Definition: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry [thee] whither thou wouldest not.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 21:18. It's a really interesting and slightly mysterious passage about transition and purpose. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it means that as we get older, our focus shifts from doing things on our own to allowing someone else to help us. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “John 21:18” : This is a passage from the Gospel of John. It's a significant moment in Jesus’s ministry. “Verily, verily…” : This phrase is key. "Verily" means “Truly” or “Actually.” It’s a way of emphasizing a truth that’s important. “I say unto thee” : This is Jesus speaking directly to his followers – the people he was with at this point. Now, let's translate it into simpler language: "Truly, truly I say this: When you were young and energetic, you prepared yourself for things, like walking and taking steps. But as you get older, your focus changes. You start to allow someone else to help you, and they take on the responsibility of carrying you where you want to go." What’s the bigger picture? This verse speaks about: Transition: Life is a journey – we move from youth to old age. This verse describes a natural shift in our roles and responsibilities. Trust & Delegation: It emphasizes that we shouldn't try to do everything ourselves. We should trust others to help us, especially as we grow older. Servant Leadership: The idea is that Jesus himself was willing to let others carry him (symbolically) – a powerful example of leadership and service. It’s a message about humility and recognizing the value of others. It encourages us to be open to help and support those around us, even as we grow older. Do you want me to explain any part of this in more detail? Perhaps you'd like me to: Give an example of how this applies to our lives? Discuss the significance of "verily" in this context?