Definition: And if thy brother [be] not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Deuteronomy 22:2. It’s a really important principle about responsibility and relationships! Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is saying: “If your brother isn’t nearby or you don’t know him, you have a responsibility to take care of something that belongs to him.” Let's unpack it further: "And if thy brother [be] not nigh unto thee..." : This means “if he’s not close to you” – physically, or emotionally. It emphasizes the importance of connection and being present for someone. "...or if thou know him not..." : This is a crucial part. It means "if you don't know him." It’s about recognizing and valuing your brother’s needs and feelings. “then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house…” : This means "you must take it home.” It’s a call to action – you need to show care and responsibility by bringing something to where you live. "...and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it..." : This is the key part. “Until your brother seeks after it” means “as long as he needs it.” It’s a promise of continued care and concern. "...and thou shalt restore it to him again." : This means you must return the thing back to him when he asks for it. It shows you are returning something that belongs to him and showing your respect for him. In short, this verse is about loyalty, responsibility, and keeping a promise. It’s a reminder that we have obligations to those we care about, and we need to be there for them, even if they're not physically near. Why is it important? This principle emphasizes the importance of family relationships and showing love and respect – it’s a core value in Judaism and Christianity. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Deuteronomy? Discuss the meaning of this verse within a specific context (like family or friendship)?