Definition: And if he smite out his manservant’s tooth, or his maidservant’s tooth; he shall let him go free for his tooth’s sake.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 21:27. It’s a pretty unique and interesting passage about forgiveness and responsibility in the Old Testament. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse deals with how God handles situations where a servant is wronged – specifically, when they break a rule or are punished for a minor transgression. It’s essentially saying that God will forgive a small mistake if it doesn’t cause significant harm. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And if he smite out his manservant’s tooth, or his maidservant’s tooth…” : This describes a specific action – a punishment for breaking a rule. Think of it like a minor infraction that disrupts the order of things. “…he shall let him go free for his tooth’s sake.” : This is the crucial part. Instead of punishing the servant severely, God will let them go free . What does this mean practically? It's about forgiveness and redemption: The verse emphasizes that God has mercy. It's not about punishment; it’s about restoring the servant to their freedom. It’s a symbolic act: The "tooth" is a symbol of a transgression – a mistake, a disruption of order, or even a small act of disobedience. It's not necessarily about the cause of the problem, but rather about the harm caused by it. It’s a demonstration of God’s love: This verse shows that God loves his servants and is willing to forgive them for minor offenses, even if those offenses cause some inconvenience or disruption. Context & Significance: This story appears in Exodus 21, which recounts the specific event where Moses commanded the Israelites to kill all the young men who disobeyed him during a test. The verse highlights God’s judgment and mercy while also emphasizing his unwavering love for his people. It's a reminder that even when things go wrong, God is willing to offer forgiveness. In short, this verse teaches us that God has a way of forgiving minor transgressions, restoring broken relationships, and showing compassion. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious expert. This explanation is based on common interpretations within biblical scholarship and theology. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can help you with? For example, are you curious about: The historical context of the story? How this verse relates to other passages in the Bible?