Definition: Ye shall not eat [of] any thing that dieth of itself: thou shalt give it unto the stranger that [is] in thy gates, that he may eat it; or thou mayest sell it unto an alien: for thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother’s milk.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 14:21 together. It's a really important one about how we should treat foreigners and those passing through our land. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is all about showing kindness and respect to people who are visiting or passing through your territory – like travelers, merchants, or anyone temporarily staying with you. Let's unpack it word by word: “Ye shall not eat of any thing that dieth of itself:” This means don’t eat anything that just dies on its own. Think of a fruit that falls off the branch – it doesn’t grow on its own. We don’t want to treat someone as if they don’t deserve respect or opportunity because they're not part of our community. It’s about being generous and considerate. “Thou shalt give it unto the stranger that is in thy gates:” This is where it gets really important. When someone is passing through, you must offer them food and hospitality. The “stranger” refers to anyone who's temporarily staying with you – travelers, merchants, or even people seeking shelter. It’s a request for generosity and welcoming them. “that he may eat it; or thou mayest sell it unto an alien: for thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God.” This is a crucial part that emphasizes holiness. "Holy People" means you are a special group of people who are to be treated with reverence and respect. It’s saying we're called to be generous and kind to them – especially when they are in our land. The phrase “for thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God” is a reminder of your responsibility to follow God's laws and treat others justly. “Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother’s milk.” This is the most famous part – it's a powerful metaphor! It means don't exploit or take advantage of someone. It's like taking something that belongs to someone else and using it for your own benefit. Think of it as treating someone with respect and fairness, just like you would treat a child – giving them the opportunity to thrive and be valued. In essence, this verse teaches us to: Be generous: Offer food and hospitality to those who are visiting. Treat others with respect: Show kindness and consideration to everyone, especially those from outside your community. Don't take advantage of others: Avoid exploiting someone for your own benefit. Why is this important? This verse was given to the Israelites as a guide during their journey through foreign lands. It emphasizes the importance of building relationships with people who are different from you and treating them fairly, reflecting God’s character. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Give you some examples of how this verse applies in real life?