Definition: And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Leviticus 24:21. It’s a really important rule about violence in the Old Testament. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is about justice and protecting human life. It says that anyone who kills another person will be punished severely. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he that killeth a beast…” - This refers to animals, specifically those sacrificed in religious ceremonies, like the Passover lamb. “…he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death.” – This is the core of the rule. It means if someone kills another human being, they will be punished with death. What does this mean in practice? It's about protecting sacred spaces: In ancient times, sacrifices were performed in temples and sacred areas. This verse was designed to prevent violence against those who were involved in these rituals. A deterrent: The verse wasn’t just about punishment; it was a way to deter people from attacking each other. It established a clear standard of behavior – killing someone would have very serious consequences. Important Context (Briefly): This verse is part of a larger set of laws in Leviticus that focused on holiness and righteousness. It’s about making sure that everything done, especially violence, was done with a sense of reverence and respect for God's creation. In short: This verse emphasizes the importance of protecting human life above all else and establishing a strict punishment for taking another person's life. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is important in Jewish tradition? Discuss the context of these laws within ancient Israel? Explore what it means in a modern, secular understanding of justice?