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
In ancient Israel, a woman's virginity was considered essential for marriage, and losing it outside of marriage could make her unmarriageable and leave her without economic security. This law protected women from being abandoned after intimate relations and ensured they would have a husband to provide for them. The bride-price (dowry) was a payment to the woman's family that demonstrated the man's ability to care for his wife.
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