Definition: And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another manâs [wife].
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Deuteronomy 24:2. It’s a really important one about marriage and responsibilities. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse essentially says that if a woman leaves her husband – departs – she is allowed to marry someone else. It's a rule set up by Moses to ensure fairness and stability within a community. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Deuteronomy 24:2” : This is the verse itself, found in the Old Testament. It's from a specific passage in the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament of the Bible). “And when she is departed out of his house…” - This means she’s leaving her husband permanently . She's no longer part of his family unit. “…she may go and be another man’s [wife]” – This is the key part. It allows her to marry someone else, essentially becoming a new wife. What does this mean in practical terms? Historically, this verse was interpreted as a way for men to avoid being financially or emotionally tied to a woman who wasn't truly committed to them. It created a degree of protection for the man’s property and his own well-being. Important Context - Why is it in Deuteronomy? Deuteronomy is a law book, so this verse was part of a larger framework of laws and rules governing community life. It was meant to address situations where someone could be tempted to leave their husband for another person – often due to financial pressure or other issues. It's a reminder that loyalty and responsibility are important. In short: This verse acknowledges that sometimes, people need to make difficult choices about their relationships. It provides a clear rule of engagement when one woman leaves her husband. --- Do you want me to explain any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, I could go into: The historical context it was written in How it relates to other biblical stories Its significance for women and relationships