Definition: And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Exodus 21:20. It’s a pretty serious one about the relationship between God and His people – specifically, how He deals with those who serve Him. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is very firm about protecting His servants. If a servant (or maid) disrespects or harms their master (or mistress) with the force of a rod , God will punish them severely. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand…" This is the key part. It describes a specific action – a physical act of violence – that's considered a serious offense. “…he shall be surely punished.” This means God will take action against this person. The punishment isn’t just a warning; it’s a definite consequence. What does "surely" mean? The word “surely” is really important here. It's not just maybe they'll be punished. It means the punishment will happen immediately . It’s a very strong guarantee from God. Context and Why it Matters: This verse comes from a story in Genesis about Jacob (a man in ancient Israel) and his master, Isaac. Jacob was angry with Isaac because he didn't give him a fair share of the family inheritance. In response, Jacob harshly treated Isaac’s servant. God saw this as an unacceptable act and responded by setting this law – this verse – to protect the servants. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a warning against abuse and disrespect towards those who are in a position of service to God. It emphasizes that obedience, respect, and fairness are crucial for maintaining a good relationship with God. In short, the verse says that if someone treats their servant or maid badly with force, they will face a serious punishment. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the meaning of this verse in more detail? Provide a historical context for this passage?