What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 22:23? If there is a virgin pledged in marriage to a man - God’s law treats an engaged woman as already bound to her future husband. See how Matthew 1:18–19 notes that Joseph was called “husband” to Mary even before the wedding ceremony, underscoring the seriousness of betrothal. - The word “virgin” reminds us that purity before marriage is God’s design (2 Corinthians 11:2). - By addressing a specific situation, the Lord is safeguarding both covenant faithfulness and the dignity of the woman, just as He does in Exodus 22:16–17, where the rights of an unmarried virgin are protected. and another man encounters her in the city - The setting “in the city” matters: people are near, voices can be heard. This detail helps determine responsibility, echoing the principle in Deuteronomy 17:6 that multiple witnesses clarify truth. - Cities in ancient Israel were communal hubs; wrongdoing in such places threatened public order (Judges 19:22–23). - Scripture consistently differentiates between sins committed knowingly and those done from ignorance (Leviticus 5:17). Here, the location implies that resistance and outcry should have been possible. and sleeps with her - The phrase points to consensual sexual immorality, not rape; the following verse (Deuteronomy 22:24) confirms both parties are held guilty. - Sexual intimacy outside God-ordained marriage is sin (Hebrews 13:4). This command protects the sanctity of marriage and guards against exploitation. - The penalty given in verse 24—death for both—shows how seriously the Lord views covenant violations, paralleling Leviticus 20:10. summary Deuteronomy 22:23 teaches that if an engaged virgin and a man willingly commit adultery within a public setting, both are fully accountable before God. The betrothal bond is honored as marriage, the urban context removes excuses, and the act itself defiles the covenant community. By upholding purity and justice, the Lord reinforces His unwavering standard for marital faithfulness. |
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