Deuteronomy 22:26

But unto the damsel thou shalt do nothing; [there is] in the damsel no sin [worthy] of death: for as when a man riseth against his neighbour, and slayeth him, even so [is] this matter:

But unto the damsel {H5291} thou shalt do {H6213} nothing {H1697}; there is in the damsel {H5291} no sin {H2399} worthy of death {H4194}: for as when a man {H376} riseth {H6965} against his neighbour {H7453}, and slayeth {H7523}{H5315} him, even so is this matter {H1697}:

You will do nothing to the girl, because she has done nothing deserving of death. The situation is like the case of the man who attacks his neighbor and kills him.

Do nothing to the young woman, because she has committed no sin worthy of death. This case is just like one in which a man attacks his neighbor and murders him.

but unto the damsel thou shalt do nothing; there is in the damsel no sin worthy of death: for as when a man riseth against his neighbor, and slayeth him, even so is this matter;

Commentary

Deuteronomy 22:26 (KJV) provides a crucial legal and moral distinction within the Mosaic Law, specifically addressing the scenario of sexual assault (rape) in an isolated setting. This verse unequivocally declares the innocence of the female victim, equating the perpetrator's crime to murder due to the overwhelming nature of the assault and the victim's inability to resist or call for help.

Context

This verse is found within a section of Deuteronomy Chapter 22 that outlines various laws pertaining to sexual purity and marital integrity. Verses 23-27 specifically address sexual offenses involving a betrothed virgin. The distinction made in verse 26 hinges on the location of the assault: "in the field." Unlike an assault in a city where a cry for help could be heard and witnesses might intervene (implying potential complicity if no cry was made, as per Deuteronomy 22:24), an assault in the field means the woman is utterly vulnerable. The law recognizes that her inability to cry out or resist effectively due to isolation makes her entirely blameless, thus elevating the crime's severity for the aggressor.

Key Themes

  • Victim's Unwavering Innocence: The most prominent theme is the absolute blamelessness of the woman in cases of sexual assault where she is overpowered and isolated. The phrase "there is in the damsel no sin worthy of death" emphatically clears her of any wrongdoing, directly challenging any notion of victim-blaming that might have existed in ancient or modern societies.
  • Severity of Sexual Assault: By likening the assault to murder ("as when a man riseth against his neighbour, and slayeth him, even so is this matter"), the text underscores the extreme gravity of the crime. This comparison highlights that sexual assault is not merely a physical transgression but a profound violation of a person's life, dignity, and autonomy, comparable in its destructive impact to taking a life.
  • Divine Justice and Protection of the Vulnerable: This law reflects God's deep concern for justice and His unwavering protection of the vulnerable, especially those who are defenseless and cannot secure their own safety. It demonstrates that true justice demands accountability for perpetrators and vindication for victims, regardless of circumstances.

Linguistic Insights

The term "damsel" translates the Hebrew word na'arah (ื ึทืขึฒืจึธื”), which refers to a young woman, typically unmarried and often a virgin. The crucial comparison "slayeth him" uses the Hebrew verb ratsach (ืจึธืฆึทื—), commonly translated as "murder" or "kill unlawfully." This strong linguistic choice emphasizes the extreme nature of the crime, equating the violation of a woman's body and will through rape with the ultimate act of violence against another person, the taking of a life. It underscores the profound and destructive impact of sexual assault on the victim.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 22:26 remains profoundly relevant today, offering foundational principles for understanding justice, consent, and human dignity. It stands as a powerful biblical condemnation of victim-blaming in cases of sexual assault, unequivocally placing all guilt and responsibility on the perpetrator. This verse reinforces the sanctity of bodily autonomy and the trauma associated with non-consensual acts. For believers, it highlights God's compassionate heart for the oppressed and His demand for justice, urging communities and legal systems to protect the vulnerable, pursue perpetrators, and offer support to survivors of sexual violence. It reminds us that true justice aligns with God's character, which values every individual life and protects against profound violations.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 21:22 (3 votes)

    And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree: