What is the meaning of Exodus 22:17? If her father absolutely refuses • This clause recognizes the God-given authority of a father over his unmarried daughter (cf. Numbers 30:3-5). • The father’s refusal is described as “absolutely,” underscoring that his decision is final. • Such protection guards the woman from being forced into a marriage that may disadvantage or endanger her (compare Genesis 34:6-7; 2 Samuel 13:13). • Scripture repeatedly upholds parental oversight in marriage arrangements—see also Deuteronomy 7:3-4 and 1 Corinthians 7:36-38. to give her to him • “Give” pictures the customary transfer of a bride from her father’s household to her husband’s (Genesis 29:23; John 3:29). • The seducer’s desire to marry does not override the father’s discernment; moral fault carries relational consequences (Proverbs 22:3). • By allowing refusal, the law protects the woman’s dignity and the family’s reputation (Deuteronomy 22:21). the man still must pay • Financial responsibility remains even when marriage is denied, showing that sin’s earthly cost cannot be evaded (Galatians 6:7). • The payment serves as restitution for dishonor done to the woman and her family (Proverbs 6:32-35). • This principle discourages casual sexual behavior by attaching tangible loss to the offender (1 Thessalonians 4:3-6). an amount comparable to the bridal price of a virgin • The “bridal price” (bride-price or mohar) was a standard sum given by a groom to the bride’s family (Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 18:25). • Calling it “comparable” means the offender pays the full, customary figure—no discount because marriage will not follow (Deuteronomy 22:28-29). • By equating the price with that for a virgin, Scripture declares that her worth remains intact despite the man’s actions (Psalm 82:3-4). • The law thus upholds both justice and mercy: justice through payment, mercy by preventing the woman from being bound to a harmful union (Micah 6:8). summary Exodus 22:17 teaches that when a man seduces an unbetrothed virgin, her father may rightly refuse the proposed marriage, yet the offender must still pay the full bride-price. This statute honors parental authority, protects the woman, attaches real cost to sexual sin, and affirms the enduring value of purity. |
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