Exodus 22:16

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.

American King James Version (AKJV)

And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.

American Standard Version (ASV)

And if a man entice a virgin that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely pay a dowry for her to be his wife.

Basic English Translation (BBE)

If a man takes a virgin, who has not given her word to another man, and has connection with her, he will have to give a bride-price for her to be his wife.

Webster's Revision

And if a man shall entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.

World English Bible

"If a man entices a virgin who isn't pledged to be married, and lies with her, he shall surely pay a dowry for her to be his wife.

English Revised Version (ERV)

And if a man entice a virgin that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely pay a dowry for her to be his wife.

Definitions for Exodus 22:16

Betrothed - To be engaged.

Clarke's Exodus 22:16 Bible Commentary

If a man entice a maid - This was an exceedingly wise and humane law, and must have operated powerfully against seduction and fornication; because the person who might feel inclined to take the advantage of a young woman knew that he must marry her, and give her a dowry, if her parents consented; and if they did not consent that their daughter should wed her seducer, in this case he was obliged to give her the full dowry which could have been demanded had she been still a virgin. According to the Targumist here, and to Deuteronomy 22:29, the dowry was fifty shekels of silver, which the seducer was to pay to her father, and he was obliged to take her to wife; nor had he authority, according to the Jewish canons, ever to put her away by a bill of divorce. This one consideration was a powerful curb on disorderly passions, and must tend greatly to render marriages respectable, and prevent all crimes of this nature.

Barnes's Exodus 22:16 Bible Commentary

See the marginal references.