Old Testament
Exodus 22:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
If her father absolutely refuses to let her marry him, the man must still pay the amount equal to the bride price for a virgin.
Compare translations
If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.
What Exodus 22:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a situation where a man desires to marry a woman, but her father refuses to allow it. The law states that even if the father says no, the man is still required to pay a sum of money equivalent to what a virgin's dowry would be. This reflects the importance of commitment and respect in relationships. The payment serves as a recognition of the woman's value and the seriousness of marriage. It also emphasizes the father's authority in deciding who his daughter can marry. This law was meant to protect women and ensure they were treated with dignity. It shows that love and relationships should involve responsibility and respect for family decisions. Ultimately, this verse highlights the balance between personal desires and familial obligations in the context of marriage, reminding us that relationships are not just about individual choices but also about honoring commitments and family dynamics in our lives today. Understanding this can help us navigate our own relationships with care and respect.
How to apply Exodus 22:17 to your life
In our relationships, we should honor the values and decisions of our families while pursuing love. This verse encourages us to consider the weight of our commitments and the importance of treating others with respect. Reflect on how you can show appreciation for those involved in your relationships, including family members. Remember, love is not just about personal feelings but also about responsibility and respect for others.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Exodus 22:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Exodus 22:17
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 22:17 say about a father's authority in marriage?
Exodus 22:17 emphasizes the father's authority in deciding whether his daughter can marry a man. If the father refuses, the man is still required to pay a bride price, which reflects the father's role in protecting his daughter's interests and maintaining family honor.
Why is the bride price important in Exodus 22:17?
The bride price in Exodus 22:17 serves as a recognition of the woman's value and the seriousness of marriage. It underscores the commitment of the man and ensures that women are treated with dignity, highlighting the importance of responsibility in relationships.
How does Exodus 22:17 relate to modern relationships?
Exodus 22:17 teaches us about the balance between personal desires and family obligations in relationships. It encourages individuals to respect family decisions while pursuing love, reminding us that relationships involve commitment and responsibility towards others.
What can we learn about respect from Exodus 22:17?
Exodus 22:17 highlights the importance of respect in relationships, particularly towards family members. It encourages us to honor the values and decisions of our families while navigating our own romantic interests, fostering a culture of mutual respect.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.