John Calvin Commentary Exodus 22:16

"And if a man entice a virgin that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely pay a dowry for her to be his wife." — Exodus 22:16 (ASV)

Therefore, it is also clear that even though God forgives the judicial penalty, fornication is displeasing to Him. Regarding the spiritual judgment of the conscience, there were acts of atonement to gain His favor. In this specific regulation, however, God's primary consideration is for young women, to prevent them from being deceived, losing their virginity, and consequently becoming prostitutes, thereby defiling the land with prostitution.

The remedy is that the man who has corrupted a young woman should be compelled to marry her. He must also give her a dowry from his own property, so that if he should later abandon her, she would not leave his household without money. However, if the marriage does not please her father, the penalty imposed on her seducer is that he must provide her with a wedding portion.