Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version If a man happens to meet a virgin who is not pledged to be married and rapes her and they are discovered, New Living Translation “Suppose a man has intercourse with a young woman who is a virgin but is not engaged to be married. If they are discovered, English Standard Version “If a man meets a virgin who is not betrothed, and seizes her and lies with her, and they are found, Berean Standard Bible If a man encounters a virgin who is not pledged in marriage, and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are discovered, King James Bible 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; New King James Version “If a man finds a young woman who is a virgin, who is not betrothed, and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are found out, New American Standard Bible “If a man finds a girl who is a virgin, who is not betrothed, and he seizes her and has sexual relations with her, and they are discovered, NASB 1995 “If a man finds a girl who is a virgin, who is not engaged, and seizes her and lies with her and they are discovered, NASB 1977 “If a man finds a girl who is a virgin, who is not engaged, and seizes her and lies with her and they are discovered, Legacy Standard Bible “If a man finds a girl who is a virgin, who is not engaged, and seizes her and lies with her and they are found, Amplified Bible “If a man finds a girl who is a virgin, who is not engaged, and seizes her and is intimate with her and they are discovered, Christian Standard Bible If a man encounters a young woman, a virgin who is not engaged, takes hold of her and rapes her, and they are discovered, Holman Christian Standard Bible If a man encounters a young woman, a virgin who is not engaged, takes hold of her and rapes her, and they are discovered, American Standard Version If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, that is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found; Contemporary English Version Suppose a woman isn't engaged to be married, and a man forces her to have sex with him. If he is caught, English Revised Version 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; GOD'S WORD® Translation This is what you must do when a man rapes a virgin who isn't engaged. When the crime is discovered, Good News Translation "Suppose a man is caught raping a young woman who is not engaged. International Standard Version "However, if a man meets a girl who isn't engaged to be married, and he seizes her, rapes her, and is later found out, NET Bible Suppose a man comes across a virgin who is not engaged and overpowers and rapes her and they are discovered. New Heart English Bible If a man find a woman who is a virgin, who is not pledged to be married, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found; Webster's Bible Translation If a man shall find a damsel that is a virgin, who is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf a man encounters a virgin who is not pledged in marriage, and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are discovered, World English Bible If a man finds a lady who is a virgin, who is not pledged to be married, grabs her and lies with her, and they are found, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWhen a man finds a girl, a virgin who is not betrothed, and has caught her, and lain with her, and they have been found, Young's Literal Translation 'When a man findeth a damsel, a virgin who is not betrothed, and hath caught her, and lain with her, and they have been found, Smith's Literal Translation When a man shall find a maiden, a virgin, which is not betrothed, and lay hold upon her and lay with her, and they were found; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf a man find a damsel that is a virgin, who is not espoused, and taking her, lie with her, and the matter come to judgment : Catholic Public Domain Version If a man find a girl who is a virgin, who does not have a betrothal, and, taking her, he lies with her, and the matter is brought to judgment, New American Bible If a man comes upon a young woman, a virgin who is not betrothed, seizes her and lies with her, and they are discovered, New Revised Standard Version If a man meets a virgin who is not engaged, and seizes her and lies with her, and they are caught in the act, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIf a man finds a damsel who is a virgin who is not betrothed, and seizes her, and lies with her, and they are found; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And if a man finds a virgin girl that was not engaged and he will take her and he shall have sexual intercourse with her and they will be found; OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, that is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found; Brenton Septuagint Translation And if any one should find a young virgin who has not been betrothed, and should force her and lie with her, and be found, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Marriage Violations…27When he found her in the field, the betrothed woman cried out, but there was no one to save her. 28If a man encounters a virgin who is not pledged in marriage, and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are discovered, 29then the man who lay with her must pay the young woman’s father fifty shekels of silver, and she must become his wife because he has violated her. He must not divorce her as long as he lives.… Cross References Exodus 22:16-17 If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged in marriage and sleeps with her, he must pay the full dowry for her to be his wife. / If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, the man still must pay an amount comparable to the bridal price of a virgin. Genesis 34:2-3 When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the region, saw her, he took her and lay with her by force. / And his soul was drawn to Dinah, the daughter of Jacob. He loved the young girl and spoke to her tenderly. 2 Samuel 13:14 But Amnon refused to listen to her, and being stronger, he violated her and lay with her. Leviticus 19:20-22 If a man lies carnally with a slave girl promised to another man but who has not been redeemed or given her freedom, there must be due punishment. But they are not to be put to death, because she had not been freed. / The man, however, must bring a ram to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting as his guilt offering to the LORD. / The priest shall make atonement on his behalf before the LORD with the ram of the guilt offering for the sin he has committed, and he will be forgiven the sin he has committed. Judges 19:24 Look, let me bring out my virgin daughter and the man’s concubine, and you can use them and do with them as you wish. But do not do such a vile thing to this man.” Genesis 29:21-23 Finally Jacob said to Laban, “Grant me my wife, for my time is complete, and I want to sleep with her.” / So Laban invited all the men of that place and prepared a feast. / But when evening came, Laban took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob, and he slept with her. Genesis 24:67 And Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah and took Rebekah as his wife. And Isaac loved her and was comforted after his mother’s death. Ruth 4:10 Moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, to raise up the name of the deceased through his inheritance, so that his name will not disappear from among his brothers or from the gate of his home. You are witnesses today.” Matthew 1:18-19 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. / Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly. 1 Corinthians 7:36-38 However, if someone thinks he is acting inappropriately toward his betrothed, and if she is beyond her youth and they ought to marry, let him do as he wishes; he is not sinning; they should get married. / But the man who is firmly established in his heart and under no constraint, with control over his will and resolve in his heart not to marry the virgin, he will do well. / So then, he who marries the virgin does well, but he who does not marry her does even better. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. / Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; / you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; / each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, Ephesians 5:3 But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed. Hebrews 13:4 Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers. 1 Timothy 5:14 So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander. Treasury of Scripture 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; because he hath humbled Deuteronomy 22:19,24 And they shall amerce him in an hundred shekels of silver, and give them unto the father of the damsel, because he hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin of Israel: and she shall be his wife; he may not put her away all his days… Deuteronomy 21:14 And it shall be, if thou have no delight in her, then thou shalt let her go whither she will; but thou shalt not sell her at all for money, thou shalt not make merchandise of her, because thou hast humbled her. Jump to Previous Betrothed Caught Connection Damsel Discovered Discovery Engaged Happens Hold Lady Lies Married Meet Meets Pledged Rapes Seizes Virgin Word YoungJump to Next Betrothed Caught Connection Damsel Discovered Discovery Engaged Happens Hold Lady Lies Married Meet Meets Pledged Rapes Seizes Virgin Word YoungDeuteronomy 22 1. Of humanity toward brothers5. The sex is to be distinguished by apparel 6. The bird is not to be taken with her young ones 8. The house must have battlements 9. Confusion is to be avoided 12. Tassels upon the vesture 13. The punishment of him who slanders his wife 22. of adultery 23. of rape 28. of fornication 30. of incest If a man encounters a virgin who is not pledged in marriage This phrase sets the context for the situation being addressed. In ancient Israelite society, virginity was highly valued, and a woman's marital status was significant. A virgin not pledged in marriage indicates a young woman who is not yet betrothed, which was a formal agreement akin to engagement but more binding. The cultural context emphasizes the importance of family honor and the protection of women within the community. The law aims to address situations where a woman's future and family honor could be jeopardized. and he seizes her and lies with her and they are discovered Persons / Places / Events 1. ManThe individual who encounters and seizes the virgin. In the context of ancient Israel, this refers to a male member of the community. 2. Virgin A young woman who is not pledged to be married. In Hebrew, the term used is "na'arah," which refers to a young woman of marriageable age. 3. Event The act of seizing and lying with the virgin. This is a situation that requires legal and moral consideration within the community. 4. Discovery The act is found out or made known to others, prompting a response according to the law. Teaching Points Understanding the Cultural ContextIn ancient Israel, laws were given to protect the vulnerable and maintain social order. Understanding the historical and cultural context helps us grasp the intent behind the law. The Value of Purity The emphasis on a virgin not pledged to be married underscores the value placed on purity and the sanctity of marriage. Responsibility and Consequences The law holds individuals accountable for their actions, emphasizing the importance of responsibility and the consequences of sin. God's Justice and Mercy While the law provides justice, it also reflects God's mercy by offering a way to restore honor and provide for the woman involved. Modern Application In today's context, this passage challenges us to consider how we uphold the dignity and protection of individuals, particularly in matters of sexual ethics. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 22:28?2. How does Deuteronomy 22:28 guide us in understanding biblical sexual ethics today? 3. What responsibilities are outlined for the man in Deuteronomy 22:28? 4. How does Deuteronomy 22:28 connect with the sanctity of marriage in Scripture? 5. How can we apply the principles of Deuteronomy 22:28 in modern relationships? 6. What does Deuteronomy 22:28 teach about accountability and consequences for actions? 7. How does Deuteronomy 22:28 align with modern views on consent and women's rights? 8. What historical context explains the laws in Deuteronomy 22:28? 9. How should Deuteronomy 22:28 be interpreted in today's society? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 22? 11. Why does Deuteronomy 22:28–29 mandate marriage to a rapist, forcing the victim into a lifelong bond with her attacker? 12. Why is Tamar’s fate largely unaddressed after her assault in 2 Samuel 13:19–20? 13. Is premarital sex equivalent to marriage? 14. How did biblical cultural norms affect women's marriage choices? What Does Deuteronomy 22:28 Mean If a man encounters a virgin• Scripture pictures an unexpected meeting—no prior arrangement, no courtship. • The young woman’s virginity highlights her purity and the value God places on sexual integrity (Deuteronomy 22:13–15; 2 Corinthians 11:2). • The passage reminds every generation that God sees every chance encounter and calls men to self-control, not opportunism (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5; Proverbs 6:32). who is not pledged in marriage • Because she is unbetrothed, she has no fiancé to defend her; the responsibility for her protection rests with her family and community (Exodus 22:16-17). • By distinguishing her from a betrothed woman (see Deuteronomy 22:23-27), the law shows that different circumstances call for different remedies, but in every case God defends the vulnerable. • Even today, the principle stands: society must safeguard those who cannot safeguard themselves (James 1:27). and he seizes her • The verb signals force; the act is no mere seduction but a violation (Genesis 34:2; 2 Samuel 13:11-14). • God’s law never excuses coercion. Throughout Scripture, power used to exploit is condemned (Isaiah 10:1-2; Colossians 3:25). • This clause exposes the lie that “consenting adults” is the only moral standard. Consent matters, yet God’s standard is higher: sex belongs within covenant marriage alone. and lies with her • Sexual union creates a one-flesh bond (1 Corinthians 6:16; Genesis 2:24). When that bond is forged outside marriage, it brings guilt, shame, and practical consequences. • In Israel, such an act triggered legal restitution (the next verse requires a fifty-shekel bride price and lifelong marriage, Deuteronomy 22:29). • The New Testament equally warns believers to “flee sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18), showing that the moral principle transcends covenants. and they are discovered • Sin may be hidden for a season, but “nothing is concealed that will not be revealed” (Luke 12:2-3; Numbers 32:23). • Discovery moves the matter from private shame to public justice, ensuring the man cannot escape accountability. • The father, elders, and community now step in, modeling godly authority that protects and restores (Deuteronomy 22:18; Matthew 18:15-17). summary Deuteronomy 22:28 sets forth God’s protective concern for unmarried women, condemns sexual aggression, and establishes restitution when purity is violated. The law holds the man fully responsible, safeguards the woman’s future, and warns every generation that God sees, judges, and provides a path toward justice. Deuteronomy 22:28-29.--SEDUCTION.See Exodus 22:16-17. The sin of seduction before marriage is punished by a heavy fine. We have recently amended our own laws in the direction of this very precept. But the fact that marriage was made compulsory in these cases makes the Law stricter still. It seems, however, from Exodus 22:17, that the girl's father might forbid the marriage, though the seducer could not escape from it in any other way. (30) See Leviticus 18:7. A principle, not merely a precept, is implied here, as appears by the details of Leviticus 18 Hebrew Ifכִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction a man אִ֗ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person encounters יִמְצָ֣א (yim·ṣā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present a virgin בְתוּלָה֙ (ḇə·ṯū·lāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1330: A virgin, sometimes, a bride who אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that is not לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no pledged in marriage, אֹרָ֔שָׂה (’ō·rā·śāh) Verb - Pual - Perfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 781: To engage for, matrimony and he overpowers her וּתְפָשָׂ֖הּ (ū·ṯə·p̄ā·śāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 8610: To manipulate, seize, chiefly to capture, wield, to overlay, to use unwarrantably and rapes וְשָׁכַ֣ב (wə·šā·ḵaḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7901: To lie down her, עִמָּ֑הּ (‘im·māh) Preposition | third person feminine singular Strong's 5973: With, equally with and they are discovered, וְנִמְצָֽאוּ׃ (wə·nim·ṣā·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present Links Deuteronomy 22:28 NIVDeuteronomy 22:28 NLT Deuteronomy 22:28 ESV Deuteronomy 22:28 NASB Deuteronomy 22:28 KJV Deuteronomy 22:28 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 22:28 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 22:28 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 22:28 French Bible Deuteronomy 22:28 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 22:28 If a man find a lady who (Deut. 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