Definition: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse! It’s a really powerful and evocative statement. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes something incredibly strong and effective – people who are deeply committed to God and working for good. Let's unpack each part: “Who through faith…” - "Faith" here doesn’t mean blind belief. It means a trust in God, believing in Him even when you don’t understand everything. It's a relationship with God based on His promises and goodness. “…subdued kingdoms…” – This is a bit more complex. “Kingdoms” can refer to different kinds of power or influence. It means they stopped or controlled powerful forces, like evil, temptation, or harmful ideas. Think of it as resisting something that tries to dominate. “…wrought righteousness…” – "Wrought" means to create or make something happen. So, they actively worked for good and right. They didn't just passively allow things to happen; they fought against evil and created a better world. “…obtained promises…” - “Promises” are blessings, gifts, or rewards that God has given to those who trust in Him. They were fulfilling what He said would happen. “…stopped the mouths of lions…” – This is a really dramatic image! It's comparing their actions to a powerful animal – a lion – that’s incredibly dangerous and fearsome. By stopping its mouth, they effectively neutralized it, symbolizing victory over evil or danger. Overall Meaning: The verse describes believers who are steadfast in their faith, actively resisting evil, working for good, and ultimately achieving God's plans. They demonstrate a powerful force – their faith – that can overcome challenges and bring about positive change. In short, it’s about unwavering trust in God leading to a life of righteousness and fulfilling God’s promises. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse more deeply? Give you some examples of how faith is used in the Bible? Explore a specific aspect of this verse (like its connection to overcoming adversity)?