Deuteronomy 22:29 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 22:29 mean?

Deuteronomy 22:29 sets out the consequences for a man who has sex with a young woman in the situation described in the preceding verse. The law requires him to pay her father fifty shekels of silver and to marry her, with no right to divorce her for the rest of his life.

Moses is presenting this law to the Israelites. The KJV says the man has “humbled” the young woman, a word that points to the harm or dishonor associated with his act. The verse places the payment and the lasting obligation on the man.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 22:29

• “humbled” — עָנָה (ʿanah): This word can mean to humble, afflict, or violate. Here, it describes what the man has done to the young woman and carries a stronger sense than making someone feel modest.
• “put her away” — שָׁלַח (shalach): This word can mean to send away. In the setting of marriage here, the phrase refers to dismissing a wife, or divorcing her.

Why Deuteronomy 22:29 matters

• The woman’s marriage status is important to the case. Verse 28 describes her as a young woman who is not pledged to be married, unlike the cases immediately before it.
• The payment goes to the woman’s father, according to the verse. That detail shows how the law dealt with the family as well as the man and the woman.
• The permanent restriction falls on the man’s ability to end the marriage: “he may not put her away all his days.” The sentence treats marriage as an enduring obligation for him, not a choice he can later undo by divorce.