Definition: And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son [is] stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; [he is] a glutton, and a drunkard.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 21:20. It’s a really important part of God’s teaching about relationships and responsibility. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is telling the elders of a city – basically, leaders and people in that community – to correct a young man (or boy) who is acting badly. It’s saying this young man is being stubborn, rebellious, and not following the rules. It's also highlighting a problem with him being overly indulgent or drinking too much. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And they shall say unto…” : This is God speaking directly to the elders. They are taking responsibility for this young man. “…the elders of his city…” : This refers to the leaders and older people in that particular town or community. “…this our son [is] stubborn and rebellious…” : This means the young man is refusing to listen to the elders’ instructions. He's not following what they've told him to do. “Stubborn” means he doesn’t want to cooperate. “Rebellious” means he’s defying authority or rules. “…he will not obey our voice…” : This is a direct command – the elders need to tell him to stop and listen. “…[he is] a glutton, and a drunkard.” : This adds a layer of concern about his behavior. It’s saying he's indulging in unhealthy habits - drinking too much and overeating. What does this mean for us? This verse is often interpreted as a warning to: Parents: It reminds parents to be watchful over their children and ensure they are following the rules and guidelines set before them. Leaders: It's a call for leaders to address behavior that disrupts community harmony and order. Everyone: It’s a reminder that we all have responsibilities, and it's important to maintain good behavior and avoid unhealthy habits. In short, this verse is about holding someone accountable for their actions and ensuring they are living in accordance with what’s right. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail? (e.g., its historical context?) Connect it to another part of the Bible? Give you a parallel example from another story?