Keraia
Deuteronomy 21

Deuteronomy 21:14

Marrying a Captive Woman · Deuteronomy 21:10–14
Read Deuteronomy 21

Translations

Modern
And if you are not pleased with her, you are to let her go wherever she wishes. But you must not sell her for money or treat her as a slave, since you have dishonored her.
Traditional
And it shall be, if thou have no delight in her, then thou shalt let her go whither she will; but thou shalt not sell her at all for money, thou shalt not make merchandise of her, because thou hast humbled her.
Literal
And it shall be, if you have no delight in her, that you send her away at her desire. And surely you shall not sell her for silver, nor shall you treat her brutally, upon that you have humbled her.
Latin
Si autem postea non sederit animo tuo, dimittes eam liberam, nec vendere poteris pecunia, nec opprimere per potentiam: quia humiliasti eam.

Original

Hebrew
English
And if you are not pleased with her, you are to let her go wherever she wishes. But you must not sell her for money or treat her as a slave, since you have dishonored her.

Notes

Deuteronomy 21:14

dishonored her: When a man first took a woman as a prisoner and later divorced her, he treated her as if she had little value. This action brought shame and pain to her.

To protect her from further harm, the law limited what he could do. He was not allowed to sell her as a slave or treat her like property.

Instead, he had to let her go free.

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Covenant Deuteronomy, Book of Family Life and Relations Marriage, Marriage Customs

Topics

Concubinage: Laws Concerning Divorce of Captives, Regulated by Law Divorce: General Scriptures Concerning Marriage: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Money: Silver Used As Servant: Bond: Captives of War Became Slaves Servant: Bond: Kidnapping Forbidden Servant: Bond: The Master Could Marry, or Give in Marriage