And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.
If a man seduces a young unmarried woman and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price and marry her.
This verse establishes that a man who has intimate relations with an unmarried woman must take responsibility by marrying her and providing for her financially.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is part of the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites through Moses in the wilderness, as they formed a new nation after escaping Egypt. It addresses moral and social issues in a patriarchal society where family honor and women's protection were crucial, requiring a man who seduced an unmarried woman to marry her and provide for her to prevent social stigma and ensure her security. These laws helped maintain order and reflect God's standards for purity and responsibility in relationships.
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