Deuteronomy 22:28
Deuteronomy 22:28 in Multiple Translations
If a man encounters a virgin who is not pledged in marriage, and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are discovered,
¶ If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, which is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found;
If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, that is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found;
If a man sees a young virgin, who has not given her word to be married to anyone, and he takes her by force and has connection with her, and discovery is made of it;
If a man happens to meet a virgin who is not engaged, and he grabs her and rapes her, and someone sees them,
If a man finde a mayde that is not betrothed, and take her, and lye with her, and they be founde,
'When a man findeth a damsel, a virgin who is not betrothed, and hath caught her, and lain with her, and they have been found,
If a man finds a lady who is a virgin, who is not pledged to be married, grabs her and lies with her, and they are found,
If a man shall find a damsel that is a virgin, who is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found;
If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, who is not espoused, and taking her, lie with her, and the matter come to judgment:
“If a man rapes a young woman who is not engaged/promised to be married, if someone sees him while he is doing that,
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 22:28
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 22:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
יִמְצָ֣א
אִ֗ישׁ
נער
נַעֲרָ֤ה
בְתוּלָה֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
לֹא
אֹרָ֔שָׂה
וּ/תְפָשָׂ֖/הּ
וְ/שָׁכַ֣ב
עִמָּ֑/הּ
וְ/נִמְצָֽאוּ
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יִמְצָ֣א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
נער
naʻărâh
H5291
maiden
N-fs
נַעֲרָ֤ה
naʻărâh
H5291
maiden
N-fs
בְתוּלָה֙
bᵉthûwlâh
H1330
virgin
N-fs
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֹרָ֔שָׂה
ʼâras
H781
to betroth
V-Pual-Perf-3fs
וּ/תְפָשָׂ֖/הּ
tâphas
H8610
to capture
Conj | V-Qal-3ms | Suff
וְ/שָׁכַ֣ב
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
עִמָּ֑/הּ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
וְ/נִמְצָֽאוּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 22:28
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
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.
אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
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.
נער
naʻărâh
H5291
"maiden"
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.
נַעֲרָ֤ה
naʻărâh
H5291
"maiden"
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.
בְתוּלָה֙
bᵉthûwlâh
H1330
"virgin"
N-fs
A virgin, or bride, is described by this word, emphasizing her private and untouched state, as seen in the stories of Genesis and Esther.
Definition: virgin
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: maid, virgin. See also: Genesis 24:16; Isaiah 23:12; Psalms 45:15.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
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.
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.
אֹרָ֔שָׂה
ʼâras
H781
"to betroth"
V-Pual-Perf-3fs
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.
וּ/תְפָשָׂ֖/הּ
tâphas
H8610
"to capture"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms | Suff
To capture or seize something, like in 1 Kings 13:4, where a prophet grabs the king's altar. It means to take hold of or grasp something firmly.
Definition: 1) to catch, handle, lay hold, take hold of, seize, wield 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lay hold of, seize, arrest, catch 1a2) to grasp (in order to) wield, wield, use skilfully 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be arrested, be caught, be taken, captured 1c) (Piel) to catch, grasp (with the hands)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: catch, handle, (lay, take) hold (on, over), stop, [idiom] surely, surprise, take. See also: Genesis 4:21; Jeremiah 2:8; Psalms 10:2.
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.
וְ/נִמְצָֽאוּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
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.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 22:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 22:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 22:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:28
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 22:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:28
Context — Marriage Violations
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.
28If a man encounters a virgin who is not pledged in marriage, and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are discovered,
29then 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. 30A man is not to marry his father’s wife, so that he will not dishonor his father’s marriage bed.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 22:16–17 | If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged in marriage and sleeps with her, he must pay the full dowry for her to be his wife. If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, the man still must pay an amount comparable to the bridal price of a virgin. |
Deuteronomy 22:28 Summary
Deuteronomy 22:28 is talking about a situation where a man forces himself on a woman who is not married or promised to anyone. This verse is part of a bigger section in the Bible that teaches us about respecting each other's boundaries and commitments, like we see in Exodus 22:16-17. It's saying that if someone does something like this, they need to take responsibility and make things right, which is similar to the idea of restitution found in Numbers 5:5-8. The Bible wants us to understand that our actions have consequences and that we should always try to do what is right and honorable, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Deuteronomy 22:28?
Deuteronomy 22:28 is part of a larger section in the book of Deuteronomy that deals with laws related to marriage, family, and community, as seen in Deuteronomy 22:13-30, which provides guidance on various situations involving marriage and relationships, similar to the principles found in Exodus 22:16-17.
Why does the verse specify that the woman is not pledged in marriage?
The specification that the woman is not pledged in marriage is important because it distinguishes this situation from one in which a man would violate a woman who is already betrothed, as discussed in Deuteronomy 22:23-24, highlighting the importance of respecting commitments and boundaries in relationships, as taught in Malachi 2:14-15.
What happens if the man and woman are discovered, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 22:28?
If the man and woman are discovered, the man must pay the young woman's father fifty shekels of silver and marry her, as stated in Deuteronomy 22:29, demonstrating the seriousness with which the Bible views the violation of a woman's purity and the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions, similar to the principles found in Numbers 5:5-8.
How does this verse relate to the broader biblical theme of sexual purity?
Deuteronomy 22:28 contributes to the Bible's overall emphasis on sexual purity and the importance of respecting the boundaries and commitments of others, as seen in passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 and Hebrews 13:4, which encourage believers to live with self-control and honor in their relationships.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which Deuteronomy 22:28 challenges or affirms my current understanding of sexual purity and relationships?
- How can I apply the principles of respect, responsibility, and self-control found in this verse to my own life and relationships?
- In what ways can I demonstrate a commitment to honoring the boundaries and commitments of others, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 22:28?
- What role does accountability play in maintaining sexual purity, and how can I cultivate a culture of accountability in my own community?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 22:28
If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, which is not betrothed,.... That is, meets with one in a field, which is not espoused to a man; and the man is supposed to be an unmarried man, as appears by
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:28
i.e. An unmarried man, as appears, 1. From his obligation to marry the person he abused, which it is not probable would have been imposed upon him, had he been married. 2. Because if the man had been married, this had been adultery, and so had been punished with death. Lay hold on her; which notes some kind of force or artifice, whereby she was overpowered; whereas , she was enticed, which implies consent, and therefore the man doth here receive a greater punishment, because he used hostile violence towards her, which was the greater sin.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:28
Deuteronomy 22:28-29.—.See Exodus 22:16-17. The sin of seduction before marriage is punished by a heavy fine. We have recently amended our own laws in the direction of this very precept. But the fact that marriage was made compulsory in these cases makes the Law stricter still. It seems, however, from Exodus 22:17, that the girl’s father might forbid the marriage, though the seducer could not escape from it in any other way. (30) See Leviticus 18:7. A principle, not merely a precept, is implied here, as appears by the details of Leviticus 18
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 22:28
13–30. Six Laws on Cases of Unchastity Of these the first five prescribe the procedure in criminal cases:—1st. Of a Husband’s Charges against His Bride (Deuteronomy 22:13-21); 2nd. Of Adultery (Deuteronomy 22:22); 3rd. Of Dishonouring a Betrothed Virgin with her consent (Deuteronomy 22:23 f.); 4th. Of the Same without her consent (Deuteronomy 22:25-27); 5th. Of Dishonouring an Unbetrothed Virgin (Deuteronomy 22:28 f.); while the 6th forbids Marriage with a Father’s Wife (30 [Deuteronomy 23:1]). Of the first five each opens similarly to each of the group Deuteronomy 21:15-23, i.e. with an if, and differently from those of the group Deuteronomy 22:1-12, and they share with the former group and with Deuteronomy 19:1-13, and other laws, these marks:—the elders are the public authority, Deuteronomy 22:15 ff., cp. Deuteronomy 19:12, Deuteronomy 21:3; Deuteronomy 21:19 f.; neighbour (not brother, characteristic of the Sg. passages) is used, Deuteronomy 22:24; Deuteronomy 22:26, cp. Deuteronomy 19:4 f., Deuteronomy 19:11; Deuteronomy 19:14; field (sadeh) in its wider sense, Deuteronomy 22:25; Deuteronomy 22:27, cp.
Deuteronomy 21:1; and sin worthy of death (ḥ ?eṭ ?’-maweth), Deuteronomy 22:26, cp. Deuteronomy 19:6, Deuteronomy 21:22. The direct address to Israel is seldom used, and the form varies. In the closing formulas, Deuteronomy 22:21-22; Deuteronomy 22:24, it is Sg. and Sg. also in the body of the 4th law, Deuteronomy 22:24 (unless this be editorial), but Sam. LXX have Pl. In the body of the 3rd law, Deuteronomy 22:24, it is Pl. In considering these plain-spoken laws it is just to remember that with all their imperfections they represent an advance in social ethics; an upward stage in the struggle against debasing practices and the animal passions of men. That we do not need some of them to-day is due to the fact that their enforcement under religious sanction was needed at the time of their origin. It is only ignorance or ingratitude which can cavil at their spirit or their form.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:28
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.