Exodus 22:17 (KJV)

What does Exodus 22:17 mean?

Exodus 22:17 says that if a father absolutely refuses to let his daughter marry a man, even after the man has slept with her, the man must still pay the bride-price that would normally be given for a virgin. This payment is required even though the marriage itself will not happen.

In this part of Exodus, God is giving laws to the Israelites through Moses about social responsibilities and justice. The verse addresses a situation where a man has had sexual relations with a young, unmarried woman, but her father does not agree to the marriage. The law protects the woman's family by ensuring they receive the customary dowry, which was an important part of marriage arrangements in that culture.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 22:17

• "Utterly refuse" (מָאֵן, ma'en): This word is used twice for emphasis, showing a strong and definite refusal by the father. It highlights the father's authority in the marriage decision.
• "Give" (נָתַן, natan): This word means "to give," referring here to the father's right to give his daughter in marriage or withhold her.
• "Pay" (שָׁקַל, shaqal): This means "to pay" or "to weigh out," indicating that the man must provide a specific, customary amount of money.
• "Money" (כֶּסֶף, keseph): This is the standard word for silver or money, showing that the payment is a concrete financial transaction.
• "Dowry" (מֹהַר, mohar): This refers to the bride-price, a traditional payment made to the bride’s family, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the value placed on the woman.
• "Virgins" (בְּתוּלָה, betulah): This word means "virgins," clarifying that the payment amount is the same as for a woman who has not had sexual relations.

Why Exodus 22:17 matters

• Exodus 22:17 clarifies that the father's decision is final, even after a sexual relationship, which was not always the case in other ancient cultures.
• The verse protects the woman and her family from being dishonored or left without support by requiring the man to pay the full bride-price.
• This law fits into a broader set of instructions about justice and responsibility, showing how Israelite society valued both family authority and the dignity of women.