Definition: And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 24:8. It’s a really important and slightly complex passage about trust and responsibility. Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Situation: God is giving Jacob (later known as patriarch Jacob) a task – to find a wife for his son, Benjamin. He needs someone trustworthy and reliable to take Benjamin to Egypt to be raised by his brother Joseph. What’s Happening in the Verse? “And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee…” : This is the crucial part. It means that if Jacob can't get a wife who agrees to care for Benjamin, he has a binding oath – a promise – to not bring him back to her. “…then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again.” : This is the consequence of that oath. If Jacob can't get a wife to agree, he’s committing to not take Benjamin back to her. He's making it clear that he won't bring him back under any circumstances. What Does It Mean? Essentially, this verse establishes a strict boundary of trust . It means Jacob has to be very careful about who he involves in taking Benjamin to Egypt. He’s essentially saying: “I need you to not go back to her if she doesn't agree to take him.” It highlights the importance of loyalty and responsibility in God’s plan. Why is it significant? This verse is a foundational part of the story of Genesis 24, which lays out the beginnings of Jacob’s life and his relationship with his family. It shows that God values trust and sets clear rules for how people should behave. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the significance of this passage in a broader context (like the story of Genesis 24)?