Definition: And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 22:16. It’s a really important one about respect and relationships, and it has some serious implications. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that a man who engages in sexual activity with someone who isn’t legally married to another person is considered a grave offense. Here’s a breakdown of what it means piece by piece: “If a man entice a maid…” : This refers to a man trying to attract a woman (a “maid” – often meaning a young, unmarried woman) with advances. “…that is not betrothed…” : This is crucial . It means the woman isn’t legally married to someone else. She's free to choose her own partner. This is a fundamental part of Jewish and Christian marriage law. "...and lie with her..." : This is the core of the offense. Lying or deceiving someone is wrong, and this verse says that lying in this situation is especially bad because it’s about a relationship that’s not based on a proper agreement. What Happens as a Result? The verse describes a very serious consequence: the woman will be legally obligated to become his wife. This means she'll be considered married to him, and he'll have rights and responsibilities as a husband. It’s essentially a forced marriage – it’s not a voluntary agreement. Why is this important? This verse highlights the importance of honesty and respect in relationships. It was a strong warning against temptation and deception, particularly regarding women. It speaks to the idea that a man should treat someone with dignity and respect, and that lies can have very serious consequences. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted within a historical context – it's part of an ancient law designed to protect women from abuse and exploitation. --- Do you want me to explain any specific aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, I could go into: The historical background of the law Its connection to other biblical stories about relationships