Definition: But every man’s servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 12:44. It's a really important and complex passage about slavery in ancient Israel. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that when someone buys a person as a slave, the owner must circumcise them – meaning they mark their skin with a small sign – before they can eat. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Exodus 12:44 But every man’s servant that is bought for money..." This tells us who the verse applies to - it’s about slaves. It refers to people who were purchased as servants, usually because they were paid a wage or price. "...when thou hast circumcised him..." This is where it gets a little tricky and points to a specific ritual practice in ancient Israel. It means the owner had to perform a ritual called circumcision. This was a sign of God's covenant with Abraham, and it was seen as a way to show that the person belonged to Him. "...then shall he eat thereof." This is the crucial part. The verse says that after the circumcising ritual, the slave is now allowed to eat from all the food they are provided. It’s like a legal and symbolic permission to continue working for their owner. What does this mean in practical terms? This passage highlights a really difficult situation in ancient Israel: Control & Exploitation: It shows that slavery wasn't just about providing work; it was about controlling people’s lives. The owner could literally control what the slave ate – essentially, they were denying them agency and independence. The Covenant's Impact: It also suggests that the covenant (agreement) between God and Israel was being broken when this practice occurred. The promise of blessing to Abraham was threatened because of this exploitation. Important Context - It’s a Complex Passage: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of slavery and the importance of protecting people's freedom and dignity. It speaks to a time when Israel was under pressure from other nations, and relying on forced labor was seen as a way to maintain its power and control. --- In short, this verse warns against allowing someone to be treated solely as a means to an end – a source of labor – without respecting their freedom and dignity. Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the historical context more deeply?