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Deuteronomy 22:23

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her;
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

If a young woman who is a virgin is engaged to be married, and a man finds her in the city and sleeps with her,

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

This verse describes a situation where an engaged virgin woman has sexual relations with someone other than her fiancé in a city setting.

📚 Historical Context

In ancient Israel, betrothal was a formal commitment that was nearly as binding as marriage itself, and sexual purity was highly valued in their society. The distinction of this happening 'in the city' was important because it was assumed that if the woman was in danger, she could have called for help and been heard by others nearby.

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