Definition: Then the man that lay with her shall give unto the damselâs father fifty [shekels] of silver, and she shall be his wife; because he hath humbled her, he may not put her away all his days.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 22:29. It’s a pretty serious passage about respect and responsibility. Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that if a man has an affair with another woman, he must give her a significant amount of money – fifty shekels (which roughly translates to around $800-$1200 today) – as a sign of respect and acknowledging the transgression. It’s about showing responsibility and avoiding putting the woman away permanently. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Then the man that lay with her shall give unto the damsel’s father…” This means the man who has an affair is obligated to offer a reward – money – to his father. “…fifty [shekels] of silver…” This is a specific amount of money. It's a significant sum, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. "...and she shall be his wife…” This confirms that he’s now legally married to her, despite the illicit relationship. “Because he hath humbled her, he may not put her away all his days.” This is the crucial part. It means that because he treated her with disrespect and disregard, he's obligated to continue honoring her and providing for her – to keep her in his life forever. He’s essentially promising to care for her until his death. What it’s teaching us: This verse is about respect and responsibility . It highlights the importance of: Treating others with dignity: Even when you're tempted or uncomfortable, showing respect is key. Acknowledging your actions: When you break a rule or do something wrong, you need to take responsibility for it. Being committed to relationships: It’s a promise to continue caring for someone, even after the initial transgression. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning against sexual misconduct and encourages honesty and accountability. It's a reminder of the consequences of disrespecting others. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious advisor. This explanation is based on common interpretations of biblical texts. Different theological viewpoints may offer varying understandings. Would you like me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of Deuteronomy?