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.

Study Bible

the man who has raped her
The Hebrew word used here is "תָּפַשׂ" (taphas), which means to seize or lay hold of. In the context of ancient Israel, this phrase indicates a grave violation of personal and communal ethics. The act of rape is condemned throughout Scripture, and this passage underscores the severity of the offense. The societal structure of ancient Israel placed a high value on family honor and the protection of women, and this law reflects the need to address the violation of both.

must pay the young woman’s father fifty shekels of silver
The payment of "fifty shekels of silver" serves as a form of restitution. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a bride price was customary, and this payment is a significant sum, indicating the seriousness of the offense. The shekel was a standard unit of weight and currency, and this payment was meant to compensate the family for the loss of the woman's virginity, which was highly valued in that society. It also served as a deterrent against such acts, emphasizing the economic and social consequences of violating a woman.

and she must become his wife
This phrase reflects the cultural context of the time, where marriage was often seen as a means of providing security and social standing for women. While modern readers may find this solution troubling, it is important to understand that in the ancient world, a woman who had been violated might have faced significant social stigma and difficulty finding a husband. This law aimed to ensure her protection and provision, albeit through a means that reflects the patriarchal norms of the time.

because he has violated her
The Hebrew word for "violated" is "עָנָה" (anah), which conveys the sense of affliction or humiliation. This term highlights the gravity of the offense and the deep personal and social harm caused by such an act. The use of this word underscores the need for justice and restitution, as well as the recognition of the woman's suffering.

He can never divorce her as long as he lives
This stipulation serves as a lifelong consequence for the man, ensuring that he cannot abandon the woman he has wronged. In a society where divorce could leave a woman vulnerable, this law provided a measure of security and stability for her. It also served as a deterrent, emphasizing the seriousness of the commitment and the responsibility the man must bear for his actions.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Man
The individual who has committed the act of violating the young woman. In the context of ancient Israel, he is held accountable for his actions through financial restitution and marriage.

2. The Young Woman
The victim of the violation. The law seeks to provide her with protection and security through marriage, though this is a complex and sensitive issue in modern interpretation.

3. The Father
The young woman's father, who receives the payment of fifty shekels of silver. This reflects the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society, where the father had authority over his daughter.

4. Fifty Shekels of Silver
The monetary compensation required by the law. This amount signifies a significant financial responsibility, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense.

5. Marriage
The resulting union between the man and the young woman, intended to provide her with social and economic security, though it raises ethical questions today.

Teaching Points

Understanding Cultural Context
Recognize the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel, where laws were designed to protect women in a patriarchal society.

The Value of Accountability
The requirement for the man to pay and marry the woman underscores the importance of accountability and responsibility for one's actions.

The Complexity of Justice
While the law aimed to provide protection, it also highlights the complexity of justice and the need for compassion and understanding in applying biblical principles today.

The Role of Restitution
The financial restitution reflects the principle of making amends, which is a recurring theme in biblical justice.

Modern Application
Consider how principles of accountability, protection, and restitution can be applied in contemporary situations, advocating for justice and support for victims.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the cultural and historical context of Deuteronomy 22:29 help us interpret its meaning today?

2. In what ways does the requirement for the man to marry the woman reflect the values and societal norms of ancient Israel?

3. How can we apply the principles of accountability and restitution found in this passage to modern issues of justice and victim support?

4. What are the ethical challenges presented by this law, and how can we address them from a Christian perspective?

5. How do other biblical passages, such as Exodus 22:16-17 and Matthew 19:8, help us understand the broader biblical approach to issues of violation and marriage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 22:16-17
This passage also addresses the consequences of a man seducing a virgin, requiring him to pay a bride price and marry her unless the father refuses.

Genesis 34
The account of Dinah and Shechem provides a account context for understanding the cultural and familial implications of such violations in ancient times.

Matthew 19:8
Jesus speaks about the hardness of human hearts and the concessions made in the law, which can provide insight into the historical context of Deuteronomy 22:29.