Definition: If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and [that], when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 21:18. It’s a pretty serious passage about discipline and consequences – and it's a cornerstone of Jewish law. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about taking action when a child refuses to listen to their parents, even after they’ve tried to teach them right from wrong. It’s about setting a boundary and making sure someone understands that their obedience is important. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Deuteronomy 21:18” : This refers to a specific story in the Old Testament – it’s part of a larger narrative about God’s relationship with Israel. “If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son…” : This describes a situation where a child is difficult and doesn't follow their parents' rules or guidance. “Stubborn” means they resist, don't respect, or disobey. "Rebellious" suggests they actively defy authority. “…which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother:” : This is the key part. It means this child refuses to listen to both their parents’ instructions – both what they’re told and what they're taught. It highlights a fundamental issue of obedience. “and [that], when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them:” : This is where it gets really important. “Chastened” means disciplined or corrected – often with punishment, but more importantly, it means taught the child a lesson and established boundaries. "Will not hearken unto them?" This means they won't listen to their parents’ advice or guidance in the future. They will disregard their authority. What does this mean practically? Historically, this verse was interpreted as a warning about the dangers of disobedience and the importance of respecting parental authority. It was a way for God to demonstrate that obedience is essential for a righteous life. It’s a reminder that your parents have a right to guide you . Why is it important in Jewish Law? This verse is foundational to many aspects of Jewish law, especially concerning inheritance and family responsibilities. It's a guideline for how to handle situations where a child isn’t following the rules set by their elders. In short: It's about holding someone accountable for disobeying what is taught and established, and it’s a reminder of the importance of respecting authority – especially parental authority. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its relevance in modern society? Provide a more detailed explanation of the historical context?