Definition: If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart [from her], and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman’s husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges [determine].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 21:22. It’s a pretty serious warning about relationships, and it’s often misunderstood. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core of the Verse: “If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart [from her], and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman’s husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “If men strive, and hurt a woman with child…” : This is the starting point – it highlights a specific action that’s problematic. It means a man intentionally tries to harm a pregnant woman or her unborn child. “…so that her fruit depart [from her]” : This is the crucial part. The "fruit" refers to the baby. When a man hurts a woman with a pregnancy, the baby will not be born healthy and live. It will be lost, or worse – it won’t exist. Think of it like a seed that doesn't sprout. “and yet no mischief follow” : This is important because it means the man shouldn’t do this with any malicious intent. He shouldn't try to cause harm for personal gain or anger. “…he shall be surely punished, according as the woman’s husband will lay upon him…” : This is where it gets really serious. The husband has a legal obligation to take care of his wife and her child. When the man hurts the woman, the husband must take responsibility for the consequences – essentially, he’s obligated to pay for the damages caused to the child. “and he shall pay as the judges determine” : The judge (or legal system) will then decide how much compensation the man needs to pay to cover the cost of the lost or damaged child. In simpler terms: This verse emphasizes a strong, unbreakable bond between husband and wife. It's a clear warning that harming a pregnant woman is a serious offense with significant consequences – including financial responsibility for the child's loss. Important Context & Why it Matters: This story appears in the Book of Exodus and is part of a larger legal code (the Ten Commandments). It’s rooted in ancient Jewish law and is considered a fundamental principle of justice and protection of women. Disclaimer: I am an AI assistant and this explanation is for educational purposes only. It's not a substitute for legal advice. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the historical context? Offer a different perspective on the verse’s meaning?