Deuteronomy 22:29
Arabic Bible AVD 1999 (الكتاب المقدس)
يُعْطِي ٱلرَّجُلُ ٱلَّذِي ٱضْطَجَعَ مَعَهَا لِأَبِي ٱلْفَتَاةِ خَمْسِينَ مِنَ ٱلْفِضَّةِ، وَتَكُونُ هِيَ لَهُ زَوْجَةً مِنْ أَجْلِ أَنَّهُ قَدْ أَذَلَّهَا. لَا يَقْدِرُ أَنْ يُطَلِّقَهَا كُلَّ أَيَّامِهِ.
What Does This Mean?
This verse is about a man who has sex with an unmarried woman. The man must pay fifty shekels of silver to the woman's father and marry her because he has 'humbled' her, meaning he has dishonored her. He cannot divorce her for the rest of his life.
Explained for Children
Imagine if you accidentally broke your friend's favorite toy, and as a way to make things right, you had to buy them an even better toy. In this case, the man who did something wrong had to give money and marry the girl to make things right, and he couldn't ever leave her.
Historical Background
This verse is part of the Deuteronomy law code, written by Moses around 1400-1200 BCE. It was addressed to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. The law aimed to regulate relationships and social conduct within the community.
Living It Out Today
Today, we can apply this principle by understanding the seriousness of actions that affect others. In a modern context, if someone's actions negatively impact another person, they should take responsibility and make amends, understanding the long-term consequences of their actions.
Topics
marriageresponsibilityconsequenceshonorcommunity lawsjustice
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'humbled her' mean in Deuteronomy 22:29?
In this context, 'humbled her' means that the man has dishonored or compromised the woman's social standing by having sex with her out of marriage. This act required the man to take responsibility and marry her.
How is this law different from modern laws regarding sexual conduct?
This law is rooted in the cultural context of ancient Israel where marriage and honor were closely tied. Modern laws tend to focus more on consent and personal choice, rather than communal or family honor.
Why can't the man divorce the woman according to this law?
The prohibition against divorce in this case underscores the seriousness of the man's actions and his responsibility to the woman he has dishonored. It ensures the man cannot easily discard the consequences of his actions.
What can we learn from this verse about taking responsibility for our actions?
This verse teaches us the importance of taking responsibility for our actions, especially those that affect others. It encourages us to consider the long-term consequences and to make amends when necessary.