as the law's aim is not merely punitive but also restorative, seeking to provide security and dignity for the wronged party and to maintain the purity and order of the community, reflecting God's desire for His people to live in holiness before Him, as seen in the broader call to be a holy nation in [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Maid (Hebrew, _bᵉthûwlâh'_):** This term, derived from an unused root meaning "to separate," refers to a virgin, emphasizing her privacy and unviolated status. In this context, it specifically denotes a young, unmarried woman who has not yet experienced sexual intercourse, making her particularly vulnerable and her virginity a significant aspect of her honor and eligibility for marriage. The law's concern is precisely for the protection of such an individual.
* **Entice (Hebrew, _pâthâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to open" or "to make roomy," this verb is often used figuratively to mean "to persuade," "to deceive," or "to delude." In Exodus 22:16, it implies a deliberate act of seduction or persuasion by the man that leads the woman into sexual relations, distinguishing it from violent coercion. The nuance suggests that while the woman may have been led astray, the man initiated the illicit encounter and bears the primary moral and legal culpability.
* **Endow (Hebrew, _mâhar'_):** This primitive root, possibly related to the idea of "readiness in assent," specifically means "to bargain for a wife" or "to wed." It refers to the payment of the _mohar_ or bride-price by the groom to the bride's father. This payment was a crucial element in legitimizing a marriage in ancient Israel, serving as a form of compensation to the family for the loss of their daughter's labor and as a demonstration of the groom's commitment and ability to provide. The law's mandate for the man to "surely endow her" underscores the compulsory nature of this restitution and marriage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed,"**: This initial clause establishes the specific conditions for the legal case. The "man" (H376, _ʼîysh_), as the active agent, initiates the "enticement" (H6601, _pâthâh_) of a "maid" (H1330, _bᵉthûwlâh_). The crucial qualifier "that is not betrothed" (H781, _ʼâras_) is vital, as it differentiates this offense from adultery, which involved a woman already legally bound to another man. The term "maid" here strongly implies virginity, highlighting the violation of her purity and social standing.
* **"and lie with her,"**: This second clause describes the consummation of the enticement, the sexual act itself. The phrase "lie with her" (H7901, _shâkab_) is a common biblical euphemism for sexual intercourse. Together, the first two clauses define the complete offense: a deliberate act of seduction followed by the illicit sexual encounter.
* **"he shall surely endow her to be his wife."**: This final clause prescribes the mandatory legal consequence. The man is not given an option but is legally obligated to "surely endow her" (H4117, _mâhar_), meaning he must pay the customary bride-price to the woman's father, and then "to be his wife" (H802, _ʼishshâh_). This serves as both a penalty for the man's sin and a form of vital restitution for the woman, ensuring her future social standing, dignity, and financial security within the community, thereby restoring order.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 22:16 is a quintessential example of **Casuistic Law**, a common legal form in the ancient Near East. This is evident in its "if...then" structure (implied by "And if a man...he shall..."), which presents a specific hypothetical case and prescribes its corresponding legal outcome. This contrasts with **Apodictic Law** (e.g., the Ten Commandments), which consists of absolute, unconditional commands. The verse also functions as a **Legal Precedent**, establishing a clear ruling for similar future cases, thus contributing to the comprehensive legal framework of Israelite society. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** at play, distinguishing this offense from other sexual transgressions within the Mosaic Law, such as rape ([Deuteronomy 22:28-29](/deuteronomy/22-28 "Deuteronomy 22:28-29 - Law Concerning Rape")) or adultery involving a betrothed woman ([Deuteronomy 22:23-24](/deuteronomy/22-23 "Deuteronomy 22:23-24 - Penalty for Adultery")). This contrast highlights the nuanced legal and social implications based on the woman's marital status and the nature of the man's action (enticement versus violent coercion), demonstrating the Law's detailed and differentiated approach to justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This ancient law, while rooted in the specific societal norms of Israel, reveals enduring theological principles concerning human sexuality, justice, and the sanctity of covenant. It profoundly underscores God's deep concern for the protection of the vulnerable, especially women, and His unwavering desire for purity, order, and righteousness within His covenant community. The mandatory marriage and bride-price are not merely punitive but serve as a powerful form of restorative justice, designed to mitigate the profound damage caused by sexual sin and to provide security and dignity for the wronged party. This reflects God's character as a just and compassionate Judge who seeks not only to punish wrongdoing but also to restore brokenness and uphold the integrity of His people. The overarching theological theme is that sexual intimacy is a sacred gift, intended solely for the covenant of marriage, and any deviation from this divine design carries significant consequences, impacting not only individuals but the entire community's relationship with a holy God.

* [1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Sexual Immorality")
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is Honorable")
* [Proverbs 5:15](/proverbs/5-15 "Proverbs 5:15 - Fidelity in Marriage")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific legal enforcement of compulsory marriage and bride-price is a feature of the Mosaic civil code not directly applicable to modern societies, the profound underlying principles of Exodus 22:16 remain profoundly relevant and spiritually nourishing for believers today. This passage compels us to cultivate a deep sense of personal responsibility for our actions, particularly in the realm of sexual purity, recognizing that our choices carry lasting and often devastating consequences for ourselves, for others, and for the purity of the community. It challenges us to uphold the sanctity of marriage as God's exclusive design for sexual intimacy, viewing it as a sacred and unbreakable covenant rather than a casual or temporary arrangement. Furthermore, this law powerfully reminds us of God's unwavering heart for justice and His steadfast commitment to protect the vulnerable. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody this divine concern, actively advocating for and protecting those whose honor, dignity, or well-being is compromised, especially in matters of sexual integrity. It encourages us to pursue righteousness in all our relationships and to seek pathways of restorative grace when sin causes harm, thereby reflecting the very character of God to a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this ancient law challenge contemporary cultural narratives that often promote sexual freedom without emphasizing corresponding responsibility?**
* **In what practical ways can the Church, as a community, uphold and teach the sanctity of marriage and sexual purity in a society that increasingly devalues them?**
* **What does this passage reveal about God's character concerning justice and His compassion for vulnerable individuals, and how should this shape our own advocacy?**

### FAQ

**Does this law apply to Christians today, and how should we interpret it?**

Answer: While Exodus 22:16 is part of the Mosaic civil law given specifically to ancient Israel, and its direct legal enforcement (mandatory marriage and bride-price) is not binding on Christians today, the underlying moral and theological principles are profoundly relevant. Christians are not under the Mosaic Law as a covenant of salvation or a daily civil code, but the Law serves as an indispensable revelation of God's holy character, His unchanging standards of righteousness, and His heart for justice and purity. We interpret this passage by discerning its eternal principles: the high value God places on sexual purity, the sanctity of marriage as the proper and exclusive context for sexual intimacy, the importance of personal responsibility for one's actions, and God's compassionate concern for the protection and welfare of the vulnerable. New Testament teachings consistently affirm these principles, emphasizing the call to sexual purity (e.g., [1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Sexual Immorality")) and the honor due to marriage ([Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is Honorable")).

**What is the difference between "entice" in Exodus 22:16 and "rape" as described elsewhere in the Old Testament?**

Answer: The fundamental distinction lies in the nature of the man's action and the presence or absence of the woman's consent. In Exodus 22:16, "entice" (Hebrew: _pathah_) implies persuasion, seduction, or leading astray, suggesting that the woman, though unbetrothed and potentially naive, was ultimately persuaded into the sexual act. While still illicit and harmful, this scenario does not involve physical force or violent coercion. In contrast, "rape" (as described in [Deuteronomy 22:28-29](/deuteronomy/22-28 "Deuteronomy 22:28-29 - Law Concerning Rape")) involves a man seizing or violating a woman by force, without her consent. The legal consequences also differ significantly: for enticement, the man must marry the woman and pay the bride-price. For rape, the man is also compelled to marry the woman (and is forbidden from divorcing her) and must pay a substantial fine to her father, reflecting the greater severity of the violent act and the profound violation of the woman's person. Both laws, however, underscore God's concern for the wronged woman and aim to provide a measure of protection and restitution in a society where her honor and future were deeply tied to her sexual purity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 22:16, like all the Mosaic Law, ultimately points to Christ by revealing humanity's profound need for a perfect redeemer and by illuminating God's unwavering standards of righteousness and justice. While the specific legal mandate of compulsory marriage for enticement is part of the Old Covenant's civil code, its underlying principles find their ultimate fulfillment and transformative power in Jesus Christ. The law highlights the sacredness of sexual purity and the covenant of marriage, themes that Jesus elevates by addressing not merely outward acts but the very intentions of the heart ([Matthew 5:28](/matthew/5-28 "Matthew 5:28 - Lust as Adultery")). Christ, through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, perfectly fulfills the Law's righteous demands, offering complete forgiveness for all sexual sin and empowering believers to live lives of purity and holiness through the indwelling Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:9-11](/1_corinthians/6-9 "1 Corinthians 6:9-11 - Do Not Be Deceived")). Furthermore, Jesus supremely embodies God's compassionate concern for the vulnerable and marginalized, extending grace, healing, and restoration to those ostracized by societal norms or burdened by sin, as powerfully demonstrated in His merciful interaction with the woman caught in adultery ([John 8:1-11](/john/8-1 "John 8:1-11 - Jesus and the Adulterous Woman")). Ultimately, the Law's emphasis on marriage as a sacred covenant foreshadows the profound spiritual union between Christ and His Church, depicted as the spotless Bride for whom He gave His life ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church as Bridegroom and Bride")), culminating in the joyous and eternal marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 22:28

If a man find a damsel [that is] a virgin, which is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found;

Deuteronomy 22:29

Then the man that lay with her shall give unto the damsel's father fifty [shekels] of silver, and she shall be his wife; because he hath humbled her, he may not put her away all his days.

Genesis 34:2

And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her.

Genesis 34:4

And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel to wife.