Definition: Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Deuteronomy 7:3 – it’s a really important part of the Old Testament and focuses on how we should treat people who aren't Christians. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about respecting others, even those you don’t believe in. It’s saying that we have a responsibility to treat people with kindness and consideration, regardless of their beliefs or background. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Neither shalt thou make marriages with them” : This means you shouldn’t enter into romantic relationships with people who aren’t part of your faith tradition. It’s about avoiding relationships based on shared religious beliefs. Think of it as a boundary – don’t try to force your beliefs onto someone else. “Thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.” : This is the most important part. It means you shouldn't give gifts (like money, property, or favors) to people who aren’t Christians. “Thy daughter” : This refers specifically to a female child – a daughter. “His son” : This refers to a male son. “His daughter” : This refers to a female daughter. “Take unto thy son” : This means you shouldn't give them anything of value. Why is this important? The Old Testament was written in a time when Jewish people were dealing with foreign peoples – those who weren’t part of the Jewish community. This verse emphasizes that we should treat everyone with respect, even those different from us. It's about being fair and just to all people. In essence, Deuteronomy 7:3 is a reminder to be considerate and kind to everyone, regardless of their faith. --- Resources for Further Learning: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/deuteronomy%207%2C%203](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/deuteronomy%207%2C%203) – This is a good place to read the verse in context and see how it’s been interpreted throughout history. Wikipedia - Deuteronomy 7: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deuteronomy_7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deuteronomy_7) – Provides a more comprehensive overview of the meaning and historical significance. Do you want me to: Explain it in a different way? Talk about its historical context? Discuss why this verse is still relevant today?