Exodus 22:17

“If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.”

Immediate Context

The preceding line reads “And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.” The titled verse reads “If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.” The following line reads “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” Together, these lines place Exodus 22:17 within its immediate canonical and literary sequence.

Reading the Verse

The verse reports an action, event, location, number, or result within the biblical narrative. Its contribution appears through the subject, action, and outcome stated in the sentence.

The sentence centres on “If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.” The wording sets the subject and the limits of interpretation.

Biblical Significance

Biblical narrative communicates through ordered events and consequences. Accuracy about each verse preserves that sequence and guards conclusions from being based on details the passage does not contain.

Application

A faithful response distinguishes description from command and notices how the event fits the surrounding account. Reflection should follow the choices, consequences, and divine activity that the text itself makes visible.

Read in this setting, Exodus 22:17 speaks through its own wording and context. Its claims and application begin with the KJV text above.