Does the Bible Advocate Compulsory Marriage for Sexual Misconduct?

In this article, you will learn how Deuteronomy 22:29 contradicts Exodus 22:16, 2 Samuel 13:14-16, Matthew 5:32, 1 Corinthians 7:2 and Deuteronomy 24:1-4. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..

The scripture often intertwines cultural contexts with moral teachings, resulting in interpretations that may seem contradictory. Deuteronomy 22:29 states that if a man harms a young woman, he must financially compensate her father and marry her, never to divorce her. This rule, designed millennia ago, sought to safeguard the woman's social standing during a time when marriage was integral for social security.

However, contrasting messages emerge in other parts of the Bible. Exodus 22:16, for instance, talks about marrying a virgin one has seduced, focusing on paying the bride-price rather than enforcing a marriage as punishment. This shifts the emphasis towards financial responsibility, not coerced union.

In 2 Samuel 13:14-16, the story of Amnon and Tamar illustrates a clear denunciation of sexual violence. Amnon's actions, which mirror those described in Deuteronomy, are condemned, underscoring sexual violence as a wrongdoing without advocating for marriage as a resolution. This narrative brings to light the wrongdoing, rather than suggesting an obligatory resolution through marriage.

Fast forward to the New Testament, Matthew 5:32 emphasizes marriage's sanctity, specifically in the context of adultery, contrasting sharply with the idea of forcing marriages upon illicit acts. The focus here is on the purity and mutual respect in marriage, rather than binding individuals against their will.

Similarly, 1 Corinthians 7:2 promotes consensual and mutual marital relations, advising everyone to have their own spouse to avoid fornication. This underscores the importance of consent and mutual love, not compulsion.

Deuteronomy 24:1-4 discusses divorce, laying out a framework for voluntary, conscious marital bonds rather than obligatory unions, suggesting that relationships should be by choice, with clear pathways for dissolution.

These discrepancies challenge readers to reconsider the implication of forced marriages as a resolution for sexual misconduct, and how the underlying principles of respect, responsibility, and mutual agreement form the biblical foundation for a healthy marital relationship.