Definition: He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 21:12. It’s a pretty serious and important command within the story of God’s protection of Passover. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: In ancient Israel, Passover was a Jewish holiday celebrating the liberation of Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This year, there were a lot of sheep. A special lamb was sacrificed as a symbol of the Passover feast. What happened next? During the slaughter of the lamb, a young boy named Moses was helping to hold the animal. He accidentally struck the lamb with his knife – he smithed it. This is where the verse comes in. The Meaning - It’s about Justice and Protection: This verse essentially says: "If you harm someone so severely that they die, you will be punished." It’s a very strong warning against violence and intentional harm. Why was this law established? Protection of the Passover Sacrifice: The core reason behind this law is to ensure the safety and sanctity of the Passover lamb. It's a way for God to protect his people from harm and maintain the sacredness of this important event. Justice and Accountability: It establishes a clear consequence for those who would deliberately cause someone’s death, reinforcing the idea that there are consequences for wrongdoing. Important Note: This verse was given as an ancient law , meaning it wasn't meant to be interpreted literally in every situation today. It was a guideline of justice and protection rooted in the traditions of the time. In short, this verse is a powerful statement about the responsibility we have to protect others and ensure that harm doesn’t occur. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore what this verse relates to in other stories or traditions?