Definition: If she please not her master, who hath betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her unto a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 21:8. It's a really important and somewhat complex verse about a woman’s freedom and responsibility. Here’s what it essentially means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where a woman is caught in a difficult and potentially dangerous situation – she’s been betrothed to someone else, but she refuses to accept it. It highlights the divine protection and consequences of deception. Let's break it down word by word: “If she please not her master…” - This means “If she doesn't agree to marry him.” It’s a direct command – she needs to comply with the request. “…who hath betrothed her to himself…” - This is a bit more nuanced. "Betrothed" means legally married, but here it implies that someone else has already arranged this marriage for her. “Then shall he let her be redeemed:” – This is the key part. “Redemption” refers to being saved from a difficult or undesirable situation. It’s like a rescue. “…to sell her unto a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her.” - This is where it gets really powerful. This means that if she refuses and the man who has arranged this marriage deceives her, he will be unable to marry her. He’ll be powerless to do so because of his dishonesty. Putting it all together – a simpler explanation: This verse says that if a woman refuses to accept a marriage arrangement, and the man who arranged it has been dishonest with her, then she is legally entitled to be free from this marriage. He can’t keep her bound by a contract he made unfairly. Why is this important? This story is often interpreted as a reminder of God's protection for women and their right to choose their own path. It emphasizes that deceit and dishonesty are serious offenses, and the consequences should be severe. It’s a foundational principle in Jewish law, influencing how we treat women today. Important Note: This passage is rooted in ancient traditions and legal codes. While it's often interpreted symbolically, its core message remains about fairness, justice, and the importance of honesty. --- Do you want me to elaborate on any specific part of this verse? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of this story in more detail? Discuss the significance of the "redemption" concept? Compare it to a similar idea found in other religious texts?