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Gender & Sexuality

Deuteronomy 22: Must a Rape Victim Marry Her Attacker?

Deuteronomy 22:28-29 says a man who "lays hold" of an unbetrothed virgin must pay fifty shekels and marry her — does this command a rape victim to marry her attacker, or does the Hebrew verb "tapas" describe seduction rather than assault?

Deuteronomy 22: Must a Rape Victim Marry Her Attacker? illustration
Deuteronomy 22: Must a Rape Victim Marry Her Attacker?

Full Analysis Coming Soon

Detailed perspectives, original language notes, and historical context for Deuteronomy 22:28-29 are being prepared by our editorial team. In the meantime, explore this passage in the Bible reader.

Sources: Published scholarship View all →

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