Definition: Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour; but shalt fear thy God.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this important verse from Leviticus 25:43. It’s a really powerful message about justice and responsibility. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that we should treat people with fairness and respect, but not be overly harsh or demanding on them. It’s about recognizing that everyone deserves dignity and isn’t entitled to be treated as a slave or a tool. Let's unpack it word by word: “Thou shalt not rule over him…” : This means we shouldn't be in positions of authority or power over others. It’s about avoiding being bossy, demanding, or controlling. "...with rigour..." : "Rigour" means strictness, severity, and harshness. It suggests a need to be careful and not be overly forceful. "...but shalt fear thy God." : This is the crucial part. It means we must show reverence and respect for God – always . Fear isn’t about being afraid of God; it's about recognizing his authority and understanding that he holds a higher position than us. Putting it all together: The verse essentially says: Don't be overly harsh or demanding on others. Treat them with fairness, respect, and reverence – always acknowledge their worth as a child of God. It’s about balance and recognizing that everyone has inherent value. Why is this important? This principle is rooted in the idea that God created us all to be equal before him. It's a reminder that we are responsible for our actions, especially when dealing with others. We shouldn’t treat people as objects or tools – we should treat them with kindness and consideration. In short, it’s about humility and recognizing the divine importance of every human being. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss how this principle applies to a specific situation (like family relationships or leadership)?