Dictionary of Daily Life in Biblical and Post-Biblical Antiquity (4 vols.)

Top Highlights

“There are parallels to Exod 21:22–23 in the Hammurabi Law Code (18th c. BC). Law 209 reads, ‘If a citizen struck another citizen’s daughter and has caused her to have a miscarriage, he shall pay ten shekels of silver for her fetus.’ Law 210 stipulates, ‘If that woman has died, they shall put his daughter to death’ (ANET, 175).” (Volume 1, Page 6)

“Abortifacient drugs that induce miscarriage were known to many ancient cultures, but due to the danger of abortion to the pregnant woman, prior to modern times mechanical methods of intentionally terminating a pregnancy were relatively uncommon. Only in the late Roman Republic and early Roman Empire was abortion widespread. Most other cultures were governed by law codes appointing severe retribution for killing a fetus while it was still in the womb.” (Volume 1, Page 5)

“Ordinarily a year intervened between the betrothal (qîddûšîn, ‘consecration’) and the nuptials (nîśśûʾîn, ‘taking up’).” (Volume 3, Page 240)

“The Hebrews did not have any laws formally regulating adoption” (Volume 1, Page 11)

“Sexual intercourse between a married or betrothed woman and someone other than her husband was regarded in all societies as a serious offense, since it compromised the paternity of any heirs. Sexual intercourse between a married man and a woman who was not another man’s wife was not usually considered adultery.” (Volume 1, Page 18)