Definition: Or if a soul swear, pronouncing with [his] lips to do evil, or to do good, whatsoever [it be] that a man shall pronounce with an oath, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth [of it], then he shall be guilty in one of these.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 5:4. It’s a really important rule about how we should handle our words – especially when they involve something that could be considered morally wrong or harmful. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is about speaking truthfully and avoiding lying, even when you’re feeling upset or angry. It emphasizes the importance of speaking honestly to avoid causing harm or disrespecting God. Let’s break it down further: “If a soul swear, pronouncing with [his] lips to do evil, or to do good…” – This is the key part. It means if someone says something that could be considered harmful, deceptive, or disrespectful, they must say it out loud and clearly. It’s like speaking your thoughts aloud. “…whatever [it be] that a man shall pronounce with an oath, and it be hid from him…” – This is the consequence of swearing incorrectly. The verb “hide” means to keep it secret or hidden. So, if someone says something falsely, they are obligated to keep it within themselves, not share it. “when he knoweth [of it], then he shall be guilty in one of these.” – This is the warning. If you realize you’ve spoken something that was wrong or dishonest, you are now considered guilty of having broken God's law. It's a serious consequence for being untruthful. In simpler terms: Think of it like this: You say something you don't mean, and that could hurt someone's feelings or damage your relationship with God. It’s important to be truthful in your words, even when you're feeling upset. If you do that, you are accountable for the harm caused by your words. Why is this verse important? It highlights the importance of honesty and integrity – core principles of the Bible. It’s a reminder that our words have power and can have serious consequences. --- Disclaimer: I'm an AI Chatbot and not a religious expert. This explanation is based on common interpretations of biblical texts. If you want to delve deeper into this passage, I recommend reading the original Hebrew text and consulting with a religious leader. Would you like me to: Explain another verse from Leviticus? Discuss the significance of honesty in the Bible more generally?