Definition: And they shall amerce him in an hundred [shekels] of silver, and give [them] unto the father of the damsel, because he hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin of Israel: and she shall be his wife; he may not put her away all his days.
Explanation: Okay, letโs break down this verse from Deuteronomy 22:19. Itโs a pretty serious one about dealing with someone who has brought shame to a woman through an act considered inappropriate. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Situation: A Woman Has Been Shameful: The verse describes a situation where a woman has been dishonored or brought shame due to a transgression โ essentially, sheโs been treated badly because of something that was considered wrong. A Penalty is Imposed: As punishment for this shame, the law states that the offender must pay a significant sum of money (hundreds of silver coins). The Money Goes to the Father: Crucially, the money isnโt just given to the woman; it goes to the father of the person who caused the shame. This is a key part of the law and emphasizes that the man responsible for the dishonor must be held accountable. She Becomes Wife: The father then has the option to choose whether or not to marry this woman. He canโt keep her as a ward (a servant) or as a temporary partner โ he has the right to decide her future. In simpler terms, it's about taking responsibility for a wrong act and making the offender pay a hefty price. Itโs a way of saying, "You've caused trouble, you need to fix it with consequences." Important Context (Briefly): This verse comes from Deuteronomy, which is a law book given to Moses. Itโs often interpreted as dealing with situations where a man has violated religious principles or acted in a way that was considered shameful or inappropriate for a woman. It's a reminder of the importance of upholding God's laws and ensuring fairness. Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on common interpretations of the text, but itโs always best to consult with a religious leader or expert for a deeper understanding. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this law?