If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.
If her father completely refuses to let him marry her, the man must still pay the money that would normally be paid for marrying a virgin.
This verse establishes that even if a father refuses to allow a marriage after his daughter has been intimate with someone, the man still owes the customary bride-price.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israelite society, as part of the Mosaic Law given to Moses on Mount Sinai, this verse addresses situations involving betrothal and family arrangements for marriage. If a man had promised or engaged in actions implying marriage with a virgin and her father refused the union, the man was required to pay the standard dowry as compensation to uphold justice and protect the woman's honor. This law reflected the cultural emphasis on family authority and financial responsibility in a patriarchal society.
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