Definition: Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: [but] thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it [is] a cursed thing.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 7:26. It’s a really important part of the law that emphasizes holiness and avoiding things that are considered displeasing to God. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying, “Don’t bring anything into your home that is unclean or displeasing to God.” It’s like warning you about something that could be harmful or offensive. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house…” "Abomination" means something that's considered bad, sinful, or offensive. This is a key part of the idea – we’re talking about things that are not pleasing to God. “…lest thou be a cursed thing like it:” "Cursed thing" refers to something that brings misfortune, harm, or evil. It's not just any bad thing; it's something that is deliberately harmful. “Like it” highlights the comparison – we’re comparing ourselves to this potential harm. “…[but] thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it:” This is a stronger statement. It means you must actively dislike or hate this thing. It's not just a slight annoyance; it's something that deeply troubles your conscience. “For it [is] a cursed thing.” This is the concluding part – it’s declared that bringing this thing into your house is a serious transgression against God and will bring negative consequences. In short, Deuteronomy 7:26 is about resisting temptation and avoiding things that would cause harm to yourself or others, as God sees them as unholy. What does this mean in practice? It’s a reminder to be careful about what you put into your home – your thoughts, your actions, your possessions. It's about maintaining a pure heart and avoiding anything that could bring shame or trouble to yourself and those around you. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you an example of something that might be considered an "abomination" (without being overly specific)? Discuss the significance of this verse within the larger context of Jewish law and tradition?