Definition: Forty stripes he may give him, [and] not exceed: lest, [if] he should exceed, and beat him above these with many stripes, then thy brother should seem vile unto thee.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Deuteronomy 25:3. It’s a tricky one, so we'll go through it slowly and carefully. Here's the core message: This verse is about respecting boundaries and treating others with fairness and kindness. It warns against giving someone excessive power or authority – essentially, being overly harsh or abusive. Let's unpack it word by word: "Forty stripes he may give him..." - This refers to a symbol of royalty and authority. The "stripes" represent a level of respect and power. "...and not exceed:" – This is a crucial part. It means you cannot give someone more than what's allowed. "...lest, [if] he should exceed, and beat him above these with many stripes..." - This is the warning. "Exceed" means to go beyond what’s expected or appropriate. “Beat him above” implies violence or abuse. "...then thy brother should seem vile unto thee." – This is the consequence of exceeding boundaries. It suggests that if a person acts with excessive power and aggression, it will damage the relationship with someone you care about (your brother). It implies a feeling of disgust or shame. Putting it all together - The overall meaning: This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy relationships based on fairness and respect. It’s saying that while giving someone authority is necessary in certain situations, it must be done with care and restraint to avoid causing harm or disrespect to others. It's about avoiding cruelty and prioritizing kindness. Why is this important? This verse speaks to a timeless principle of ethical behavior – treating everyone with dignity and recognizing that boundaries are essential for healthy relationships and a just society. It’s a reminder that power comes with responsibility, and it’s our duty to act with consideration towards others. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+25%3A3](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+25%3A3) - This is a great place to read the verse in context and explore its meaning. Insights Bible: [https://insightsbiblestudy.com/deuteronomy-25-3/](https://insightsbiblestudy.com/deuteronomy-25-3/) – Offers detailed explanations, commentaries, and translations of the text. Do you want me to: Explain it further in a different way? Discuss its relevance to modern life?