Text: Deuteronomy 22:28-29
OT Text Referred to: Exodus 22:16-17
Subject: seduction laws — parallel legislation
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Allusion
Connection Method(s): None
Significance: Exodus 22:16-17 and Deuteronomy 22:28-29 are parallel treatments of sexual violation against an unbetrothed virgin. Both require the man to pay the bride-price (מֹהַר, mohar) and marry the woman. Exodus gives the father veto power over the marriage while still requiring payment; Deuteronomy removes the father's veto, adds a specific amount (fifty shekels of silver), and prohibits the man from ever divorcing her. The Deuteronomic expansion strengthens the woman's protection by removing the possibility that the offender could later discard her, reflecting Deuteronomy's consistent pattern of adding humanitarian safeguards to the Exodus legislation.