Definition: A body of standing water, such as a lake or a pond. More specifically, it can refer to a lake that is broad in relation to its depth. Also included in place names such as Windermere.

Alright class, settle down and let’s take a look! Today we're tackling the word “mere.” It’s a lovely little word with a specific meaning, so pay close attention – it's all about water, you see! The dictionary tells us that "mere" describes a body of water, quite clear. A lake or a pond, banishing any fear! But it goes deeper than just saying “lake,” you understand? It’s often broad and wide, across the land. Compared to how deep it is, a wonderful stand! Think of Windermere, a place you might know – that's another example, watch it grow! It shows us "mere" can be found in names so neat, linking water features with places complete. So, “mere” means a lake, expansive and free, let’s remember this lesson for you and me! Do you have any questions about what we just discussed? Let's chat about it!

Definition: For the day of the LORD of hosts [shall be] upon every [one that is] proud and lofty, and upon every [one that is] lifted up; and he shall be brought low:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 2:12. It's a pretty powerful message about humility! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Overall Meaning: This verse is saying that God is coming to judge people who are acting arrogantly and self-important – those who are puffed up with pride. It’s essentially a warning to everyone to turn inward and recognize their own limitations. Let's unpack each part: “For the day of the LORD of hosts”: This refers to Jesus Christ, the King of all. “The Lord” is a term used in Jewish tradition for God. "Of Hosts" means He’s coming soon. “…upon every one that is proud and lofty…”: This means everyone who is acting with arrogance or self-importance – those who are thinking they're better than everyone else, or who are trying to be seen as superior. "...and upon every one that is lifted up…”: This refers to people who are being puffed up by their own achievements, opinions, or positions. “…and he shall be brought low:” This is the key part! It means that those who are arrogant and self-important will ultimately be humbled and brought down – defeated, perhaps even in a way that’s not about physical power but about being recognized as small and insignificant. In simpler terms: God is coming to judge people who are acting like they're above everyone else, and he intends to bring them down. What does this mean for us today? It’s a reminder to: Don't be proud: We all have our strengths and accomplishments, but it's important not to let pride cloud our judgment or make us think we're better than others. Be humble: Recognizing our own limitations and being willing to admit when we’re wrong is a sign of humility – a key part of a relationship with God. Listen to God’s voice: The verse suggests that God is watching and judging, but it also implies that He wants us to be open to His guidance and allow Him to bring about change in our lives. Does this make sense? Do you want me to explain any of these concepts further or perhaps explore a related idea? For example, we could talk about: The significance of "the Lord" The concept of judgment How humility relates to faith

Definition: Gird thy sword upon [thy] thigh, O [most] mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Psalm 45:3 – it’s a really powerful and comforting verse. Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is encouraging someone to be strong and ready for battle, but not in a threatening way. It suggests that you should prepare yourself mentally and spiritually. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Gird thy sword upon [thy] thigh…” – This is metaphorical. “Sword” represents something powerful – your faith, your truth, your hope, or even your courage. "Upon thy thigh" means you're holding it ready to be used. It’s not a physical sword, but an idea of being prepared and ready for whatever comes. “O most mighty…” – This is emphasizing the significance of this readiness. “Most mighty” highlights that this isn't just any preparation; it’s something significant and important. “…with thy glory and thy majesty.” – This is the key part! "Glory" means something beautiful, impressive, and worthy of praise. "Majesty" means a sense of great power and authority. So, this verse says that you are ready to use your strength and your presence for good . It’s not about being aggressive or fighting with anger; it's about standing firm with confidence and purpose. Overall Meaning: The verse is encouraging someone to be prepared for challenges and difficulties in their life. It means to cultivate a strong spirit, trust in God, and have the courage to face whatever comes – both good and bad. It’s about being ready to serve God and live a life of purpose. In short: This verse is a call to inner strength and readiness for whatever God calls you to do. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps explore its connection to other parts of the Bible? For example, we could talk about: The meaning of "glory" and "majesty" within the context of the Old Testament. How this verse relates to themes of courage and faith.

Definition: (heading) To position or be positioned physically.

Alright class, settle down now, let’s take a look! You’ve got a question about “stood,” it’s quite astute, The dictionary tells us, a helpful pursuit. It says "(heading) To position or be positioned physically," you see, Let's break that down for you, and make it clear to me! “Stood” means to hold your place, steady and true, Like a statue in a garden, just waiting for you. Think of a child at the parade, holding tight with glee, Or a soldier standing tall, for all the world to see! It’s not “sit,” it's not "stay," it’s something more grand, A fixed position held, right there in the land. Does that make sense, my dears? Any questions you might pose? Let's discuss it and really know, how 'stood' truly goes!

Definition: And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jeremiah 31:34. It’s a really beautiful and powerful message about God’s love and forgiveness. Here’s a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that God wants to create a new covenant – a new agreement between Him and His people – where everyone will know and love God without fear of judgment or punishment. It’s about a complete, unified understanding of God’s character and purpose. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother…” – This is the key part. It means that after God establishes the new covenant, people will no longer need to constantly remind each other of God’s presence or His goodness. They'll have a shared understanding and recognition of God’s love. “…saying: Know the LORD: For they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them…” – This is a direct command from God. He wants to make sure everyone understands that He is present and loving in their lives. The phrase "Know the LORD" means to understand God’s character and will. It's about recognizing His goodness, justice, and mercy. “… saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” – This is the most important part. God promises forgiveness . He says that if people make mistakes or do wrong, He will forgive them. More importantly, He will forget about those sins. It’s like erasing a bad memory. What does this mean in practical terms? This verse speaks to the idea of a complete and lasting relationship between God and humanity. It suggests: Forgiveness is paramount: God wants to offer forgiveness to everyone, regardless of their actions. Unity and Understanding: A new covenant fosters unity and understanding, where people can recognize God’s presence and goodness in each other's lives. Hope for the Future: It offers hope – a future where relationships are built on love, trust, and a shared connection to God. In short, this verse describes a complete restoration of relationship with God, characterized by forgiveness and a lasting understanding of His character. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event from the Bible?

Definition: For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly complex verse from Hebrews 9:13. It's a really important and detailed passage about how God protects His people through sacrifice. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a special ritual where God uses a specific mixture of blood, ashes, and milk (representing the flesh) to purify something – specifically, a person’s life or soul – from sin. Let's break it down word by word: “For if the blood of bulls and of goats…” - This refers to a sacrifice made by a bull and a goat. These animals were considered holy and were used in ancient rituals to symbolize God’s offering of sacrifice. “…and of an heifer sprinkling the unclean…” - A "heifer" is a young, sacrificial cow. The verse says this must be sprinkled with something that's “clean” – meaning it's not holy (like a goat). A "heifer" was considered pure and meant to be offered for sacrifice. “sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:” - This is the key part! "Sanctify" means to make something holy, sacred, or purified. This verse says that this specific mixture (the blood, ashes, and milk) makes the offering so pure that it cleanses or purifies the animal’s flesh – essentially making it righteous enough to be offered to God. Putting it all together: Hebrews 9:13 is saying that God uses a ritualistic sacrifice – involving a bull and goat, and ashes of a heifer – to remove sin from a person's life. It’s not just about the animal dying; it’s about purifying the person itself, making them worthy before God. Why is this important? This verse is considered one of the most complex passages in the Bible because it’s talking about a profound act of purification that demonstrates God's holiness and power to cleanse something from sin. It’s essentially a demonstration of God’s judgment on sin, but also his mercy and grace. In short: It’s a way for God to protect His people by making a sacrifice that cleanses them from their sins. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand about this verse? (Are you struggling with the vocabulary, or is there a particular point you're curious about?)

Definition: Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse! It’s a really interesting and somewhat poetic question from Job. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is asking if something incredibly special – like a unicorn – would be willing to help or follow someone (represented by “crib”). It’s a bit metaphorical, but it touches on themes of responsibility, willingness, and the value of those who are helpful. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Will the unicorn be willing…” : This is the core of the question. It suggests that unicorns are unique and perhaps even otherworldly – they have a special quality or purpose. We’re asking if these magical creatures would choose to cooperate with us. "...to serve thee..." : "Thee" is a pronoun that likely refers to God, but it's used in a figurative way. It means “you” or “your request.” This suggests something is being asked of the unicorn – perhaps a favor, a task, or a service. "...or abide by thy crib?" : This is the really intriguing part! "Crib" refers to a place where someone sleeps or rests. So, it’s asking if the unicorn would stay and follow you, or if it would simply leave. The Interpretation - What's Being Asked? Many interpretations of this verse suggest that the question is about responsibility and commitment. It implies: A Duty: There's a responsibility involved – something is being asked of someone. Loyalty & Obedience: The unicorn’s willingness to serve means it would be loyal and follow your instructions. The Value of Helping: It highlights that helping others is valuable, even for something seemingly magical or extraordinary. Overall Meaning: The verse isn't about literal unicorns. It's a deeper statement about the importance of taking responsibility, being reliable, and honoring commitments – whether those commitments are to someone, to a task, or to your own values. Important Note: It’s also worth noting that this is a passage from a book that deals with difficult questions about suffering and judgment! It’s designed to highlight the human response to adversity. --- Do you want me to: Explain it in a different way? Explore the context of the Bible verse further? Discuss potential interpretations of this particular verse?

Definition: And Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah,

Explanation: Okay, let's break down that verse from Joshua 18:23. It’s a bit cryptic at first, but it’s really about a special kind of prayer! Here’s the simplest explanation: The Verse: “And Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah” What it means in plain English: “And Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah.” It's a list of three names – Avim, Parah, and Ophrah – that are all associated with God’s prayer. The Context is Key - It’s about a Specific Prayer: This verse comes from the Book of Joshua, which tells us about the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. It describes a very important prayer – a prayer specifically to God for protection and guidance while they travel. Here’s what each name signifies: Avim: This is often translated as “My Father” or “My Lord.” It represents the central figure of the prayer, and the one who is ultimately in control. Parah: This means "My Lord" too. It emphasizes that this prayer is directed to God. Ophrah: This name suggests a kind of blessing or favor, perhaps a gift or protection. So, the whole verse essentially says: “And my Father, My Lord, and my Blessing.” What it’s telling us about the prayer: It was a heartfelt plea for God to watch over them, protect them from danger, and provide them with good fortune on their journey. It's a reminder of the importance of faith and trust in God’s care. In short: This verse is a symbolic representation of a powerful and earnest prayer asking for God’s protection and favor during a challenging journey. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you more context about the story of Joshua 18?

Definition: When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and important verse from Proverbs 16:7. It's really about how good behavior leads to harmony and peace – both within ourselves and with others. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: When you live a life that honors God (and follows His will), it creates a ripple effect of positivity. It makes things easier for people around you, even those who might seem like enemies or opposition to you. Let's unpack it word by word: “Proverbs 16:7” : This is the verse itself – a wise proverb from the Bible. “When a man’s ways please the LORD…” : This means your actions, your attitude, and how you treat others should be pleasing to God. “Lord” here refers to God, the creator of the universe. "Ways" refers to your behavior – what you do. “…he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” : This is the key part! If you consistently act in a way that shows love, kindness, and respect, it creates an opportunity for those around you to see you as someone good and worthwhile. It suggests that God can bring harmony and peace even between people who might initially dislike or oppose you. In simpler terms: It means that living a righteous life – doing what’s right and loving others – naturally leads to better relationships with everyone, including those who are difficult or challenging. It's about creating a positive environment through your actions. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the idea of forgiveness, compassion, and seeking peace in our lives. It encourages us to be mindful of how we treat others – because our behavior has consequences that can extend beyond ourselves. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Proverbs 16? Discuss the meaning of a specific concept within this verse (like forgiveness)? Give you some examples of how to live a life pleasing to God?

Definition: Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Corinthians 14:6. It’s a really important and slightly complex passage about how we should relate to each other in the Church. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Paul is saying that if someone is speaking in tongues – which is a special way of expressing themselves through chanting, singing, and gestures – it’s not really helpful to you. He’s essentially asking, “What good will this do for you?” Let's unpack it layer by layer: "Now, brethren..." : This is a formal greeting, like saying "Hey everyone." "...if I come unto you speaking with tongues..." : Paul is saying that he (or someone else) is speaking in tongues. This is a specific practice – it’s a way of expressing themselves through vocalizations and movement. "...what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?" : This is the crucial part. Paul is asking: "What value does this speaking in tongues have for you ? Does it bring you something positive – understanding, guidance, reassurance, or a clear truth?” So, what’s Paul suggesting? He's saying that focusing on these kinds of vocal displays can be disruptive and confusing for the rest of the congregation. It's like trying to understand a complicated puzzle if someone is only showing you a single piece – it doesn't give you the full picture. The Bottom Line: Paul wants to protect the unity and peace of the Church. He’s saying that we should focus on teaching and sharing truth through preaching, writing, prayer, and other forms of communication that build each other up rather than relying on unusual vocal expressions. Why is this important? This verse highlights the importance of: Unity: It encourages us to be united in our faith and avoid causing confusion or discord. Focus on Spiritual Growth: It reminds us that true spiritual growth comes from studying God's Word, sharing it with others, and growing in our understanding of Him. Resources for further learning: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1 Corinthians/14:6](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1 Corinthians/14:6) The Bible Project: [https://www.thebibleproject.com/14-1-corinthians-6](https://www.thebibleproject.com/14-1-corinthians-6) --- Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail, or perhaps explore a related topic like the role of speaking in tongues within the early church?