Definition: It [shall be] a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 16:31. It’s a pretty strange and important passage about how to prepare for the Sabbath. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “You will have a day of rest – a holy day – where you need to feel a bit uncomfortable and reflect on your life.” Here's a breakdown of each part: “It [shall be] a sabbath…” : This is just a formal way of saying "it will be a day." Think of it like saying “This will be a day of rest.” “…unto you” : This means for you . It’s specifically for the people of Israel. “And ye shall afflict your souls…” : This is the key part! "Afflict" means to feel troubled, stressed, or burdened. So, this phrase means you need to experience a little discomfort and emotional challenge during this day. “…by a statute for ever” : This is the really important part – it says this rest will last forever . It’s like saying “This day of rest will always be there.” What does this all mean in practice? The Jewish tradition, and later Christians too, believe that this day – which lasted 49 days – was a time for the Israelites to: Wash and purify themselves: They would wash their hands and feet, symbolizing being cleansed of sin. Reflect on their lives: They were encouraged to look back at what they had done well and what they needed to improve upon. It was a time for repentance and seeking God's forgiveness. Why is this important? This whole idea of a day of rest and reflection was deeply connected to the covenant (agreement) between God and Israel. It was a way for them to remember their relationship with God and to be reminded of the importance of obedience and faithfulness. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or would you like me to connect this verse to a specific story or concept? For example, we could talk about: The symbolism behind the ritual Its connection to other Old Testament stories What it represents for Jewish people today