Deuteronomy 22:25

Deuteronomy 22:25 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

¶ 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:

American Standard Version ASV

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 BBE

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;

Free Bible Version FBV

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 GNV

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:

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'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;

World English Bible WEB

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;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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:

Translation for Translators T4T

“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.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 22:25

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 22:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְֽ/אִם בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֞ה יִמְצָ֣א הָ/אִ֗ישׁ אֶת ה/נער הַֽ/נַּעֲרָה֙ הַ/מְאֹ֣רָשָׂ֔ה וְ/הֶחֱזִֽיק בָּ֥/הּ הָ/אִ֖ישׁ וְ/שָׁכַ֣ב עִמָּ֑/הּ וּ/מֵ֗ת הָ/אִ֛ישׁ אֲשֶׁר שָׁכַ֥ב עִמָּ֖/הּ לְ/בַדּֽ/וֹ

וְֽ/אִם ʼim H518 if Conj | Conj

בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֞ה sâdeh H7704 field Prep | N-ms

יִמְצָ֣א mâtsâʼ H4672 to find V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

הָ/אִ֗ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

ה/נער naʻărâh H5291 maiden Art | N-fs

הַֽ/נַּעֲרָה֙ naʻărâh H5291 maiden Art | N-fs

הַ/מְאֹ֣רָשָׂ֔ה ʼâras H781 to betroth Art | V-Pual-Inf-c

וְ/הֶחֱזִֽיק châzaq H2388 to strengthen Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms

בָּ֥/הּ Prep | Suff

הָ/אִ֖ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-ms

וְ/שָׁכַ֣ב shâkab H7901 to lie down Conj | V-Qal-3ms

עִמָּ֑/הּ ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff

וּ/מֵ֗ת mûwth H4191 to die Conj | V-Qal-3ms

הָ/אִ֛ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

שָׁכַ֥ב shâkab H7901 to lie down V-Qal-Perf-3ms

עִמָּ֖/הּ ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff

לְ/בַדּֽ/וֹ bad H905 alone Prep | N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 22:25

וְֽ/אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj | 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.

בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֞ה sâdeh H7704 "field" Prep | N-ms

A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.

Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)

Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.

יִמְצָ֣א mâtsâʼ H4672 "to find" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)

Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.

הָ/אִ֗ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

ה/נער naʻărâh H5291 "maiden" Art | N-fs

A maiden is a young, unmarried woman, often described as a servant or attendant. In the Bible, it refers to women like the maidens who served in the temple or the young women who were eligible for marriage.

Definition: 1) girl, damsel, female servant 1a) girl, damsel, little girl 1a1) of young woman, marriageable young woman, concubine, prostitute 1b) maid, female attendant, female servant

Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: damsel, maid(-en), young (woman). See also: Genesis 24:14; Ruth 2:5; Proverbs 9:3.

הַֽ/נַּעֲרָה֙ naʻărâh H5291 "maiden" Art | N-fs

Definition: 1) girl, damsel, female servant 1a) girl, damsel, little girl 1a1) of young woman, marriageable young woman, concubine, prostitute 1b) maid, female attendant, female servant

Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: damsel, maid(-en), young (woman). See also: Genesis 24:14; Ruth 2:5; Proverbs 9:3.

הַ/מְאֹ֣רָשָׂ֔ה ʼâras H781 "to betroth" Art | V-Pual-Inf-c

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to promise marriage, like when a man and woman get engaged. It is used in Deuteronomy 20:7 to describe a man who has recently gotten engaged. This word is about making a commitment to marry someone.

Definition: 1) to betroth, engage 1a) (Piel) to betroth (man or woman) 1b) (Pual) to be betrothed

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: betroth, espouse. See also: Exodus 22:15; Deuteronomy 22:28; Hosea 2:22.

וְ/הֶחֱזִֽיק châzaq H2388 "to strengthen" Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms

To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with

Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.

בָּ֥/הּ "" Prep | Suff

הָ/אִ֖ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | N-ms

וְ/שָׁכַ֣ב shâkab H7901 "to lie down" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.

Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid

Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.

עִמָּ֑/הּ ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.

וּ/מֵ֗ת mûwth H4191 "to die" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.

Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely

Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

הָ/אִ֛ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁר 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.

שָׁכַ֥ב shâkab H7901 "to lie down" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.

עִמָּ֖/הּ ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Suff

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

לְ/בַדּֽ/וֹ bad H905 "alone" Prep | N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.

Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars

Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 22:25

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 22:25 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 22:25
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 22:25
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:25
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:25
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:25
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:25
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 22:25
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:25

Context — Marriage Violations

23If there is a virgin pledged in marriage to a man, and another man encounters her in the city and sleeps with her, 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. 27When he found her in the field, the betrothed woman cried out, but there was no one to save her.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Samuel 13:14	But Amnon refused to listen to her, and being stronger, he violated her and lay with her.

Deuteronomy 22:25 Summary

[This verse teaches us that if someone forces themselves on another person, they will be held responsible for their actions, as seen in Deuteronomy 22:25. It's like what it says in Deuteronomy 19:21, the punishment should fit the crime. The woman in this situation is not blamed because she was in a remote area and couldn't get help, much like the scenario in Deuteronomy 22:27. This shows us that God cares deeply about justice and protecting those who are hurt or taken advantage of, as also seen in Psalm 82:3-4.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the man's punishment differ from the woman's in this situation?

According to Deuteronomy 22:25, the man is held solely responsible because the woman's cries for help in the open country would have gone unheard, much like the scenario described in Deuteronomy 22:27, whereas in the city, her lack of outcry would have implied consent, as seen in Deuteronomy 22:24.

Does this verse imply that the woman is blameless in every situation like this?

As stated in Deuteronomy 22:26, the woman's blamelessness is determined by the circumstances, and in this case, her cries for help and the fact that she was in the open country suggest she did not consent to the act, similar to the principles outlined in Exodus 22:16-17.

How does this verse relate to the broader biblical theme of justice and accountability?

Deuteronomy 22:25 reflects the biblical emphasis on justice and accountability, as seen in verses like Deuteronomy 19:21 and Leviticus 24:20-22, where the punishment fits the crime and the guilty party is held responsible for their actions.

What does this verse teach us about God's view of violence and exploitation?

This verse, along with others like Psalm 82:3-4 and Isaiah 1:17, demonstrates God's strong stance against violence and exploitation, particularly against the vulnerable, and His desire for justice and protection for those who are oppressed.

Reflection Questions

How can I apply the principle of accountability from this verse to my own life, recognizing that my actions have consequences?
In what ways can I be an advocate for justice and protection for those who are vulnerable or exploited, as reflected in God's heart for the oppressed?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of consent and respect in relationships, and how can I apply these principles in my interactions with others?
How does this verse impact my understanding of God's character, particularly in terms of His justice, compassion, and desire to protect the innocent?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 22:25

But if a man find a betrothed damsel in the field,.... Alone, and where she might cry out, and none hear, nor were any to help her: and a man force her, and lie with her; or "take fast and strong

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 22:25

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: If a man find a betrothed damsel.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:25

The man force her; which was to be examined and determined by the consideration of all the circumstances.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:25

Deuteronomy 22:25 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:Ver. 25. And the man force her, and lie with her.] It was a speech of Charles V, emperor, If that impure fellow, Farnesius, who being the Pope’ s general, had forced many fair ladies, were here present, I would kill him with mine own hand. Nec vocem iracundiorem unquam ex Carolo auditam ferunt. Never was he heard to speak so angrily. The Lacedemonian commonwealth was utterly ruined by a rape committed on the two daughters of Scedasus at Leuctra. Parei, Hist. Prof. Medulla.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:25

Deuteronomy 22:23-27. PURITY OF THE .(24) His neighbour’s wife.—It is evident from the language of this precept that a betrothed virgin in Israel is regarded as a wife. The man who humbles her “hath humbled his neighbour’s wife.” This illustrates the language of Matthew 1 Joseph, when Mary was found with child, sought to put her away (as though she were already his wife). The angel said to him, “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife.” He “took unto him his wife.” From the construction of this law it follows that Jesus was the son of Joseph, according to the Scripture. The Evangelists do not seem to think it worth while to prove that He was the son of David except through his father (in law).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:25

Verse 25. And the man force her] A rape also, by these ancient institutions, was punished with death, because a woman's honour was considered equally as precious as her life; therefore the same punishment was inflicted on the ravisher as upon the murderer. This offence is considered in the same point of view in the British laws, and by them also it is punished with death.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 22:25

25. But if in the field the man find, etc.] So the emphatic Heb. order. Field here in its wider and probably earlier sense, of the uncultivated, therefore uninhabited, land. So Deuteronomy 22:27, Deuteronomy 21:1. force] Rather, seize, lay hold of, as in Deuteronomy 25:11.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:25

13-29. If any man take a wife, etc. — This section relates to purity in reference to marriage. The wellbeing of the family and of the state depends upon strict observance of the laws of purity in the relation of husband and wife.

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