Deuteronomy 22:26

Verse

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.

American Standard Version (1901)

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;

Bible in Basic English

Nothing is to be done to the virgin, because there is no cause of death in her: it is the same as if a man made an attack on his neighbour and put him to death:

Douay-Rheims 1899

The damsel shall suffer nothing, neither is she guilty of death: for as a robber riseth against his brother, and taketh away his life, so also did the damsel suffer:

Free Bible Version

Don't do anything to the woman, because she has not committed a sin punishable by death. (This is the same kind of situation as when a man attacks someone else and murders them.)

Geneva Bible 1599

And vnto the mayd thou shalt do nothing, because there is in the mayde no cause of death: for as when a man riseth against his neighbour and woundeth him to death, so is this matter.

King James (Authorized) Version

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:

One Unity Resource Bible

but to the lady you shall do nothing. There is in the lady no sin worthy of death; for as when a man rises against his neighbor, and kills him, even so is this matter;

Translation for Translators

You must not punish the young woman, because she did not do anything for which she deserves to be executed. This case is like when one man attacks another man in the countryside and murders him,

Unlocked Literal Bible

But to the girl you must do nothing; there is no sin worthy of death in the girl. For this case is like when a man attacks his neighbor and kills him.

Noah Webster Bible

But to 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:

World English Bible

but to the lady you shall do nothing. There is in the lady no sin worthy of death; for as when a man rises against his neighbor and kills him, even so is this matter;

Young's Literal Translation

and to the damsel thou dost not do anything, the damsel hath no deadly sin; for as a man riseth against his neighbour and hath murdered him — the life, so [is] this thing;

Context

Marriage Violations

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.

Summary

This verse addresses a situation where a man assaults and violates a woman who is betrothed to another man. It highlights the importance of protecting the vulnerable and ensuring justice for the victim. The severity of the punishment reflects the value God places on human life and dignity, emphasizing the need for accountability and righteousness in society. This law serves as a reminder of God's concern for the oppressed and marginalized, calling for compassion and fairness in all circumstances.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

For he found her in the field,.... Which is a circumstance in her favour, from which it might he presumed that she was forced, and did not consent; for had the sin been committed by agreement, they would doubtless have betook themselves to another place: and the betrothed damsel cried as it might be concluded from the above circumstance she did, and as she herself declared, and which he could not gainsay, or however disprove: and there was none to save her; to help her against him, and deliver her out of his hands.