Definition: Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, [even] thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse from Hebrews 1:9. It's a really powerful statement about God’s favor and our place in His plan. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is incredibly impressed with how people are acting – the things they do – rather than just their beliefs . He doesn’t just care about what they say, but how they live. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Thou hast loved righteousness…” - This means God has deeply appreciated and admired people who are walking in the path of right and good. Think of it as choosing to do what’s just, honest, and moral. “…and hated iniquity…” – This is like saying God has despised or rejected things that are wrong – things like greed, selfishness, lying, and wickedness. It means they are not living in accordance with God's will. "...therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." - This is the really significant part. “Anointing” means to bestow something precious or special upon someone. God bestows this “oil of gladness” – a blessing, a favor, and a sense of honor – on those who are living righteously and resisting evil. So, what does it all mean? It’s saying that God doesn't just allow good people to live; He actively adores and favors them. He chooses to lift up and protect the righteous, making them stand out from the rest of humanity – a kind of special treatment. It emphasizes that our actions matter more than our beliefs. In short: God values right and goodness above all else, and He gives special favor and honor to those who consistently choose to do what’s just. Does this make sense? Do you want me to explain any part of it in more detail or perhaps relate it to a specific example? For instance, we could talk about: The idea of "righteousness" – what does that really mean? How this relates to our own lives - how can we be more like God by striving for good?