“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;”
This verse is part of a larger passage in Deuteronomy 22 that contains various laws and regulations pertaining to sexual ethics and moral conduct:It addresses a situation where a man lays hold of a virgin woman who is not betrothed and has sexual relations with her.
Let’s delve into the context and meaning of this verse.
Firstly, it’s important to note that the Bible is a collection of ancient texts that reflect the cultural and societal norms of their time.
This particular verse needs to be understood in light of the broader principles of justice, morality, and God’s intent for human relationships throughout the entirety of Scripture.
In the preceding verses (Deuteronomy 22:23-27):God provides laws regarding sexual misconduct.
If a man was found to have committed adultery with a married woman, both the man and the woman were to be put to death.
If a man was found to have violated a betrothed woman in the city, only the man would be put to death, assuming that the woman had not cried out for help.
However, if the incident occurred in the countryside where no one could hear her cries for help, only the man would be held responsible.
Now, let’s focus on Deuteronomy 22:28 specifically:This verse addresses a scenario where a man finds a virgin who is not betrothed, seizes her, and lies with her.
In this case, it is important to understand that the emphasis is not on consent or mutual agreement but on the preservation of the woman’s virginity and honor:
This verse may appear troubling or difficult to reconcile with contemporary values of consent and the dignity of women:
However, it’s crucial to remember that the biblical laws, including this verse, were given to the ancient Israelites within a specific cultural and historical context.
In this context, the law served to protect the rights and honor of women:particularly in a society where a woman’s virginity was highly valued.
If a man violated a woman’s virginity, he was required to take responsibility for his actions by marrying her and providing for her as his wife.
This provision aimed to preserve the woman’s reputation:ensuring that she would not be left in a vulnerable and marginalized state in society.
While the verse does not explicitly mention consent, it is important to recognize that the Bible upholds the inherent dignity and value of every individual:including women.
The principles of love, respect, and consent are echoed throughout the Scriptures, particularly in passages that emphasize the importance of mutual respect and honoring one another.
When studying the Bible, it is crucial to approach it holistically, taking into account the teachings of Jesus Christ:who emphasized love, compassion, and treating others as we would like to be treated (Matthew 22:39).
The teachings and example of Jesus help to provide a more comprehensive understanding of God’s will for human relationships and morality.
In summary, Deuteronomy 22:28 addresses a specific cultural context where the focus was on protecting the honor and well‑being of women:
However, it’s essential to interpret this verse in light of the broader teachings of Scripture, including the principles of love, respect, and consent that Jesus emphasized.
