Deuteronomy 22 28 29 Hebrew Translation

Deuteronomy 22:28-29 Hebrew Translation and Interpretation

This article delves into the Hebrew text of Deuteronomy 22:28-29, providing a transliteration, translation, and interpretation, considering the historical and cultural context. This passage is often debated due to its sensitive nature, concerning a woman who is engaged or betrothed. Understanding the nuances of the Hebrew will shed light on its meaning and implications.

Meta Description: Explore the Hebrew text of Deuteronomy 22:28-29, examining its transliteration, translation, and interpretation within its historical and cultural context. This article unpacks the complexities of this often-debated passage.

Understanding the Context

Before diving into the Hebrew, it's crucial to understand the surrounding verses. Deuteronomy 22 outlines various laws concerning social conduct and justice within Israelite society. Verses 28-29 specifically address a scenario involving a betrothed woman. The context highlights the seriousness of sexual assault and the protection afforded to women within this legal framework. Understanding this broader context is key to accurately interpreting the specific verses.

The Hebrew Text and Transliteration

Let's examine the Hebrew text of Deuteronomy 22:28-29:

Verse 28: כִּ֣י יִמָּצֵ֣א אִישׁ֙ מְשַׁכֵּ֣ב אֵשֶׁ֔ת אִישׁ֙ וְנִשְׁכַּ֣ב עִמָּ֔הּ וּמֵ֖ת יוּמָֽת׃

Transliteration: Ki yimatsē' īš mishkav ʼēšet ʼīš, wə-nishkav ʼimmah, û-mēt yūmāt.

Verse 29: וְהָאִישׁ֙ אֲשֶׁר־תִּהְיֶ֣ה לוֹ֙ הָאִשָּׁ֔ה וּמֵ֖ת יוּמָֽת׃

Transliteration: Və-ʼhaʼīš ʼasher-tihyeh lo ʼhaʼīshah, û-mēt yūmāt.

A Literal Translation

A literal, word-for-word translation, while helpful, may not capture the nuances of the Hebrew:

Verse 28: "If a man is found lying down with a married woman, and he lies with her, then he shall surely be put to death."

Verse 29: "And the man who has the woman, he shall also be put to death."

A More Interpretive Translation

Considering the nuances of the Hebrew and the context, a more interpretive translation might read:

Verse 28: "If a man is found having sexual intercourse with a married woman, he shall be put to death."

Verse 29: "And the woman's husband shall also be put to death."

Interpretation and Discussion

The severity of the punishment—death for both the man and the woman's husband—reflects the importance placed on marital fidelity and the protection of women within ancient Israelite society. The death penalty highlights the seriousness of the crime. The interpretation varies amongst scholars regarding the husband's culpability, some suggesting the punishment is due to his failure to protect his wife's honor.

This passage has been interpreted differently throughout history and across various theological viewpoints. It’s important to approach this text with sensitivity and historical understanding, recognizing the significant differences between ancient Israelite law and modern legal systems. Further research into legal scholarship on ancient Near Eastern law can provide valuable comparative context.

This article provides a foundation for understanding Deuteronomy 22:28-29. Further research into the complexities of ancient Hebrew law and cultural context is encouraged for a more comprehensive understanding. Remember to consult reputable academic sources for in-depth study.