Deuteronomy 22:23 Meaning and Explanation
“If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If a betrothed virgin is found with another man in a city and has relations with him.
The Context of Deuteronomy 22:23
Beginning case law on a betrothed woman discovered with another man.
What Does Deuteronomy 22:23 Mean?
Betrothal is a binding legal state—less than marriage but more than mere engagement. A betrothed woman is already in covenant with her future husband. Relations with another man breach that covenant.
The location—'in the city'—matters. The city means witnesses and escape routes. If she is found in a city, she had places to cry out for help, making her apparent consent more culpable than if she were isolated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 22:23
What does Deuteronomy 22:23 mean?
If a betrothed virgin is found with another man in a city and has relations with him.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 22:23?
Beginning case law on a betrothed woman discovered with another man.