Definition: And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with [his] fist, and he die not, but keepeth [his] bed:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 21:18. It’s a really important passage about responsibility and protection within the story of Moses' time as a leader. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes from the Book of Exodus, which tells us about how Moses was raised up to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. During this process, there’s a bit of a tricky situation involving a sheep – and it’s a crucial part of God's plan. What happened? A Sheep Gets Hurt: A sheep gets injured when Moses is being raised. Men Attempt to Harm It: Two men, who are not part of the family, try to harm the sheep. The Sheep Survives – But Doesn’t Die: Remarkably, the sheep doesn't die! Instead, it keeps its bed and remains injured. What does this verse say? “And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with [his] fist, and he die not, but keepeth [his] bed:” This means: "If two people work together to hurt each other, and one hits the other with a rock or fist, but they manage to stay alive and continue their rest, then it is permitted." The Significance & Why It Matters: It’s about Responsibility: This verse emphasizes that everyone has responsibility for what happens to others. It's not just the person who caused the harm; it’s everyone involved. Protection of Vulnerable Individuals: The key point is that the sheep stays alive . This shows God's protection and care, especially for those who are vulnerable or in a difficult situation. It's a reminder that God isn’t just concerned with punishment, but also about safeguarding those who need it most. It's a Test of Character: The verse can be seen as a test of how we treat others and how we respond to injustice. In essence, this verse highlights the importance of kindness, compassion, and taking responsibility for one another. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of Exodus 21? Talk about the symbolic meaning behind the sheep?