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.

Then the man {H376} that lay {H7901} with her shall give {H5414} unto the damsel's {H5291} father {H1} fifty {H2572} shekels of silver {H3701}, and she shall be his wife {H802}; because he hath humbled {H6031} her, he may {H3201} not put her away {H7971} all his days {H3117}.

then the man who had intercourse with her must give to the girl's father one-and-a-quarter pounds of silver shekels, and she will become his wife, because he humiliated her; he may not divorce her as long as he lives.

then the man who lay with her must pay the young woman’s father fifty shekels of silver, and she must become his wife because he has violated her. He must not divorce her as long as he lives.

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.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 22:29 outlines a specific legal consequence in ancient Israel for a man who sexually violates an unbetrothed virgin, as detailed in the preceding verse. This law prescribed a severe penalty for the offender and a measure of protection for the victim, ensuring her future standing in society.

Context

This verse is part of a broader section in Deuteronomy (chapters 22-25) dealing with various civil and social laws, including those pertaining to sexual purity, marriage, and family honor. Specifically, Deuteronomy 22:28 describes the scenario: a man finds a virgin who is not betrothed, lays hold of her, and lies with her. The law in verse 29 then prescribes the mandatory reparations and consequences. In ancient Israelite society, a woman's virginity was paramount to her honor and her family's reputation, directly impacting her marriage prospects. The violation of a virgin was a profound offense, not just against the individual but against the family and community structure, necessitating strict legal recourse.

Key Themes

  • Justice and Restitution: The requirement for the man to pay fifty shekels of silver to the damsel's father served as a significant restitution. This amount was typically the standard bride price for a virgin (Exodus 22:16), effectively compensating the father for the loss of his daughter's virginity and the potential damage to her marriageability.
  • Protection of the Victim: By mandating that the man marry the woman and never divorce her, the Old Testament law aimed to secure her social and economic future. In a society where a non-virgin might struggle to find a husband, this provision prevented her from being left destitute or stigmatized. It ensured she had a husband and a place within a household, offering a form of social security and reducing her vulnerability.
  • Severe Consequence for the Offender: The perpetrator faced a lifelong commitment. The phrase "he may not put her away all his days" stands in stark contrast to the general provisions for divorce in Deuteronomy 24:1-4. This permanent bond served as a harsh penalty, emphasizing the gravity of his act and preventing him from discarding the woman after violating her.
  • Sanctity of Marriage and Family Honor: The law underscores the importance of proper marital unions and the protection of family honor within the community, reinforcing the value placed on purity and integrity.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "he hath humbled her" translates the Hebrew verb 'anah (עָנָה), which carries a strong connotation of affliction, oppression, or humiliation. In this context, it signifies not merely sexual intercourse but a profound act of violation, stripping the woman of her honor and status. This term is used elsewhere in the Old Testament to describe various forms of abuse and subjugation, highlighting the severe nature of the offense in God's eyes and the deep impact on the victim.

Practical Application and Reflection

While the specific legal framework of Deuteronomy 22:29 is part of the Mosaic Law given to ancient Israel, the underlying principles offer enduring lessons. The law highlights God's concern for justice, the protection of the vulnerable, and the seriousness of sexual sin. It demonstrates a divine commitment to ensuring that those who inflict harm are held accountable and that victims receive a measure of protection and provision. For believers today, this verse reinforces the importance of sexual purity, respect for others, and the pursuit of justice for those who have been wronged. It reminds us that God cares deeply about the dignity of individuals and the consequences of actions that violate that dignity within any society.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 22:19 (4 votes)

    And they shall amerce him in an hundred [shekels] of silver, and give [them] unto the father of the damsel, because he hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin of Israel: and she shall be his wife; he may not put her away all his days.

  • Deuteronomy 22:24 (4 votes)

    Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, [being] in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour's wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you.

  • Deuteronomy 21:14 (4 votes)

    And it shall be, if thou have no delight in her, then thou shalt let her go whither she will; but thou shalt not sell her at all for money, thou shalt not make merchandise of her, because thou hast humbled her.