Definition: Thou shalt betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her: thou shalt build an house, and thou shalt not dwell therein: thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not gather the grapes thereof.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 28:30. It's a pretty serious one, but it speaks to a crucial part of how God intends for relationships and families to work. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about taking a wife and having another man lie with her. It’s a challenging situation that God wants to address. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Thou shalt betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her…” – This is the core of the problem. It describes a scenario where a woman is being physically intimate with someone other than her husband. This is a significant breach of trust and vows within a marriage. “…and thou shalt build an house, and thou shalt not dwell therein.” – This part highlights the consequences of this action. God doesn’t want this to continue; it's creating a situation where the family isn't secure or stable. It implies a building – a home – that will be disrupted by this behavior. “Thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not gather the grapes thereof.” – This is the promise God makes if this situation is resolved. It’s about establishing a good future for the family. The "vineyard" represents prosperity, security, and a fruitful life. "Gathering the grapes" signifies producing a harvest - meaning, providing a stable and secure future for the family. So, what does this verse mean in terms of God’s perspective? It's a warning about the dangers of betrayal, disobedience, and broken promises. It suggests that when relationships are not based on faithfulness and commitment, they can lead to chaos and unhappiness. It’s a reminder that God values trust and integrity above all else. Important Context (Briefly): This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the importance of maintaining loyalty within a marriage. It's a reminder that marriage is a sacred covenant, and breaking it has serious repercussions for everyone involved. Disclaimer: I’m an AI assistant and this explanation is based on common interpretations of the biblical text. It doesn’t offer theological analysis or judgment. --- Would you like me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss its significance within a specific religious context (like Judaism or Christianity)?