Definition: And the damsel’s father shall say unto the elders, I gave my daughter unto this man to wife, and he hateth her;

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Deuteronomy 22:16. It’s a really important one about responsibility and honor – and it has some serious implications! Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that a person who marries someone they have given to, must respect that person's feelings and not treat them poorly. It’s essentially a warning against mistreating someone you've entrusted to a marriage. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the damsel’s father shall say unto the elders…” – This refers to the father of the woman involved. It’s a formal, respectful address. “…I gave my daughter unto this man to wife…” – This is the key part. The speaker (the person who made the marriage) actually gave their daughter to this man. “and he hateth her” – This is the crucial part. The father says that his daughter (who they’ve given to) loves him and hates her. It's a strong statement of displeasure. So, what does it mean in real life? This verse is telling us: Respect Boundaries: It means you should always respect someone’s boundaries and feelings, especially when you give them a responsibility or commitment. Don’t Treat with Disrespect: It warns against treating someone poorly, mistreating them, or ignoring their feelings. Responsibility Comes with Power: This verse emphasizes that with power – like the power of marriage – comes a responsibility to treat others with respect and consideration. Why is this important in the Bible? This verse is part of a larger theme in the Old Testament about honor, loyalty, and treating people with dignity. It's a reminder that we have a duty to be considerate of those around us. It speaks to the idea of taking responsibility for your actions and ensuring you treat others well. In short, it’s a call for kindness and respect – especially when making important commitments. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this verse in more detail (like why it was written)?