Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the treatment and protection of pregnant women are addressed with particular care, reflecting the value placed on both the mother and the unborn child. The primary scriptural reference concerning the punishment for injuring a pregnant woman is found in the Book of Exodus, specifically Exodus 21:22-25. This passage provides guidance on the consequences of causing harm to a pregnant woman and her unborn child during a conflict.Exodus 21:22-25 : "If men who are fighting strike a pregnant woman and her child is born prematurely, but there is no further injury, the offender must be fined as the woman’s husband demands and as the court allows. But if a serious injury results, then you must require a life for a life—eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, and stripe for stripe." This passage is part of the Mosaic Law, which was given to the Israelites to govern their community life and ensure justice. The law distinguishes between two scenarios: one where the premature birth occurs without further harm, and another where serious injury or death results. 1. Premature Birth without Further Injury: If the altercation leads to a premature birth but no additional harm to the mother or child, the responsible party is subject to a financial penalty. The amount of this fine is determined by the woman's husband and approved by the judges. This provision underscores the importance of accountability and restitution, even when the outcome is not fatal or severely injurious. 2. Serious Injury or Death: In cases where the altercation results in serious injury or death to the mother or child, the law prescribes a more severe punishment, following the principle of lex talionis, or the law of retaliation. This principle, "life for life, eye for eye," emphasizes the gravity of causing harm and serves as a deterrent against violence. It reflects the sanctity of life and the need for justice when life is endangered or lost. The passage highlights the protective measures embedded within the Mosaic Law for women, particularly those who are pregnant. It acknowledges the vulnerability of pregnant women and the unborn, ensuring that any harm inflicted upon them is met with appropriate consequences. This legal framework serves to uphold the dignity and value of both the mother and the child, reinforcing the community's responsibility to safeguard life. In the broader biblical narrative, the protection of women and children is a recurring theme, reflecting God's concern for the vulnerable and His call for justice and righteousness among His people. The laws given to Israel were intended to cultivate a society that mirrors God's character, where life is cherished, and justice prevails. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 21:22-25If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay on him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Matt. v. 27, 28 Plans of Marriage Matt. I. 17 Sunday after Ascension Day Christ's Plea for Ignorant Sinners Matt. xviii. 21 Matt. v. 17 Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes An Exhortation to Theodore after his Fall. Letter I. Homilies on the Statues. Resources Is it wrong for a Christian girl/woman to be a tomboy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the woman at the well? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the story of the woman with the issue of blood? | GotQuestions.org Woman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Woman of Distinction: Fair and Graceful Woman of Distinction: Fond of Dress and Ornaments Woman of Distinction: Haughty in Their Deportment Woman of Distinction: Wore Their Hair Plaited and Adorned With Gold and Pearls Woman of the Poorer Classes Swarthy from Exposure to the Sun Woman were Required to Hear and Obey the Law Woman: (At Ease and Careless) of a State of Carnal Security Woman: (Chaste and Holy) of Saints Woman: (Delicate) of Backsliding Israel Woman: (Foolish) of Mere Professors Woman: (Forsaken) of Israel in Her Captivity Woman: (Gloriously Arrayed) of the Church of Christ Woman: (Lewd) of the Roman Apostasy Woman: Allowed to Join in the Temple-Music from the Time of David Woman: Considered a Valuable Booty in War Woman: Frequently: Active in Instigating to Iniquity Woman: Frequently: Fond of Self-Indulgence Woman: Frequently: Silly and Easily Led Into Error Woman: Frequently: Subtle and Deceitful Woman: Frequently: Zealous in Promoting Superstition and Idolatry Woman: Generally Lived in a Separated Apartment or Tent Woman: Generally Wore a Vail in the Presence of the Other Sex Woman: Good and Virtuous, Described Woman: had a Court of the Tabernacle Assigned to Them Woman: Loving and Affectionate Woman: Often Engaged in Agriculture Woman: Often Engaged in Attending Funerals As Mourners Woman: Often Engaged in Celebrating the Victories of the Nation Woman: Often Engaged in Domestic Employments Woman: Often Engaged in Drawing and Carrying Water Woman: Often Engaged in Embroidery Woman: Often Engaged in Grinding Corn Woman: Often Engaged in Spinning Woman: Often Engaged in Tending Sheep Woman: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Origin and Cause of the Name Woman: Originally Made by God in his own Image Woman: Originally Made for Man Woman: Originally Made: from One of Adam's Ribs Woman: Originally Made: Subordinate to Man Woman: Originally Made: To be an Helpmeet for Man Woman: Originally Made: To be the Glory of Man Woman: Punishment for Injuring, when With Child Woman: Safety in Childbirth Promised to the Faithful and Holy Woman: Salvation Promised Through the Seed of Woman: Submissive and Respectful to Husbands Woman: Tender and Constant to Her offspring Woman: To be Governed By, Considered a Calamity by the Jews Woman: To be Slain By, Considered a Great Disgrace Woman: To Wear Her Hair Long As a Covering Woman: Unfaithfulness of, when Married Found out by the Waters of Woman: Virtuous, Held in High Estimation Woman: Vows of, when Married not Binding Upon the Husband Woman: Young of Distinction, Dressed in Robes of Various Colours Woman: Young: Could not Marry Without Consent of Parents Woman: Young: Fond of Ornaments Woman: Young: Inherited Parents' Property when There Was No Male Heir Woman: Young: Kind and Courteous to Strangers Woman: Young: Not to be Given in Marriage Considered a Calamity Woman: Young: Often Taken Captive Woman: Young: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing when not Betrothed Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing, when Betrothed Woman: Young: Required to Learn from and Imitate Their Elders Related Terms Woman-servant (12 Occurrences) |
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