Definition: Thou shalt not see thy brother’s ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift [them] up again.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 22:4. It’s a really important principle about treating others with kindness and responsibility. Here's a simple explanation: The Core Message: Don’t be careless or malicious when you see your neighbor’s animals – especially livestock – in a vulnerable situation. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Thou shalt not see thy brother’s ass or his ox fall down by the way…” - This means you shouldn't witness someone else's animal being harmed or injured. It’s about looking out for those who are vulnerable and needing help. Think of it like this: you don't want to be the one to cause harm to someone else's property. "...and hide thyself from them:” - This is a warning – you shouldn’t interfere directly. You don’t need to take action yourself. It means you should remain a bystander, not get involved in the situation. “Thou shalt surely help him to lift [them] up again.” - This is the crucial part . If someone else has caused harm, you are obligated to assist them. You need to step in and give them a helping hand to restore what was lost or damaged. It’s about restoring balance and fairness. In simpler terms: It's a command to be considerate of others and to act with compassion when you see someone else’s animal in trouble. It emphasizes responsibility and kindness. Why is this important? This verse highlights the idea that we are all connected and that our actions have consequences for others, even if they don’t realize it. It encourages us to be mindful of how our actions might impact those around us. Resources: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Deuteronomy/22](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Deuteronomy/22) - This page has a good explanation and translation of the verse with context. --- Do you want to explore any specific aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain its historical context? Discuss how it relates to our own lives?