Definition: Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 8:22. It's a really important message about forgiveness and changing our ways. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us to change your heart and ask for God’s help to forgive yourself. It’s a direct plea for repentance – turning away from something wrong and feeling shame for it. Let's unpack it word by word: “Repent” : This means to feel deep remorse or regret for what you’ve done. It’s like saying “I need to stop this.” “Therefore of this thy wickedness” : "Wickedness" here refers to something that is wrong, harmful, and possibly sinful – perhaps a bad habit, selfish behavior, or a serious mistake. "This" is referring to the specific thing you’ve done. “Pray God” : This means to turn to God for help and guidance in changing your life. It's asking for His intervention. “If perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee” : This is the most challenging part. “Thought of thine heart” means your thoughts – your feelings, your worries, and even your shame – are troubled. "Forgiven thee" means you’re asking for forgiveness from God. Putting it all together: The verse basically says: “Because you've done something wrong, you need to stop that and start changing your ways. Ask God for forgiveness because you deserve it, and humbly turn away from your wickedness.” Why is this important? This passage is about turning away from sin and seeking a relationship with God. It emphasizes that true repentance isn’t just about saying “I'm sorry”; it’s about changing your behavior to be better. It highlights the idea that God loves us even when we make mistakes, and He wants to help us grow in righteousness. In short: It's a call for self-reflection, repentance, and seeking forgiveness from God – a powerful reminder that change is possible through faith and prayer. --- Do you want me to explain any of this further? For example, would you like me to: Give an example of what "wickeness" might look like? Explain the context of the story in Acts 8?