KJV ORIGINAL
If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, which is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found;
✦ MADE SIMPLE
If a man finds a young unmarried woman who is not engaged, and he forces himself on her sexually, and they are discovered,
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse addresses the serious crime of sexual assault against an unmarried woman and the legal consequences that follow when it's discovered.
📚 Historical Context
This law was given to ancient Israel as part of their civil and moral code around 1400 BC. In that time, women's economic security and social standing were closely tied to marriage, and sexual assault created both personal trauma and severe social consequences. These laws were designed to provide some protection and recourse in a patriarchal society where women had limited legal rights.
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