Definition: Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this important verse from Exodus 22:21. It's a really powerful message about kindness and respect. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us to treat strangers with the same care and consideration we would give to our own neighbors – especially when they are new to our community or country. It's a reminder of a crucial historical event. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Thou shalt neither vex a stranger…” : This means don’t be angry or annoy someone you don’t know very well . "Vex" means to irritate, frustrate, or upset someone. It's about avoiding causing them pain or distress. “…nor oppress him:” This is the key part. “Oppress” means to treat someone unfairly, to take advantage of them, or to make them feel uncomfortable or helpless. It’s about being unjust and disregarding their feelings. "...for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt." : This is where it gets really significant. The Egyptians in ancient times were a powerful group, but they were also often treated with harshness and inequality. They enslaved people – including Israelites – and subjected them to difficult conditions. The story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt is about showing compassion and respect even to those who were previously mistreated. So, what does it mean practically? It’s a reminder that we all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. It encourages us to: Be kind: Treat everyone you meet with kindness and consideration. Listen carefully: Pay attention to the feelings of others. Avoid being unfair: Don't take advantage of people or treat them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. Show compassion: Remember that we are all human beings, and deserve basic respect and care. In short, this verse is about recognizing our shared humanity and treating everyone with the same level of respect and kindness as we would want to be treated. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can help you with? For example: Are you curious about its historical context? Would you like me to explain it in a different way?