Definition: Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Deuteronomy 21:19. It's a pretty serious statement about how to handle a situation where someone breaks a significant agreement or violates a promise. Here’s a simple explanation: Basically, it means: “If someone betrays a promise or breaks a trust, the people of that place – the city and its gate – are responsible for bringing that person back.” Let's unpack it a bit further: “Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him…” This refers to the authority figure who made the agreement. It’s like saying, “They will take responsibility for this person.” “…and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place.” This describes a process: “unto the elders…” : The elders are the wise and trusted leaders of the community. They're seen as having a higher level of responsibility. “…of his city…” : This means they’ll take the person back to the city itself . It’s a return to where the agreement was made. "...and unto the gate of his place.” This refers to a specific location – perhaps a doorway or boundary marking the edge of the city. It's like a marker that signifies the boundaries and authority of the place. What does this tell us about it? This verse is about justice and responsibility . It’s a way for God to hold people accountable when they break promises. It emphasizes that those who violate trust deserve to be brought back into order, often with consequences. Important Note: The exact details of what happens after this process are not explicitly stated in the verse itself. The passage is more about the process of bringing someone back than detailing the specific punishment. --- Do you want me to explain a particular aspect of this verse, like its historical context or its significance within the larger narrative of Deuteronomy? Or would you like to know about other Bible verses that deal with similar themes of accountability and justice?