Definition: And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that [is] a bondmaid, betrothed to an husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 19:20. It's a really important rule about relationships and how we should treat each other. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about respecting women and preventing abuse. It’s saying that if someone lies or is deceitful with another woman, it’s a serious offense – they are treated as a servant, and there's a punishment for them. Let’s break it down piece by piece: “And whosoever lieth carnally…” : This means “whenever someone lies or is dishonest.” "Carnally" means in a way that’s disrespectful or inappropriate. “…with a woman…” : It's about a relationship with a woman – this could be a romantic partner, a friend, or even a family member. “That [is] a bondmaid, betrothed to an husband…” : This is the key part. It means that this person is already married and in a committed relationship with someone else. Think of it like being engaged – they are legally obligated to be with another person. “…and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged…” : This is where the punishment comes in. “Redscoped” means “punished” or "exiled." The verse says that if this person lies and is disrespectful to their husband, they must be punished. It’s a severe penalty – they are treated as a servant. “…because she was not free.” : This is the crucial part. The punishment isn't for them lying; it’s because they were not given freedom . It highlights that a woman's freedom and dignity is paramount. It means their lack of freedom – being treated as a servant – is the offense. In short, this verse emphasizes respect, honesty, and preventing abuse in relationships. It's a strong moral guideline about treating women with dignity and protecting them from harm. Why is it important? This verse was part of an ancient code that aimed to maintain order within society and ensure fairness for everyone. It's rooted in the idea that God values human life, especially women’s lives, and that respect and honor are essential. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with examples? Connect it to a specific story or context?