Deuteronomy 22:23
Deuteronomy 22:23 in Multiple Translations
If there is a virgin pledged in marriage to a man, and another man encounters her in the city and sleeps with her,
¶ If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her;
If there be a damsel that is a virgin betrothed unto a husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her;
If a young virgin has given her word to be married to a man, and another man meeting her in the town, has connection with her;
If a man meets a girl, a virgin engaged to another man, and sleeps with her there in the town,
If a maid be betrothed vnto an husband, and a man finde her in the towne and lye with her,
'When there is a damsel, a virgin, betrothed to a man, and a man hath found her in a city, and lain with her;
If there is a young lady who is a virgin pledged to be married to a husband, and a man finds her in the city, and lies with her,
If a damsel that is a virgin shall be betrothed to a husband, and a man shall find her in the city, and lie with her;
If a man have espoused a damsel that is a virgin, and some one find her in the city, and lie with her,
“Suppose in some town a man sees a young woman who is engaged/promised to be married to another man, and he is caught having sex with [EUP] her.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 22:23
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 22:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
יִהְיֶה֙
נער
נַעֲרָ֣ה
בְתוּלָ֔ה
מְאֹרָשָׂ֖ה
לְ/אִ֑ישׁ
וּ/מְצָאָ֥/הּ
אִ֛ישׁ
בָּ/עִ֖יר
וְ/שָׁכַ֥ב
עִמָּֽ/הּ
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יִהְיֶה֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
נער
naʻărâh
H5291
maiden
N-fs
נַעֲרָ֣ה
naʻărâh
H5291
maiden
N-fs
בְתוּלָ֔ה
bᵉthûwlâh
H1330
virgin
N-fs
מְאֹרָשָׂ֖ה
ʼâras
H781
to betroth
V-Pual-Inf-c
לְ/אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-ms
וּ/מְצָאָ֥/הּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
Conj | V-Qal-3ms | Suff
אִ֛ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
בָּ/עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Prep | N-fs
וְ/שָׁכַ֥ב
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
עִמָּֽ/הּ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 22:23
כִּ֤י
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.
יִהְיֶה֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
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.
נַעֲרָ֣ה
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.
בְתוּלָ֔ה
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.
מְאֹרָשָׂ֖ה
ʼâras
H781
"to betroth"
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.
לְ/אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | 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.
וּ/מְצָאָ֥/הּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms | Suff
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.
אִ֛ישׁ
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.
בָּ/עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
וְ/שָׁכַ֥ב
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.
עִמָּֽ/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.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 22:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 22:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 22:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 22:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:23
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 22:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:23
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 22:23
Context — Marriage Violations
21she shall be brought to the door of her father’s house, and there the men of her city will stone her to death. For she has committed an outrage in Israel by being promiscuous in her father’s house. So you must purge the evil from among you.
22If a man is found lying with another man’s wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die. You must purge the evil from Israel.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 1:18–19 | This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 20:7 | Has any man become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man marry her.” |
Deuteronomy 22:23 Summary
[Deuteronomy 22:23 is a verse that talks about what happens if a man sleeps with a woman who is already promised to marry another man. This is a serious offense because it breaks the commitment that the woman has made to her future husband, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:7. The Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred covenant between two people, and that we should respect and honor these commitments, as commanded in Exodus 20:17 and Matthew 19:4-6. By understanding this verse, we can learn more about the importance of faithfulness and purity in our own relationships, and how to promote a culture of respect and consent in our communities.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of a woman being 'pledged in marriage' in Deuteronomy 22:23?
In biblical times, being pledged in marriage was a formal agreement between two families, similar to modern-day engagement, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:7 and Matthew 1:18-19. This pledge was a commitment to marry and was considered a binding contract.
Why is it important that the encounter happened 'in the city'?
The fact that the encounter happened in the city is significant because it implies that the woman could have cried out for help, but did not, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 22:24. This distinction is important in determining the woman's guilt or innocence.
How does this verse relate to the concept of consent in marriage?
This verse highlights the importance of consent in marriage, as the woman is pledged to another man and the encounter with another man is considered a violation of that commitment, as seen in Exodus 22:16-17. The Bible teaches that marriage is a covenant between two people and that faithfulness is essential.
What is the purpose of the laws in Deuteronomy 22:22-25?
The laws in Deuteronomy 22:22-25 serve to protect the sanctity of marriage and to promote faithfulness and purity within the community, as commanded in Leviticus 18:20 and Matthew 5:27-28. They also provide a means of punishing those who would seek to violate these principles.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's heart for the sanctity of marriage and the importance of faithfulness?
- How can I apply the principles of faithfulness and purity in my own relationships and community?
- What are some ways that I can promote a culture of respect and consent in my own life and in the lives of those around me?
- How can I balance the need for justice and punishment with the need for mercy and forgiveness, as seen in Deuteronomy 22:22-25?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 22:23
If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband,.... But not married, not as yet brought home to her husband's house, and the marriage consummated; for the Jews distinguish between being
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 22:23
If any man take a wife, and go in unto her, and hate her, If any man take a wife ... The regulations that follow might be imperatively needful in the then situation of the Israelites; and yet it is
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:23
By this betrothing she had actually engaged herself to another man, and was in some sort his with, and therefore is sometimes so called, as .
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:23
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).
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 22:23
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 22:23
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.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 22:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Virgin Birth of Christ by W.H. Griffith Thomas | W.H. Griffith Thomas delves into the significance of the Virgin Birth in explaining the earthly origin and uniqueness of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of considering t |
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Just the Name We Need by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's presence in the sorrows of life. He encourages listeners to trust in God as their shepherd and not fear |
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Revival (Alternative Version) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the brutal treatment of slaves in the past, highlighting the inhumane conditions they endured. He emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spiri |
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Understanding Mormonism by Ron Carlson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having an objective basis of authority to test all visions, revelations, and testimonies. He asserts that God's Word, the B |
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Hold Fast to That Which You Have by John Follette | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the symbolism of a betrothal between the bride and the bridegroom, relating it to our relationship with Christ. He emphasizes the importance o |
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Something Is Wrong - Part 01 of 05 by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of creation and the different types of lightness that exist. They explain that there is a natural lightness that covers our person |
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Making Much of Jesus by Ralph Sexton | In this sermon, the speaker expresses his deep affection for his friends and heroes in the audience, but acknowledges that they cannot provide what he truly needs. He encourages th |