Definition: And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, [if] the prophet had bid thee [do some] great thing, wouldest thou not have done [it]? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse. It's a really interesting passage from the Book of 2 Kings, and it deals with a very important message about obedience and God’s plan. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is asking if the prophet (who was likely speaking to King David) really had a big, complicated idea or task he wanted to do. It’s essentially asking, “Did this king really have a difficult thing he needed to accomplish?” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And his servants came near…” : This suggests that someone was observing the prophet and listening to him. “…and spake unto him, and said…” : The prophet spoke to him, offering his perspective. "...and said, My father, if… wouldest thou not have done…” : This is the crucial part. The prophet is asking, "Would you really do this?" He’s implying that he had a significant undertaking he was considering. "...do some great thing?” : This is where we get to the heart of the question. What exactly was he planning? It suggests something monumental or significant. "...wouldest thou not have done [it]?" : This is a question, implying that the prophet felt this task was important and necessary. "how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?” : This part is a bit more complex. The prophet is asking how much more important it would have been if he had actually completed this big task. He’s asking: "Would you have done it more than just washing?" He's also emphasizing the importance of obedience - doing what God instructed. Overall Meaning & Context: The verse is a reflection on David’s actions and his relationship with God. It highlights the idea that God has a plan for everything, and it’s important to follow His instructions. The prophet wasn’t just talking about a simple washing – he was discussing something potentially significant and perhaps even challenging. Why is this verse important? This passage speaks to the concept of obedience in scripture. It's saying that God doesn't just want us to think about doing things, but to do them correctly. It’s a reminder that following God’s will isn't always easy, but it’s essential for a fulfilling life and relationship with God. In short, the verse is asking: Did this king really have a big task he needed to complete, and if so, how much more important would it have been if he had actually done it? --- Would you like me to explain any of these parts in more detail or perhaps delve into a specific aspect of the text? For example, we could discuss: The historical context of this passage. What it might mean for our lives today.