Definition: If any man trespass against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 8:31. It’s a pretty serious warning about responsibility and upholding God's law. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us that if someone breaks a promise they made to God, or violates a rule set by God, that person has a legal obligation to swear (make a solemn oath) to report it. It's like saying, “If you break a promise, you must tell the authorities about it.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “If any man trespass against his neighbour…” : This means anyone who breaks a law or agreement with another person. It’s not just a simple disagreement; it's a violation of trust and responsibility. “…and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear…” : This is the crucial part. The person who broke the promise must make an oath, a solemn vow, to formally report the transgression. This oath is meant to be taken seriously. “And the oath come before thine altar in this house:” This refers specifically to the temple (a sacred place) within the royal palace or government building of Israel. It's saying that this oath must be presented and officially recorded for God’s approval and judgment. In a nutshell, it’s a warning about accountability and the importance of following God’s rules. It emphasizes that God expects people to uphold their commitments and take responsibility for their actions. Why is this important? This passage highlights several key points: Divine Authority: It shows that God holds authority over all actions and agreements. Legal Consequences: Breaking a promise can have legal repercussions, potentially leading to punishment or consequences for the offender. Honesty and Trust: It underscores the importance of honesty and trustworthiness in our relationships with each other and with God. Does this verse have any modern relevance? Absolutely! It speaks to the core principles of justice, accountability, and responsibility that are still important today. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Provide context about the time period when this passage was written? Connect this verse to other biblical stories or teachings?