Exodus 22:16
Amharic Gofa GFBEVF (ጌሻ ማፃፋ)
“እስ አስ እስ ጌላእዉ ጭምድ፥ ኢራ ዝንኤትያባ ግድኮ፥ እዉ አጫ እምድ፥ ባዉ ማቾ ኦ።
What Does This Mean?
This verse is about a man who seduces an unmarried woman and has sex with her. He must marry her and provide for her. The key message is about responsibility and consequences.
Explained for Children
Imagine if you convinced your friend to share their favorite toy and then broke it. You'd need to buy them a new one, right? Similarly, if a man convinces a girl to do something that changes her life, he has to take care of her by marrying her.
Historical Background
Exodus was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BCE. The audience was the Israelites, who were transitioning from slavery in Egypt to a new way of life. This verse reflects cultural norms and laws to protect women in society.
Living It Out Today
In today's context, if someone manipulates a person into a situation that changes their life, they should take responsibility. For example, if a colleague convinces an employee to work overtime without pay and it impacts their personal life, the colleague should help rectify the situation.
Topics
responsibilityconsequencesmarriageprotectionethicssexuality
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this verse apply to all cultures and times?
This verse reflects the cultural and legal context of ancient Israel. While the principles of responsibility and protection are timeless, specific applications may vary across cultures and times.
What does 'endow her' mean?
'Endow her' means to provide the woman with a dowry, which is a gift of money or property given to her to ensure her financial security in marriage.
How does this verse relate to modern marriage laws?
Modern marriage laws focus on consent and equality. While this verse emphasizes responsibility, contemporary laws often require both parties to consent freely and equally in marriage.
What if the man does not want to marry the woman?
The verse clearly states that the man must marry the woman he has seduced, reflecting the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and the protection of the woman's honor and future.