Definition: Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, [being] in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour’s wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Deuteronomy 22:24. It’s a pretty serious verse about justice and taking action against those who harm others. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse describes a situation where someone deliberately harms another person – specifically, a woman – and then takes the law into their own hands to punish them. It’s a warning about violence and the importance of protecting vulnerable people. Let’s break it down word by word: “Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city…” This means the person who is harming someone will have them come to the city gates. Think of it as a designated area where they must face consequences. “…and ye shall stone them with stones that they die” This is the key action – they will kill the person. The word "stone" here refers to a physical punishment, like hammering or chipping away at their body. It’s a brutal act of revenge. “The damsel, because she cried not, [being] in the city…” This addresses a woman who didn't cry out when someone harmed her. The word “damsel” is a bit tricky – it refers to a young woman, but it also carries a connotation of being unheard or unaddressed. The verse says that she was spared the punishment because she didn’t protest or make a noise. “…and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour’s wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you.” This is the part that emphasizes the importance of avoiding violence and maintaining justice. The verse says that he (the man) was spared the punishment because he showed humility – he didn't treat his neighbor's wife as a victim. It’s about treating others with respect and not taking revenge. Overall Meaning & Context: This passage is teaching us about: Justice: It emphasizes that we must take action when someone harms another, but only in a way that's just and proportionate. Responsibility: It highlights the responsibility each person has to protect those who are vulnerable. Humility & Respect: The verse stresses the importance of not taking revenge – it’s better to show kindness and avoid violence. Important Note: This is a very serious passage in the Bible, and it's often interpreted as a warning against cruelty and vengeance. It’s important to consider the context and understand that this verse was written with a specific historical and legal purpose in mind. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on general interpretation of biblical texts. Would you like me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Answer any specific questions you have about it?