Definition: If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put [him] to an open shame.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this tough passage together. It’s a really powerful and serious verse from the book of Hebrews. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse is warning about the danger of people who are actively rejecting God and turning away from Him. It's saying that these people are so deeply misguided, they’re essentially committing a grave sin – a betrayal of their own belief. Let’s unpack it part by part: “If they shall fall away…” : This means they’ve stopped believing in God and have chosen to turn away from Him. It's like someone who once followed a path but now chooses to walk a different one, a path that leads them away from the true way. “…to renew them again unto repentance…” : This is the key part. The Bible isn’t saying they can’t fall away; it’s saying that God will help them turn back. It means He will offer a chance for them to choose to return to Him. “Renew” suggests a gentle, restorative process – like being brought back from a difficult situation. “…seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh…” : This is the most shocking part. “Crucify” means to be crucified. In this context, it’s literally referring to Jesus Christ (the Son of God). The Bible says that by rejecting Him, these people are essentially killing or destroying the very essence of God's image and purpose. It's a radical rejection – a complete and utter betrayal. “…and put [him] to an open shame.” : This means they’re facing a terrible punishment for their actions – a profound sense of guilt, remorse, and loss of all hope. It suggests a divine judgment – a very harsh consequence for their choices. Overall Meaning & Context: The verse is saying that this kind of rejection isn't just a momentary lapse in belief; it’s a deep, persistent, and destructive choice to reject the most important figure in the universe. It's a warning about the serious consequences of rejecting God and choosing a path that leads to eternal separation from Him. Why is this verse important? It speaks to the importance of faithfulness – staying true to our beliefs and commitments. It’s a reminder that it's crucial to remain committed to God, even when things get difficult or tempting. It emphasizes that genuine faith requires unwavering devotion. Important Note: This is a complex verse, and there are different interpretations among theologians. However, this explanation captures the core message: Rejecting God is a profound act of betrayal that carries severe consequences. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Give examples of how this verse might apply to real-life situations? Connect it to other Bible stories or themes?