16 And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.
16 "If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged to be married and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price, and she shall be his wife.
16 "If a man seduces a virgin
16 "If a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged to be married and sleeps with her, he must pay the marriage price and marry her.
16 "If a man entices a virgin who is not betrothed, and lies with her, he shall surely pay the bride-price for her to be his wife.
16 "If a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged to anyone and has sex with her, he must pay the customary bride price and marry her.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 22:16
Chapter Contents
Judicial laws.
The people of God should ever be ready to show mildness and mercy, according to the spirit of these laws. We must answer to God, not only for what we do maliciously, but for what we do heedlessly. Therefore, when we have done harm to our neighbour, we should make restitution, though not compelled by law. Let these scriptures lead our souls to remember, that if the grace of God has indeed appeared to us, then it has taught us, and enabled us so to conduct ourselves by its holy power, that denying ungodliness and wordly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, Titus 2:12. And the grace of God teaches us, that as the Lord is our portion, there is enough in him to satisfy all the desires of our souls.