Definition: And this [is] the thing that ye shall do, Ye shall utterly destroy every male, and every woman that hath lain by man.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 21:11. It's a really serious and disturbing verse, and it’s important to understand its context and meaning carefully. Here’s what it says in simpler terms: “And this is the thing that ye shall do, ye shall utterly destroy every male and every woman who has lain by man.” Let’s unpack that: “And this is the thing that ye shall do…” – This isn't a suggestion; it’s a command. It’s a very direct instruction. “…Ye shall utterly destroy…” – “Utterly” means completely and without exception. It's not just destroying some of them, but every single one . “every male and every woman who has lain by man.” - This is the core of the verse. It refers to all women who were previously in a relationship with men – essentially, all women who had been sexually involved with men. "Lain by" means to be in a sexual relationship with someone. What’s the context? This passage comes from the Book of Judges, and it’s part of a larger story about a time when Israel was embroiled in conflict and rebellion. God is sending judgment against those who are defying him. The text describes a situation where men were being seduced by women, and as a result, they were causing trouble for the Israelites. Why is this so disturbing? This verse is extremely harsh and highlights a deeply troubling aspect of the story: sexual immorality and unfaithfulness. It suggests a culture where relationships were being abused and used to cause division within Israel. It’s a stark reminder that God has a right to judge those who violate his rules of morality and righteousness. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a condemnation of all sexual relationships, regardless of the context or intent. However, it's crucial to remember that it was written in a specific historical moment – a time when Israel was experiencing significant moral decay. It’s not meant to be taken lightly; it speaks to profound issues of trust and obedience to God’s law. In short: This verse is a command to completely eliminate all women who had been previously involved with men, as part of a broader judgment against those who were causing trouble and defying God's authority. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious advisor. This explanation is for informational purposes only and does not constitute religious belief or commentary. Would you like me to: Explain another verse from the Bible? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Talk about how this story relates to broader themes in the Bible (like sin, judgment, and covenant)?