Definition: And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at [your] wives.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 19:15. It’s a really important and somewhat startling passage in the Bible! Here's what it means in plain English: “And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at [your] wives.” Essentially, God is telling the Israelites (and everyone else) to be cautious about engaging in relationships with women. Here’s a breakdown of what that means: “He said…” : This indicates a command or instruction from God. “Be ready against the third day” : This refers to a specific, potentially dangerous time – the third day after the Exodus from Egypt. It’s not about any particular event; it's a symbolic warning. Think of it like a “danger level” signal. “Come not at [your] wives.” : This is the core message. God is urging people to avoid relationships with women, specifically, to avoid engaging in sexual relationships or anything that could be considered inappropriate. What’s the context? This verse comes after God had delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It was a huge victory for them, and they were celebrating. However, God felt uneasy about this celebration and decided to issue a warning. It's often interpreted as a reminder of the importance of righteousness and avoiding sin. Why is it significant? It highlights God’s control: It shows that God has ultimate authority over human relationships and chooses to intervene when it seems necessary. It points towards morality: It emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and relationships as a time for love, respect, and commitment – things God values. A warning against temptation: Historically, this verse is often linked to the story of the Israelites’ lack of restraint and their turning away from God's laws. Important Note: This verse is a complex one with several interpretations throughout history. It's not always straightforward and can be interpreted in different ways depending on the context of the time. --- Do you want to explore any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain its historical significance? Discuss different interpretations of the verse? Compare it with other verses about relationships?