Definition: And if a man smite the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid, that it perish; he shall let him go free for his eye’s sake.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 21:26. It’s a pretty unique and important passage about fairness and respect within a family. Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse deals with how a man has the right to punish his servant or maid if they mistreat them – specifically, if they harm their eye. It’s a rule designed to ensure fairness and protect those who work for the person who owns them. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And if a man smite the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid…” This tells us what happened – a physical act of violence against someone’s eye. “…that it perish” - This is the key part. “Perish” means to die. So, this verse says that if the man hits their servant's or maid’s eye, it will end their life. “He shall let him go free for his eye’s sake.” – This is where it gets interesting and highlights a principle of compassion . The man must let the person go free. He can’t just kill them because he's angry or frustrated. It’s a way to show mercy, even in a difficult situation. What does this mean practically? This verse is rooted in a complex system of labor and respect within the ancient Israelite society. It suggests: Respect for Property: The owner has the right to control their property (the worker). Fair Treatment: It’s a way to ensure that the person being treated unfairly doesn't get away with it. Compassion & Justice: Even though the man is angry, he must show mercy and avoid causing harm by killing someone. Why is this important? This verse highlights a moral principle: While it’s okay to be upset or angry, violence should always be avoided unless absolutely necessary to protect oneself or others. It emphasizes treating those who are vulnerable with kindness and fairness. In short: This verse establishes a rule of forgiveness within the family unit – that if someone hurts their servant or maid, they must let them go free, even though it's a painful situation. --- Do you want me to explain anything in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the context of this verse in the Old Testament? Explain how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible?