Definition: And if the woman be not defiled, but be clean; then she shall be free, and shall conceive seed.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 5:28. It's a really important passage about purity and childbirth in the Old Testament. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks to a specific situation where a woman is experiencing a problem that needs to be resolved to allow her to have a healthy pregnancy and child. It’s essentially saying that if a woman is considered "defiled" – meaning she's not pure or clean – then she can conceive and have a child, but only if she is cleansed and restored to a state of righteousness. Let’s unpack it layer by layer: “Numbers 5” : This refers to a specific ritual or procedure within the ancient Jewish community. It was a very important part of their laws about purity and the process of childbirth. “28” : This is the number itself – it's a significant one. “And if the woman be not defiled…” : This means that the woman needs to be free from any impurity, wrongdoing, or corruption that could hinder her ability to conceive and carry a child. "...but be clean" : This is the key part. It’s about restoring her to a state of purity. “…then she shall be free…” : This highlights the positive outcome – she'll be liberated from this situation. "...and shall conceive seed” : This is where it gets really interesting. “Seed” in this context refers to a child – a future generation. It signifies that she will have a continuation of her lineage and family line. In simpler terms, the verse means: If a woman is considered impure or tainted, she must be purified and restored to a state where she can conceive and give birth to a child. It’s a symbolic promise of renewal and the possibility of future generations. Important Context (Briefly): This passage was part of a larger set of laws regulating childbirth and marriage in ancient Israel. It emphasized the importance of spiritual purity as crucial for successful family life and the continuation of the covenant with God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Give you some examples of what "defiled" might mean in a historical context? Discuss why this passage is significant in religious tradition?