Definition: Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Leviticus 19:29. It’s a really important verse about treating women with respect and avoiding certain behaviors. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that don't treat your daughters as if they are prostitutes. It warns against actions that could lead to a complete breakdown of morality and societal well-being – essentially, a “whoredom” spreading out. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Do not prostitute thy daughter…” - This is the core of the warning. "Prostitute" means to engage in sexual activity outside of marriage or without consent. It's a very serious term, suggesting something deeply harmful and immoral. "...thy daughter” – It’s specifically referring to a woman’s daughter. "...to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom..." - This is where it gets more detailed. "Whore" means engaging in sexual activity for pleasure or gratification, often without respect or responsibility. “The land falls to whoredom” means the whole community – the country, the region – becomes overrun with immoral behavior and wickedness. What’s the point of this warning? It's a way for God to protect his people and maintain a holy society. The verse is reminding us that: Respect is Paramount: We should treat women with respect and dignity, recognizing them as valuable individuals. Moral Responsibility: We are responsible for the behavior of our daughters. If we allow them to be exposed to immoral situations, it can have a devastating impact on society. In short, this verse emphasizes that women deserve to be treated with kindness, honor, and respect – and that engaging in activities that could degrade or exploit them is something God strongly opposes. Important Note: This verse speaks to a specific time and place in Jewish history, and it’s often interpreted as a guideline for how to treat women within the framework of their roles and responsibilities. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with examples? Discuss its historical context? Compare it to other verses about womanhood or relationships?