King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 22:25 Mean?

Deuteronomy 22:25 in the King James Version says “But if a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her: then the man only that lay w...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But if a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her: then the man only that lay with her shall die: force: or, take strong hold of”

Deuteronomy 22:25 · KJV

Context

23

If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her;

24

Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, being in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour's wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you.

25

But if a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her: then the man only that lay with her shall die: force: or, take strong hold of

26

But unto the damsel thou shalt do nothing; there is in the damsel no sin worthy of death: for as when a man riseth against his neighbour, and slayeth him, even so is this matter:

27

For he found her in the field, and the betrothed damsel cried, and there was none to save her.

Read Deuteronomy 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man force her—the Hebrew chazaq (חָזַק, seized/forced) combined with the isolated location (ba-sadeh, בַּשָּׂדֶה, in the field) indicates sexual assault, not consent. Then the man only that lay with her shall die—this crucial distinction protects the victim by recognizing her inability to summon help.

This law demonstrates remarkable advancement over surrounding cultures which often blamed rape victims. God's law presumes the woman's innocence based on circumstances—the field setting means her cries would go unheard. The death penalty for the rapist alone shows God values the woman's dignity and recognizes the violence done to her.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern law codes (Hammurabi, Middle Assyrian Laws) often punished rape victims or allowed compensation payments to fathers. Deuteronomy's protection of the victim and exclusive punishment of the perpetrator reflected Israel's distinct covenantal ethics grounded in God's character as defender of the vulnerable (Exodus 22:22-24).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this law reveal God's heart for protecting the vulnerable and defending victims of violence?
  2. What does the location-based presumption of innocence teach about judging righteously based on circumstances rather than assumptions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְֽאִם1 of 18
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

בַּשָּׂדֶ֞ה2 of 18

“in the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

יִמְצָ֣א3 of 18

“find”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

הָאִ֛ישׁ4 of 18

“But if a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֶת5 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַֽנַּעֲרָ֙6 of 18

“damsel”

H5291

a girl (from infancy to adolescence)

הַמְאֹ֣רָשָׂ֔ה7 of 18

“a betrothed”

H781

to promise to marry

וְהֶחֱזִֽיק8 of 18

“force”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

בָּ֥הּ9 of 18
H0
הָאִ֛ישׁ10 of 18

“But if a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

שָׁכַ֥ב11 of 18

“her and lie”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

עִמָּ֑הּ12 of 18
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וּמֵ֗ת13 of 18

“with her shall die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

הָאִ֛ישׁ14 of 18

“But if a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֲשֶׁר15 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

שָׁכַ֥ב16 of 18

“her and lie”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

עִמָּ֖הּ17 of 18
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

לְבַדּֽוֹ׃18 of 18
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 22:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 22:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 13:14

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