Deuteronomy 22:25

Verse

But if the man encounters a betrothed woman in the open country, and he overpowers her and lies with her, only the man who has done this must die.

American Standard Version (1901)

But if the man find the damsel that is betrothed in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her; then the man only that lay with her shall die:

Bible in Basic English

But if the man, meeting such a virgin in the open country, takes her by force, then only the man is to be put to death;

Douay-Rheims 1899

But if a man find a damsel that is betrothed, in the field, and taking hold of her, lie with her, he alone shall die:

Free Bible Version

However, if the man happens to meet a woman who is engaged out in the countryside, and he attacks her and rapes her, only the man has to die.

Geneva Bible 1599

But if a man finde a betrothed mayde in the field, and force her, and lye with her, then the man that lay with her, shall dye alone:

King James (Authorized) Version

¶ But if a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her: then the man only that lay with her shall die:

One Unity Resource Bible

But if the man finds the lady who is pledged to be married in the field, and the man forces her, and lies with her; then only the man who lay with her shall die;

Translation for Translators

“But suppose out in the open countryside a man meets a young woman who is engaged/promised to be married, and he rapes her. If that happens, only that man must be executed.

Unlocked Literal Bible

But if the man finds the engaged girl in the field, and if he seizes her and sleeps with her, then only the man who sleeps with her must die.

Noah Webster Bible

But if a man shall find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man shall force her, and lie with her; then the man only that lay with her shall die:

World English Bible

But if the man finds the lady who is pledged to be married in the field, and the man forces her and lies with her, then only the man who lay with her shall die;

Young's Literal Translation

'And if in a field the man find the damsel who is betrothed, and the man hath laid hold on her, and lain with her, then hath the man who hath lain with her died alone;

Context

Marriage Violations

²⁴you 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.²⁵But if the man encounters a betrothed woman in the open country, and he overpowers her and lies with her, only the man who has done this must die.²⁶Do 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.

Summary

This verse addresses the serious issue of sexual assault, emphasizing the importance of protecting and upholding the dignity of individuals. It highlights the responsibility of a community to ensure justice for the victim and punishment for the perpetrator. The verse underscores the value of human life and the need for accountability in cases of violence and abuse. By condemning such heinous acts, it promotes a society that values righteousness, compassion, and respect for all individuals. Ultimately, this verse reflects God's heart for justice and mercy in the face of evil.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

But unto the damsel thou shalt do nothing,.... Neither fine her, nor beat her, and much less punish her with death: there is in the damsel no sin worthy of death; because what was done to her was done without her will and consent, and was what she was forced to submit unto; but the Targum of Jonathan adds, that the man to whom she was betrothed might dismiss her from himself by a bill of divorce: for as when a man riseth against his neighbour, and slayeth him, even so is this matter; as when a man comes unawares upon another, and lays hold on him, and kills him, being stronger than he, and none to help; so is the case of a woman laid hold on by a man in a field, and ravished by him, where no help could be had; and depriving a woman of her chastity is like taking away a man's life; from this passage Maimonides (c) concludes, that impurities, incests, and adulteries, are equal to murder, to capital cases relating to life and death. (c) Hilchot Yesode Hattorah, c. 5. sect. 10.