Deuteronomy 22

Deuteronomy 22

BibleHub

“You shall not watchI your neighbor’sII oxIII or sheepIV straying awayV and ignoreVI them;

Notes on verse 1a

I “watch” = raah. This is to see in a literal or figurative sense so stare, advise, think, view.
II “neighbor’s” = ach. This is brother, kindred, another, other, like. It is literally brother, but it can also be someone who is similar, resembling, or related to.
III “ox” = shor. Perhaps from shur (to travel, turn, journey; travelling like a prostitute or a merchant). This is bull, ox, head of cattle, cow.
IV “sheep” = seh. Perhaps from sha’ah (to make a loud noise or crash, devastate, rush). This is a lamb, sheep, or goat – a part of a flock.
V “straying away” = nadach. This is scatter, seduce, banish, draw away, drive away, outcast, scatter. It means to push off in a literal or figurative sense so it could also be mislead, inflict, or withdraw.
VI “ignore” = alam. This is to conceal, cover from sight in a literal or figurative sense. Could be to escape, liar, neglect, or secret thing.

you shall take them backVII to their owner.VIII If the owner does not reside nearIX you or you do not knowX who the owner is,

Notes on verses 1b-2a

VII “take…back” = shub + shub. To turn back, return, turn away – literally or figuratively. Doesn’t necessarily imply going back to where you started from. This is also the root verb for the Hebrew word for repentance “teshubah.” The word is repeated twice – the first time as an Infinitive Absolute. The Infinitive Absolute serves to emphasize the sentiment of the word. It is rather like Foghorn Leghorn’s speech pattern, “I said, I said.”
VIII “owner” = ach. Same as “neighbor’s” in v1. See note II above.
IX “near” = qarob. From qarab (to come near, offer, make ready). This is near whether nearby, related, near in time, or allied.
X “know” = yada. This is to know, acknowledge, advise, answer, be aware, be acquainted with. Properly, this is to figure something out by seeing. It includes ideas of observation, recognition, and care about something. It can be used causatively for instruction, designation, and punishment.

you shall bringXI it toXII your own house,XIII and it shall remainXIV with you until the owner claimsXV it; then you shall returnXVI it. 

Notes on verse 2b

XI “bring” = asaph. This is to gather, assemble, or bring. It can also mean to take away, destroy, or remove.
XII “to” = tavek. This is among, middle, in the midst, the center. Perhaps, properly, to sever.
XIII “house” = bayit. Probably from banah (to build, make, set up, obtain children; to build literally or figuratively). This is house, court, family, palace, temple.
XIV “remain” = hayah. This is to be or become, to happen.
XV “claims” = darash. This is seek, ask, inquire, care for. Generally it means following in pursuit or following as part of a search, which implies seeking or asking. Also used specially to mean worship.
XVI “return” = shub. Same as “take…back” in v1. See note VII above.

You shall doXVII the sameXVIII with a neighbor’s donkey;XIX you shall do the same with a neighbor’s garment;XX

Notes on verse 3a

XVII “do” = asah. This is to make, do, act, appoint, become in many senses.
XVIII “same” = ken. Perhaps from kun (properly, in a perpendicular position; literally, to establish, fix, fasten, prepare; figuratively, it is certainty, to be firm, faithfulness, render sure or prosperous). This is to set upright. Generally used figuratively to mean thus, so, afterwards, rightly so.
XIX “donkey” = chamor. From chamar (to be red, blush). This is a male donkey.
XX “garment” = simlah. Perhaps from semel (image, figure, likeness). This is mantle, clothes, wrapper.

and you shall do the same with anythingXXI else that your neighbor losesXXII and you find.XXIII You mayXXIV not withhold your help.XXV

Notes on verse 3b

XXI “anything” = kol + abedah. Kol is from kalal (to complete). This is all or every. Abedah is 4x in OT– all in the Torah. From abad (to wander off, lose self; to perish, destroy, die, vanish, or be broken or corrupt). This is something that was lost. It can also refer to destruction or Hades.
XXII “loses” = abad. Related to “anything” in v3. See note XXI above.
XXIII “find” = matsa. This is to find, catch or acquire. It can also mean to come forth or appear. Figuratively, this can mean to meet or be together with.
XXIV “may” = yakol. This is to be able, endure, overcome, prevail.
XXV “withhold…help” = alam. Same as “ignore” in v1. See note VI above.

“You shall not seeXXVI your neighbor’s donkey or ox fallenXXVII on the roadXXVIII and ignore it; you shall help to lift it up.XXIX

Notes on verse 4

XXVI “see” = raah. Same as “watch” in v1. See note I above.
XXVII “fallen” = naphal. This is to fall, whether by accident, to fall prostrate, or to fall in violent death. Figuratively, it can refer to personal ruin or calamity, a city falling, an attack or a falling away. It can also be a deep sleep or wasting away.
XXVIII “road” = derek. From darak (to tread, march, to walk. Can also mean affixing a string to a box since one needs to step on it to bend it in the process; so also an archer). This is a road as a thing that is walked on. Can be used figuratively for the path that one’s life takes or how one chooses to live one’s life.
XXIX “help to lift…up” = qum + qum. To arise, stand, accomplish, establish, abide. This is rising as in rising against, getting up after being sick or asleep, arising from one state to another, becoming powerful, or rising for action. It can also be standing in a figurative sense. The word is repeated twice – the first time as an Infinitive Absolute. The Infinitive Absolute serves to emphasize the sentiment of the word. It is rather like Foghorn Leghorn’s speech pattern, “I said, I said.”

“A womanXXX shall not wearXXXI a man’sXXXII apparel,XXXIII nor shall a man put onXXXIV a woman’s garment,

Notes on verse 5a

XXX “woman” = ishshah. From ish (man); perhaps from enosh (human, humankind, mortal); from anash (to be weak, sick, or frail). This is woman, wife, or female.
XXXI “wear” = hayah. Same as “remain” in v2. See note XIV above.
XXXII “man’s” = geber. From gabar (to be strong or mighty; to prevail or to be insolent) This is man, warrior, a person generally, or a valiant person.
XXXIII “apparel” = keli. From kalah (to end, be finished, complete, prepare, consume, spent, or completely destroyed). This is something that was prepared – any implement, utensil, article, vessel, weapon, or instrument. Also includes jewels, weapons, bags, carriages, and furniture.
XXXIV “put on” = labash. This is to wrap around, which implies clothing oneself or someone else. This is wrapping around in a literal or figurative way.

for whoeverXXXV does such things is abhorrentXXXVI to the LordXXXVII your God.XXXVIII

Notes on verse 5b

XXXV “whoever” = kol. Same as “anything” in v3. See note XXI above.
XXXVI “abhorrent” = toebah. Perhaps from ta’ab (to abhor or morally detest). This is something that instills one with moral contempt or disgust. It can mean abhorrence and is often in reference to idolatry or idols.
XXXVII “Lord” = YHVH. Related to “remain” in v2. From the same as YHVH (the name of the God of Israel, the self-existent and eternal one, the tetragrammaton; pronunciation has been lost to time so “Lord” is generally used in its place); {from havah (to be, become) or hayah (see note XIV above)}. This is a secondary spelling of the Lord, the name of the God of Israel. It has the same meaning.
XXXVIII “God” = Elohim.

“If you comeXXXIX onXL a bird’sXLI nest,XLII

Notes on verse 6a

XXXIX “come” = qara. This is to meet, befall, happen upon. It can be to encounter by chance or for aggression.
XL “on” = paneh. From panah (to turn, face, appear). This is face in a literal or figurative sense. It could be face, presence, anger, respect. It can also be used of God to indicate divine favor or presence.
XLI “bird’s” = tsippor. From tsaphar (to skip about, maybe to depart). This is a little bird like a sparrow – a little bird as one that hops about.
XLII “nest” = qen. 13x in OT. Perhaps from qanan (to nestle, make or inhabit a nest). This is a nest or nestling. It can also refer to a room or other dwelling.

inXLIII anyXLIV treeXLV or on the ground,XLVI with fledglingsXLVII or eggs,XLVIII

Notes on verse 6b

XLIII {untranslated} = derek. Same as “road” in v4. See note XXVIII above.
XLIV “any” = kol. Same as “anything” in v3. See note XXI above.
XLV “tree” = ets. Perhaps from atsah (to shut, fasten, firm up, to close one’s eyes). This is tree or other things related to trees like wood, sticks, or stalks. It can also refer to wood products like a plank or staff or gallows. Additionally, this can refer to a carpenter.
XLVI “ground” = erets. Root may mean to be firm. This is earth, ground, field land, or country.
XLVII “fledglings” = ephroach. 4x in OT. From parach (to sprout, blossom, bloom, spread, flourish). This is young – used specifically for a bird’s brood.
XLVIII “eggs” = betsah. 6x in OT. From the same as buts (byssus, expensive linen; perhaps from a word meaning to bleach or referring to a fibrous grass). This is an egg.

with the motherXLIX sittingL on the fledglings or on the eggs, you shall not takeLI the mother with the young.LII 

Notes on verse 6c

XLIX “mother” = em. This is a mother as binding a family together or a breeding female animal. It could be mother in a literal or figurative sense.
L “sitting” = rabats. This is crouched like an animal, lie down, lie stretch out, rest, sit, brood, lurk.
LI “take” = laqach. This is to take, accept, carry away, receive. It can also have the sense of take a wife or take in marriage.
LII “young” = ben. Related to “house” in v2. From banah (see note XIII above). This is son, age, child. It is son in a literal or figurative sense.

Let the mother go,LIII takingLIV only the young for yourself, in order that it may go wellLV with you and you may live long.LVI

Notes on verse 7

LIII “let…go” = shalach + shalach. This is to send out, away, send for, forsake. It can also mean to divorce or set a slave free. The word is repeated twice – the first time as an Infinitive Absolute. The Infinitive Absolute serves to emphasize the sentiment of the word. It is rather like Foghorn Leghorn’s speech pattern, “I said, I said.”
LIV “taking” = laqach. Same as “take” in v6. See note LI above.
LV “go well” = yatab. This is to be good or pleasing, joyful. It can also mean doing good in an ethical sense or be beautiful, happy, successful, or right.
LVI “live long” = arak + yom. Arak is to continue, lengthen prolong, delay, or endure. It is being long or causing something to be long in a literal or figurative sense. Yom has a root that may mean being hot. This is the day in a literal or figurative sense. It can also mean birth, age, daylight, continually or other references to time.

“When you buildLVII a newLVIII house, you shall makeLIX a parapetLX for your roof;LXI

Notes on verse 8a

LVII “build” = banah. Related to “house” in v2 & “young” in v6. See note XIII above.
LVIII “new” = chadash. From chadash (to renew or restore, to repair or rebuild). This is something fresh or new.
LIX “make” = asah. Same as “do” in v3. See note XVII above.
LX “parapet” = maaqeh. 1x in OT. May come from a word that means to repress. This is a parapet or battlement.
LXI “roof” = gag. Perhaps from ga’ah (to rise up, increase, grow, be highly exalted; figuratively to be majestic). This is a housetop or other top. It can refer to the surface of an altar.

otherwise you might haveLXII bloodguiltLXIII on your house, if anyoneLXIV should fall from it.

Notes on verse 8b

LXII “have” = sim. This is to put or place in a literal or figurative sense. It can be appoint, care, change, make, and may other things.
LXIII “bloodguilt” = dam. Perhaps from damam (to cease, be or become mute, silent, still, cut off, hold peace, be astonished, die). This is blood, bloodshed, bloodguilt, lifeblood, and death. It is used for people and animals. More often blood from a wound or the blood of the innocent. Used figuratively for violence or for wine. Closely tied to life and death.
LXIV “anyone” = naphal. Same as “fallen” in v4. See note XXVII above.

“You shall not sowLXV your vineyardLXVI with two kinds of seed,LXVII

Notes on verse 9a

LXV “sow” = zara. This is to sow or scatter seed, conceive or yield. It can also refer to a sower. Figuratively, this can refer to other forms of dissemination.
LXVI “vineyard” = kerem. This is a vineyard, garden, vines, or a vintage.
LXVII “kinds of seed” = kilayim. 4x in OT. From kala (to stop in the sense of holding back or restraining; to keep, refuse, forbid, or prohibit by word). This is two kinds of things that are mingled.

orLXVIII the whole yieldLXIX will be forbidden,LXX both the cropLXXI that you have sown and the yieldLXXII of the vineyard itself.

Notes on verse 9b

LXVIII “or” = pen. Related to “on” in v6. Perhaps from panah (see note XL above). This is lest, if, or.
LXIX “whole yield” = meleah. 8x in OT. From male (fill, satisfy, replenish, accomplish, fulfill, confirm, or consecrate; fill in a literal or figurative sense). This is fullness, abundance of harvest.
LXX “be forbidden” = qadash. From qodesh (set apart and so sacred; God is different from us and so God is holy/set apart; things we dedicate to God’s service are set apart for God and so they, too, are holy). This is set apart, consecrated, hallowed, sanctified. This is something or someone that is set apart for a holy purpose or use – ceremonially or morally clean.
LXXI “crop” = zera. Related to “sow” in v9. From zara (see note LXV above). This is seed or sowing. It can, thus, mean a fruit, plant, sowing time, child, offspring, or posterity.
LXXII “yield” = tebuah. From bo (to come in, go in, enter). This is produce, increase or gain – can be literal or figurative.

10 “You shall not plowLXXIII with an ox and a donkey yoked together.LXXIV

11 “You shall not wearLXXV clothesLXXVI made of woolLXXVII and linenLXXVIII woven together.

Notes on verses 10-11

LXXIII “plow” = charash. This is to scratch, which implies etching or plowing. It can mean to manufacture regardless of materials used. Figuratively, it can be to devise or conceal. It can also have a sense of secrecy. Hence, being silent or left alone. It can also be speechless.
LXXIV “together” = yachad. From yachad (to join, be united). This is a unit, both, altogether, unitedness, alike.
LXXV “wear” = labash. Same as “put on” in v5. See note XXXIV above.
LXXVI “clothes” = shaatnez. 2x in OT. This is mixed material. It could be linen and wool spun into one cloth.
LXXVII “wool” = tsemer. 16x in OT. This is wool or shaggy thing.
LXXVIII “linen” = pesheth. 16x in OT. From the same as pash (extremity, continuing). This is flax or linen.

12 “You shall make tasselsLXXIX on the fourLXXX cornersLXXXI of the cloakLXXXII with which you coverLXXXIII yourself.

Notes on verse 12

LXXIX “tassels” = gedil. 2x in OT. From gadal (to grow up, become great, become wealthy – to advance. The root meaning may be to twist in the sense of the process of growing). This is tassel, fringe, or festoon.
LXXX “four” = arba. From raba (to make square or be four-sided). This is four.
LXXXI “corners” = kanaph. This is wing, edge, corner, extremity. It can also be a flap or fold of a garment or the pinnacle of a building.
LXXXII “cloak” = kesut. 8x in OT. From kasah (to cover, conceal, overwhelm; to cover as clothes do or to hide a secret). This is a covering – a garment or veiling. It can also be vindication.
LXXXIII “cover” = kasah. Related to “cloak” in v12. See note LXXXII above.

13 “Suppose a manLXXXIV marriesLXXXV a woman but after going inLXXXVI to her dislikesLXXXVII her 14 and makes upLXXXVIII chargesLXXXIX against her,

Notes on verses 13-14a

LXXXIV “man” = ish. Related to “woman” in v5. See note XXX above.
LXXXV “marries” = laqach. Same as “take” in v6. See note LI above.
LXXXVI “going in” = bo. Related to “yield” in v9. See note LXXII above.
LXXXVII “dislikes” = sane. This is to hate, an enemy. It is a personal hatred and not an abstract one.
LXXXVIII “makes up” = sim. Same as “have” in v8. See note LXII above.
LXXXIX “charges” = alilah + dabar. Alilah is from alal (to affect, do, practice, mock, overdo, glean, abuse, pain). This is a deed or action – something that causes an effect. It could be a wanton or shameful deed or an opportunity. Dabar is from dabar (to speak, declare, discuss). This is speech, a word, a matter, an affair, charge, command, message, promise, purpose, report, request. It is a word, which implies things that are spoken of in a wide sense.

slanderingXC her by saying,XCI ‘I married this woman, but when I layXCII with her, I did not find evidence of her virginity.’XCIII 

Notes on verse 14b

XC “slandering” = yatsa + al + shem + ra’. Yatsa is to go or come out, bring forth, appear. It is to go out in a literal or figurative sense. Shem is related to “have” in v8. May be from sim (see note LXII above). This is name, fame, renown. A name was thought to indicate something essential about a person – something about their individuality. So, this word can also mean honor, authority, or character. Ra’ is from ra’a’ (to be evil, bad, afflict; properly, to spoil – to destroy by breaking into pieces; figuratively, to cause something to be worthless; this is bad in a physical, social, or moral sense; that which displeases, to do harm or mischief, to punish or vex). This is bad, disagreeable, that which causes pain, misery, something having little or no value, something that is ethically bad, wicked, injury, calamity. This refers to anything that is not what it ought to be – a natural disaster, a disfigurement, an injury, a sin.
XCI “saying” = amar. This is to speak, say, answer, command, promise, report.
XCII “lay” = qarab. Related to “near” in v2. See note IX above.
XCIII “virginity” = bethulim. 10x in OT. From the same as bethulah (virgin, maiden, or bride; figuratively, a place). This is virginity or a concrete sign of it.

15 XCIVThe fatherXCV of the young womanXCVI and her mother shall then submitXCVII the evidence of the young woman’s virginity to the eldersXCVIII of the cityXCIX at the gate.C 

Notes on verse 15

XCIV {untranslated} = laqach. Same as “take” in v6. See note LI above.
XCV “father” = ab. This is father, chief, or ancestor. It is father in a literal or figurative sense.
XCVI “young woman” = naarah. From naar (child or a servant; a child in their active years so they could be aged anywhere from infancy to adolescence); perhaps from naar (to shake, toss up and down, tumble around). This is a girl or young lady ranging anywhere in age from infancy to adolescence.
XCVII “submit” = yatsa. Same as “slandering” in v14. See note XC above.
XCVIII “elders” = zaqen. From the same as zaqan (beard or chin – the beard represents old age). This is old, aged, or elder.
XCIX “city” = iyr. From uwr (to awaken or wake oneself up). This can mean excitement in the sense of wakefulness or city. Properly, this is a place that is guarded. Guards kept schedules according to watches. This sense of the word would include cities as well as encampments or posts that were guarded.
C “gate” = shaar. May be related to sha’ar (to calculate or reckon; may come from a root that means to open up or split). This is a gate, door, or other opening like a port.

16 The father of the young woman shall say to the elders: ‘I gaveCI my daughterCII in marriageCIII to this man,CIV but he dislikes her, 17 and nowCV he has made up charges against her, saying, “I did not find evidence of your daughter’s virginity.” But here is the evidence of my daughter’s virginity.’ Then they shall spreadCVI out the clothCVII

Notes on verses 16-17a

CI “gave” = natan. This is to give, put, set, offer. It is to give literally or figuratively.
CII “daughter” = bat. Related to “house” in v2 & “young” in v6 & “build” in v8. From ben (see note LII above). This is daughter in a literal or figurative sense.
CIII “marriage” = ishshah. Same as “woman” in v5. See note XXX above.
CIV “man” = ish. Same as “man” in v13. See note LXXXIV above.
CV “now” = hinneh. From hen (lo! Behold! If, though; an expression of surprise). This is to draw attention, show suddenness or surprise, or to emphasize the importance of the coming statement. See! Lo! Behold!
CVI “spread” = paras. This is to spread or stretch out, extend, break up, chop to pieces, disperse, display.
CVII “cloth” = simlah. Same as “garment” in v3. See note XX above.

beforeCVIII the elders of the town.CIX 18 The elders of that town shall take the manCX and punishCXI him; 19 they shall fineCXII him one hundredCXIII shekels of silverCXIV (which they shall give to the young woman’s father)

Notes on verses 17b-19a

CVIII “before” = paneh. Same as “on” in v6. See note XL above.
CIX “town” = iyr. Same as “city” in v15. See note XCIX above.
CX “man” = ish. Same as “man” in v13. See note LXXXIV above.
CXI “punish” = yasar. This is to discipline, correct, train, teach, punish. Literally, it is disciplining with blows, but figuratively using words.
CXII “fine” = anash. 9x in OT. From onesh (fine, punishment, tribute). This is literally, to urge. Figuratively, it is to fine or punish.
CXIII “hundred” = meah. This is hundred or some number times one hundred (i.e. hundredfold or the base of two hundred, three hundred, etc.).
CXIV “silver” = keseph. From kasaph (to long for, be greedy; to become pale). This is silver or money.

because he has slandered a virginCXV of Israel.CXVI She shall remain his wife;CXVII he shall not be permittedCXVIII to divorceCXIX her as long asCXX he lives.CXXI

Notes on verse 19b

CXV “virgin” = bethulah. Related to “virginity” in v14. See note XCIII above.
CXVI “Israel” = Yisrael. Related to “God” in v5. From sarah (to persist, exert oneself, contend, persevere, wrestle, prevail) + El (see note XXXVIII above). This is Israel, meaning God strives or one who strives with God; new name for Jacob and for his offspring. This refers to the people and to the land.
CXVII “wife” = ishshah. Same as “woman” in v5. See note XXX above.
CXVIII “be permitted” = yakol. This is to be able, endure, overcome, prevail.
CXIX “divorce” = shalach. Same as “let…go” in v7. See note LIII above.
CXX “as long as” = kol. Same as “anything” in v3. See note XXI above.
CXXI “lives” = yom. Same as “live long” in v7. See note LVI above.

20 “If, however, this charge isCXXII true,CXXIII that evidence of the young woman’s virginityCXXIV was not found, 21 then they shall bring the young woman outCXXV to the entranceCXXVI of her father’s house,

Notes on verses 20-21a

CXXII “is” = hayah. Same as “remain” in v2. See note XIV above.
CXXIII “true” = emet. From aman (to believe, endure, fulfill, confirm, support, be faithful, put one’s trust in, be steadfast. Figuratively, this is to be firm, steadfast, or faithful, trusting, believing, being permanent, morally solid). This is firmness or stability. Figuratively, it is faithfulness, truth, or trustworthiness. This is the same root that “amen” comes from.
CXXIV “virginity” = bethulim. Same as “virginity” in v14. See note XCIII above.
CXXV “bring…out” = yatsa. Same as “slandering” in v14. See note XC above.
CXXVI “entrance” = pethach. From pathach (to open wide in a literal or figurative sense; to open, draw out, let something go free, break forth, to plow, engrave, or carve). This is any kind of opening – a door, entrance, gate.

and the menCXXVII of her town shall stoneCXXVIII her to death,CXXIX because she committedCXXX a disgraceful actCXXXI

Notes on verse 21b

CXXVII “men” = ish. Same as “man” in v13. See note LXXXIV above.
CXXVIII “stone” = saqaleben. Saqal is, properly, being weighty. However, it is used for stoning someone (to death) or for removing stones. Eben is a stone, weight, or mason. It is part of the word “Ebenezer.”
CXXIX “death” = mut. This is to die in a literal or figurative sense. It can also refer to being a dead body.
CXXX “committed” = asah. Same as “do” in v3. See note XVII above.
CXXXI “disgraceful act” = nebalah. 13x in OT. From nabal (to be foolish, senseless, fall away, faint, wither, to be wicked, disgrace). This is foolishness, disgrace, folly, outrage, villainy, a crime or punishment. Used frequently of sexual sin, but not always.

in Israel by prostitutingCXXXII herself in her father’s house. So you shall purgeCXXXIII the evilCXXXIV from your midst.CXXXV

Notes on verse 21c

CXXXII “prostituting” = zanah. This is being or playing a prostitute. Figuratively, it can also mean fornicating.
CXXXIII “purge” = baar. This is to burn, consume, heat, remove. It can also be to consume by a fire or through eating, being brutish or wasting.
CXXXIV “evil” = ra’. Same as “slandering” in v14. See note XC above.
CXXXV “midst” = qereb. Related to “near” in v2 & “lay” in v14. Perhaps from qarab (see note IX above). This is among, in the midst, before, the center It is the inward part, whether literal or figurative. It can also be used for the heart, the site of thoughts and feelings. This word is also used as a technical term for the entrails of the animals who are sacrificed.

22 “If a manCXXXVI is discoveredCXXXVII lyingCXXXVIII with the wife of anotherCXXXIX man,CXL

Notes on verse 22a

CXXXVI “man” = ish. Same as “man” in v13. See note LXXXIV above.
CXXXVII “discovered” = matsa. Same as “find” in v3. See note XXIII above.
CXXXVIII “lying” = shakab. This is to lie down, lodge. It is lying for sleep, sex, or other reasons.
CXXXIX “another” = baal. 15x in OT. This is to marry, master, become a husband, have power over.
CXL “man” = baal. Related to “another” in v22. From baal (see note CXXXIX above). This is lord, owner, ally, master, or archer.

bothCXLI of them shall die,CXLII the manCXLIII who lay with the woman as well as the woman. So you shall purge the evil from Israel.

23 “If there is a young woman, a virginCXLIV already engagedCXLV to be married,CXLVI

Notes on verses 22b-23a

CXLI “both” = gam + shenayim. Gam is also, moreover, again. Shenayim is from sheni (double, again, another, second); from shanah (to fold, repeat, double, alter, or disguise). This is two, both, second, couple.
CXLII “die” = mut. Same as “death” in v21. See note CXXIX above.
CXLIII “man” = ish. Same as “man” in v13. See note LXXXIV above.
CXLIV “virgin” = bethulah. Same as “virgin” in v19. See note CXV above.
CXLV “engaged” = aras. 11x in OT. This is to betroth or engage for marriage.
CXLVI “married” = ish. Same as “man” in v13. See note LXXXIV above.

and a manCXLVII meetsCXLVIII her in the town and lies with her, 24 you shall bringCXLIX bothCL of them to the gate of that town and stone them to death, the young womanCLI

Notes on verses 23b-24a

CXLVII “man” = ish. Same as “man” in v13. See note LXXXIV above.
CXLVIII “meets” = matsa. Same as “find” in v3. See note XXIII above.
CXLIX “bring” = yatsa. Same as “slandering” in v14. See note XC above.
CL “both” = shenayim. Same as “both” in v22. See note CXLI above.
CLI {untranslated} = dabar. Same as “charges” in v14. See note LXXXIX above.

because she did not cry for helpCLII in the town and the manCLIII becauseCLIV he violatedCLV his neighbor’sCLVI wife. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.

Notes on verse 24b

CLII “cry for help” = tsaaq. This is to cry out or call together, to shriek. It can mean, by implication, calling for an assembly.
CLIII “man” = ish. Same as “man” in v13. See note LXXXIV above.
CLIV {untranslated} = dabar. Same as “charges” in v14. See note LXXXIX above.
CLV “violated” = anah. This is to be occupied with. It can also be bowed down. It can refer to a sense of humility or to a sense of being browbeaten, oppressed, afflicted, or depressed. This can be literal or figurative – depressed in mood or circumstance.
CLVI “neighbor’s” = rea. From raah (to associate with). This is the same as neighbor in Leviticus 19:18 “love your neighbor as yourself.” This is friend, companion, fellow, neighbor. It is someone with whom you associate, whether more or less close.

25 “But if the manCLVII meets the engaged womanCLVIII in the open countryCLIX and the manCLX seizesCLXI her and lies with her, then onlyCLXII the manCLXIII who lay with her shall die. 

Notes on verse 25

CLVII “man” = ish. Same as “man” in v13. See note LXXXIV above.
CLVIII “woman” = naarah. Same as “young woman” in v15. See note XCVI above.
CLIX “open country” = sadeh. This is literally field, ground, soil, or land. It can be used to mean wild like a wild animal.
CLX “man” = ish. Same as “man” in v13. See note LXXXIV above.
CLXI “seizes” = chazaq. This is to strengthen, seize, be courageous, repair, bind, heal, conquer, harden.
CLXII “only” = bad. From badad (to divide or be separated; alone, solitary, lonely, isolated, straggler). This is apart, alone, separation, body part, tree branch, except. It can also be a city’s chief.
CLXIII “man” = ish. Same as “man” in v13. See note LXXXIV above.

26 You shall do nothingCLXIV to the young woman; the young woman has notCLXV committed an offenseCLXVI punishable by death,CLXVII

Notes on verse 26a

CLXIV “nothing” = lodabar. Dabar is the same as “charges” in v14. See note LXXXIX above.
CLXV “not” = ayin. Perhaps from a word that means to be nothing. This means nothing, none, non-existent. It can also simply mean not or are not.
CLXVI “offense” = chet. From chata (to miss, sin, bear blame, to forfeit, lack). This is sin, fault, or punishment of sin.
CLXVII “death” = mavet. Related to “death” in v21. From muth (see note CXXIX above). This can be death, deadliness, the dead, or the place where the dead go. It can be used figuratively for pestilence or ruin.

because this caseCLXVIII is likeCLXIX that of someoneCLXX who attacksCLXXI and murdersCLXXII CLXXIIIa neighbor.CLXXIV 

Notes on verse 26b

CLXVIII “case” = dabar. Same as “charges” in v14. See note LXXXIX above.
CLXIX “like” = ken. Same as “same” in v3. See note XVIII above.
CLXX “someone” = ish. Same as “man” in v13. See note LXXXIV above.
CLXXI “attacks” = qum. Same as “help to lift…up” in v4. See note XXIX above.
CLXXII “murders” = ratsach. Properly, this is to dash something to pieces. It is to kill a person, but it is used particularly (though not exclusively) for murder.
CLXXIII {untranslated} = nephesh. Related to naphash (to refresh or be refreshed). This is soul, self, person, emotion. It is a breathing creature. Can also refer to appetites and desires.
CLXXIV “neighbor” = rea. Same as “neighbor’s” in v24. See note CLVI above.

27 Since he found her in the open country, the engaged womanCLXXV may have cried for help, but there was no oneCLXXVI to rescueCLXXVII her.

28 “If a manCLXXVIII meets aCLXXIX virginCLXXX who is not engaged and seizesCLXXXI her and lies with her, and they are discovered, 

Notes on verses 27-28

CLXXV “woman” = naarah. Same as “young woman” in v15. See note XCVI above.
CLXXVI “no one” = ayin. Same as “not” in v26. See note CLXV above.
CLXXVII “rescue” = yasha. To deliver, defend, help, preserve, rescue, be safe. Properly, to be open, wide or free, which implies being safe. Used causatively, it means to free.
CLXXVIII “man” = ish. Same as “man” in v13. See note LXXXIV above.
CLXXIX {untranslated} = naarah. Same as “young woman” in v15. See note XCVI above.
CLXXX “virgin” = bethulah. Same as “virgin” in v19. See note CXV above.
CLXXXI “seizes” = taphas. This is to catch, seize, wield, capture. It can also mean to use unwarrantably.

29 the manCLXXXII who lay with her shall give fiftyCLXXXIII shekels of silver to the young woman’s father, and she shall becomeCLXXXIV his wife. BecauseCLXXXV he violated her, he shall not be permitted to divorce her as long as he lives.

30 “A manCLXXXVI shall not marry his father’s wife, thereby violatingCLXXXVII his father’s rights.CLXXXVIII

Notes on verses 29-30

CLXXXII “man” = ish. Same as “man” in v13. See note LXXXIV above.
CLXXXIII “fifty” = chamishshim. From chamesh (five, fifth). This is fifty.
CLXXXIV “become” = hayah. Same as “remain” in v2. See note XIV above.
CLXXXV “because” = tachat. This is underneath, below, the bottom, instead of.
CLXXXVI “man” = ish. Same as “man” in v13. See note LXXXIV above.
CLXXXVII “violating” = lo + galah. Galah is to remove, bring, carry, lead, appear, advertise. It can mean to strip someone or something bare in a negative sense. Captives were typically stripped before they were sent into exile. Used figuratively, in a positive sense, this word means reveal, disclose, discover.
CLXXXVIII “rights” = kanaph. Same as “corners” in v12. See note LXXXI above.


Image credit: “Plowing Fields” – mural on the Ura Kidame Mehret building in Lake Tana, Ethiopia, circa 18th-19th century.

You May Also Like

Leave a Reply