Definition: And he said, Cursed [be] Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Genesis 9:25. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising passage in the Bible! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God’s judgment on humanity after the Flood. It’s essentially saying that because humans had been so selfish and destructive, God is going to punish them with a very harsh fate. Let's unpack it word by word: "And he said..." : This tells us that God is speaking and making a decision. "...Cursed [be] Canaan..." : This means that God is cursing (giving a negative power or fate) to a person named Canaan. “Cursed” here means that Canaan will be burdened with a terrible punishment. "...a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren." : This is the most complex part and what makes this verse so significant. It describes a very long, complicated, and incredibly powerful curse. It says that Canaan will be completely enslaved to God's brothers (his brethren), meaning he will be utterly bound to them. What does this all mean in a nutshell? God is saying: "Because of your selfishness and wickedness, you are going to suffer a terrible punishment. You will be permanently tied to those brothers, and you will never be free." It’s a powerful statement about the consequences of human choices. Important Context: This verse comes before the story of Noah and the flood. God is showing that His judgment isn't just about punishing humanity; it’s also about cleansing the earth and restoring creation. The flood was seen as a necessary act to purify the world from sin. Why is this a significant passage? It highlights God's sovereignty: It shows that God is in control of events, even when humans seem to be making their own choices. It speaks to responsibility: The verse emphasizes that humanity bears responsibility for its actions and will face consequences. It’s a foundational moment in the story of salvation: It sets up the narrative of Noah and his ark as a way for God to avert a complete catastrophe. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps discuss its symbolism? For example, I could talk about: The meaning of "servant of servants" – it’s a metaphorical expression of divine power. Its connection to the story of Noah and the Flood.