Definition: Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with divers seeds: lest the fruit of thy seed which thou hast sown, and the fruit of thy vineyard, be defiled.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Deuteronomy 22:9. It's a really important verse about how we should treat our neighbors and the land we work. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse warns us to be careful how we cultivate our land – that is, how we grow our crops and relationships with others. It says we shouldn't let our actions (our “seeds”) contaminate the land or the people around us. Let’s look at it piece by piece: “Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard…” : This means you shouldn’t plant a large, mixed garden like a vineyard. A vineyard is meant to be a place of fruit – beautiful and fruitful. Planting a diverse mix of things could easily become messy or bad. “…with divers seeds:” This is the key part. "Divers seeds" refers to different kinds of crops or activities. It means you shouldn’t be mixing good with bad, right with wrong, or one thing with another. It's about a balanced and wholesome approach. “lest the fruit of thy seed which thou hast sown…” : This is saying that the result of your actions – the fruits of your labor – could be tainted or corrupted. "Fruit" represents something good, like a harvest of crops, but this verse warns us about what those fruits might become if we’re not careful. “…and the fruit of thy vineyard…” : This refers to the overall prosperity and success you've achieved – your wealth, your reputation, your relationships. In simpler terms: Don't let your actions (like greed, selfishness, or mistreatment) contaminate what you’ve worked for. Focus on cultivating good things and healthy relationships. Why is this important? The Old Testament used this idea to teach that we are stewards of the land – God has entrusted us with it, and we have a responsibility to care for it in a way that benefits everyone. It’s about maintaining a good relationship between people and the earth. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What's your current understanding of this verse? (Are you new to biblical concepts, or are you familiar with other teachings?) What specifically are you curious about? (e.g., Do you want a more detailed explanation of the concept of "divers seeds"? Are you wondering how it relates to modern-day ethics?)