Deuteronomy 21:14
Deuteronomy 21:14 in Multiple Translations
And if you are not pleased with her, you are to let her go wherever she wishes. But you must not sell her for money or treat her as a slave, since you have dishonored her.
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.
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 deal with her as a slave, because thou hast humbled her.
But if you have no delight in her, you are to let her go wherever she will; you may not take a price for her as if she was your property, for you have made use of her for your pleasure.
However, if you are not happy with her, you must let her leave and go wherever she wants. You are not allowed to sell her for money or treat her like a slave, because you have brought shame on her.
And if thou haue no fauour vnto her, then thou mayest let her go whither she will, but thou shalt not sell her for money, nor make marchandise of her, because thou hast humbled her.
'And it hath been — if thou hast not delighted in her, that thou hast sent her away at her desire, and thou dost not at all sell her for money; thou dost not tyrannize over her, because that thou hast humbled her.
It shall be, if you have no delight in her, then you shall let her go where she desires; but you shall not sell her at all for money. You shall not deal with her as a slave, because you have humbled her.
And it shall be, if thou shalt 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.
Rut if afterwards she please thee not, thou shalt let her go free, but thou mayst not sell her for money nor oppress her by might because thou hast humbled her.
Later, if he no longer is pleased with her, he will be permitted to allow her to leave him. But because she was forced to have sex with him, he will not be allowed to treat her like a slave and sell her to someone else.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 21:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 21:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָ֞ה
אִם
לֹ֧א
חָפַ֣צְתָּ
בָּ֗/הּ
וְ/שִׁלַּחְתָּ/הּ֙
לְ/נַפְשָׁ֔/הּ
וּ/מָכֹ֥ר
לֹא
תִמְכְּרֶ֖/נָּה
בַּ/כָּ֑סֶף
לֹא
תִתְעַמֵּ֣ר
בָּ֔/הּ
תַּ֖חַת
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
עִנִּיתָֽ/הּ
וְ/הָיָ֞ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
לֹ֧א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
חָפַ֣צְתָּ
châphêts
H2654
to delight in
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
בָּ֗/הּ
Prep | Suff
וְ/שִׁלַּחְתָּ/הּ֙
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Piel-2ms | Suff
לְ/נַפְשָׁ֔/הּ
nephesh
H5315
soul
Prep | N-cs | Suff
וּ/מָכֹ֥ר
mâkar
H4376
to sell
Conj | V-Qal-Ptc
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִמְכְּרֶ֖/נָּה
mâkar
H4376
to sell
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
בַּ/כָּ֑סֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
Prep | N-ms
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִתְעַמֵּ֣ר
ʻâmar
H6014
to bind
V-Hithpael-Imperf-2ms
בָּ֔/הּ
Prep | Suff
תַּ֖חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עִנִּיתָֽ/הּ
ʻânâh
H6031
be occupied
V-Piel-Perf-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 21:14
וְ/הָיָ֞ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לֹ֧א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
חָפַ֣צְתָּ
châphêts
H2654
"to delight in"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This verb means to be pleased with something or someone. In the Bible, it describes God's delight in his people and their desire to follow him, like in Psalm 51.
Definition: 1) to delight in, take pleasure in, desire, be pleased with 1a) (Qal) 1a1) of men 1a1a) to take pleasure in, delight in 1a1b) to delight, desire, be pleased to do 1a2) of God 1a2a) to delight in, have pleasure in 1a2b) to be pleased to do
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any at all, (have, take) delight, desire, favour, like, move, be (well) pleased, have pleasure, will, would. See also: Genesis 34:19; Psalms 51:21; Psalms 18:20.
בָּ֗/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/שִׁלַּחְתָּ/הּ֙
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Piel-2ms | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
לְ/נַפְשָׁ֔/הּ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
וּ/מָכֹ֥ר
mâkar
H4376
"to sell"
Conj | V-Qal-Ptc
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to sell something or someone, like a merchant selling goods or a father selling his daughter into marriage. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. The word can also mean to surrender or give something up.
Definition: 1) to sell 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sell 1a2) seller (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sold 1b2) to sell oneself 1b3) to be given over to death 1c) (Hithpael) to sell oneself
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, sell (away, -er, self). See also: Genesis 25:31; Deuteronomy 32:30; Psalms 44:13.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִמְכְּרֶ֖/נָּה
mâkar
H4376
"to sell"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to sell something or someone, like a merchant selling goods or a father selling his daughter into marriage. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. The word can also mean to surrender or give something up.
Definition: 1) to sell 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sell 1a2) seller (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sold 1b2) to sell oneself 1b3) to be given over to death 1c) (Hithpael) to sell oneself
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, sell (away, -er, self). See also: Genesis 25:31; Deuteronomy 32:30; Psalms 44:13.
בַּ/כָּ֑סֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
Prep | N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִתְעַמֵּ֣ר
ʻâmar
H6014
"to bind"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-2ms
Refers to treating someone unfairly or like a slave, as seen in the story of Joseph in Genesis 37:28, where his brothers sold him into slavery. It can also mean to manipulate or take advantage of someone for personal gain.
Definition: 1) to bind sheaves 1a) (Piel) to gather
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: bind sheaves, make merchandise of. See also: Deuteronomy 21:14; Deuteronomy 24:7; Psalms 129:7.
בָּ֔/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
תַּ֖חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עִנִּיתָֽ/הּ
ʻânâh
H6031
"be occupied"
V-Piel-Perf-2ms | Suff
To afflict or oppress someone, making them feel low or depressed. In the Bible, it can also mean to humble oneself, as seen in Psalm 35:13. It involves being put down or becoming weak.
Definition: (Qal) to be occupied, be busied with
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abase self, afflict(-ion, self), answer (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), chasten self, deal hardly with, defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble (self), hurt, ravish, sing (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), speak (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), submit self, weaken, [idiom] in any wise. See also: Genesis 15:13; 2 Kings 17:20; Psalms 35:13.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 21:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 21:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 21:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 21:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:14
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 21:14
- Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 21:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:14
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 21:14
Context — Marrying a Captive Woman
12then you shall bring her into your house. She must shave her head, trim her nails,
13and put aside the clothing of her captivity. After she has lived in your house a full month and mourned her father and mother, you may have relations with her and be her husband, and she shall be your wife.
14And if you are not pleased with her, you are to let her go wherever she wishes. But you must not sell her for money or treat her as a slave, since you have dishonored her.
15If a man has two wives, one beloved and the other unloved, and both bear him sons, but the unloved wife has the firstborn son, 16when that man assigns his inheritance to his sons he must not appoint the son of the beloved wife as the firstborn over the son of the unloved wife.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 22:29 | 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. |
| 2 | Genesis 34:2 | When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the region, saw her, he took her and lay with her by force. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 22:19 | They are also to fine him a hundred shekels of silver and give them to the young woman’s father, because this man has given a virgin of Israel a bad name. And she shall remain his wife; he must not divorce her as long as he lives. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 22:24 | you must take both of them out to the gate of that city and stone them to death—the young woman because she did not cry out in the city, and the man because he has violated his neighbor’s wife. So you must purge the evil from among you. |
| 5 | Judges 19:24 | Look, let me bring out my virgin daughter and the man’s concubine, and you can use them and do with them as you wish. But do not do such a vile thing to this man.” |
| 6 | Exodus 21:7–11 | And if a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as the menservants do. If she is displeasing in the eyes of her master who had designated her for himself, he must allow her to be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners, since he has broken faith with her. And if he chooses her for his son, he must deal with her as with a daughter. If he takes another wife, he must not reduce the food, clothing, or marital rights of his first wife. If, however, he does not provide her with these three things, she is free to go without monetary payment. |
Deuteronomy 21:14 Summary
Deuteronomy 21:14 is saying that if a husband is not pleased with his wife, he should let her go and not treat her badly or sell her as a slave. This shows that God wants us to treat others with respect and kindness, even if we are not happy with them. This is similar to what Jesus teaches in Matthew 7:12, where he says to 'treat others the way you want to be treated.' It's also important to remember that God loves and values women, and wants us to treat them with dignity and respect, as seen in 1 Peter 3:7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'dishonor' someone in the context of Deuteronomy 21:14?
To dishonor someone in this context means to treat them with disrespect or shame, as seen in the fact that the husband is no longer pleased with his wife, and this is in contrast to the way God wants husbands to love and respect their wives, as seen in Ephesians 5:25 and 1 Peter 3:7.
Why can't the husband sell his unwanted wife as a slave according to Deuteronomy 21:14?
The husband cannot sell his unwanted wife as a slave because he has already 'dishonored' her by not being pleased with her, and selling her would be a further act of disrespect and shame, which goes against God's commands to treat others with kindness and respect, as seen in Leviticus 25:39-43 and Exodus 21:16.
How does Deuteronomy 21:14 relate to the concept of divorce in the Bible?
Deuteronomy 21:14 does not explicitly mention divorce, but it does provide guidelines for when a husband is no longer pleased with his wife, and it emphasizes the importance of treating her with respect and kindness, even if the marriage ends, as seen in Matthew 19:3-9 and 1 Corinthians 7:10-16.
What does Deuteronomy 21:14 teach us about God's heart for women and the vulnerable?
Deuteronomy 21:14 teaches us that God is concerned with protecting the rights and dignity of women, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized, and this is consistent with other Bible verses that emphasize God's heart for the poor, the widow, and the orphan, such as Psalm 68:5 and Isaiah 1:17.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of treating others with respect and kindness, even when I am not pleased with them, in my own relationships and interactions with others?
- What are some ways that I can 'dishonor' others, and how can I avoid doing so in my daily life?
- How can I balance the need to make difficult decisions in relationships with the importance of treating others with respect and kindness, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:14?
- What does Deuteronomy 21:14 teach me about God's character and his heart for those who are vulnerable or marginalized?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 21:14
And it shall be, if thou have no delight in her;.... Either some time after marriage: then thou shalt let her go whither she will; by a bill of divorce, as the Targum of Jonathan, who understands it
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 21:14
When thou goest forth to war against thine enemies, and the LORD thy God hath delivered them into thine hands, and thou hast taken them captive, When thou goest forth to war ... and seest among the captives a beautiful woman (cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:14
If thou have no delight in her; either, 1. After thou hast married her; and so this is a permission of a divorce, which being indulged towards an Israelitish woman, was not likely to be denied towards a stranger. Or rather, 2. Before thy marriage; for it is not probable, that God having given him competent time for the trial of his affections to her before he was permitted to marry her, would suffer him upon so slight an occasion, within a day or two after so solemn a contract, to send her away; nor is there a word spoken here of any divorce. Thou shalt not make merchandise of her, i.e. make gain of her, either by using her to thy own servile works, or by prostituting her to the lusts or to the service of others. Humbled her, i.e. lain with her, as this phrase is oft used, as ,29 Jude 19:24 ,11.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:14
Deuteronomy 21:14 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.Ver. 14. Because thou hast humbled her.] This expression shows, that God approved not of his fact, which yet he tolerated. By "humbling" her is meant the taking away her honour of chastity; her credit was now gone. The body as a vessel should be "possessed in sanctification and honour."
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:14
Deuteronomy 21:10-14. OF CAPTIVE WOMEN.(10, 11) When thou . . . seest among the captives a beautiful woman.—This could not be among the seven nations, of whom it is said (Deuteronomy 20:1-6), “thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth.” But it may well apply to the recent case of the Midianitish maidens (Numbers 31:15-18), who had been taken captive in great numbers, and would naturally be reduced to slavery. It is clear from this passage that they could not be treated as concubines. (12) Shall shave her head, and pare her nails.—Rashi’s view is that the object of this order is to spoil the beauty of the captive. The long hair is to be cut off, and the nails pared. On this last point the Targums differ; one taking the view that they are to be left to grow and the other the opposite interpretation. In 2 Samuel 19:24, there are two examples of the use of the word in the sense of attending to the person. The correct interpretation in this place depends upon the purpose for which the thing was to be done. If the intention was any kind of purification, and long or taper nails were considered an ornament (as by some Eastern nations), it is more probable that the nails were to be cut short. (13) The raiment of her captivity.—Rashi takes this to mean the beautiful raiment put on for the purpose of attracting her captors.
(Compare Jezebel’s attempt to captivate Jehu, 2 Kings 9:30.) Whatever may be the precise intent of these several instructions, it is clear that the law is intended to encourage lawful marriage, and no other form of union. In this view it throws an important light upon the treatment of the Midianitish captives in Numbers 31 (14) Thou shalt not make merchandise of her.—This shows that, in ordinary cases, these captives would be sold as slaves, without the restrictions imposed on Israelitish slavery. (See Leviticus 25:44-46.)
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 21:14
14. let her go] Lit. dismiss, the term for divorce, the right of which was the husband’s alone, but in this case is qualified by the following. whither she will] Lit. according to her desire; therefore rather as she will, as full mistress of herself; cp. Jeremiah 34:16 of freed slaves. thou shalt not sell her, etc.] So in E, Exodus 21:8, of the married slave whom her husband wishes to divorce. deal with her as a slave] Only here and Deuteronomy 24:7. Although the Ar. forms of the root imply rancour or malice, the Heb. vb seems only to mean deal with her as her owner (Driver, ‘play the master over her’). because, etc.] Cp Deuteronomy 22:24; Deuteronomy 22:29.
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 21:14
Thou shalt not make merchandise of her - Rather, thou shalt not constrain her: literally “treat her with constraint,” or “treat her as a slave.”
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:14
14. Thou shalt not make merchandise of her — Better translated, thou shalt not lay hands upon her — that is, to treat her as a slave.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 21:14
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Some More Particular Directions for Maintaining Continual Communion With God by Philip Doddridge | Philip Doddridge preaches about the importance of maintaining a devout, spiritual, and heavenly character in daily life, emphasizing the need for self-examination, prayer, and devo |
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(Genesis) Genesis 34:1-9 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, and how she was defiled by Sheikham, the son of Hamor. The preacher emphasizes the importance of u |
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Free to Be by Jon Appleton | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their role as a structured affiliate of a state bad disconvention, attending meetings and engaging in superficial interactions. They share a |