Definition: For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen [them]; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard [them].
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 10:24. It’s a really important one about understanding God’s plan and how we should respond to it. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that people throughout history – prophets and kings, both powerful leaders – have tried to understand what you see, but they haven't truly understood it. They’ve been looking at things, but they haven’t grasped their true meaning or significance. And they’ve been listening to the stories about those things, but they haven’t fully connected with them themselves. Let's unpack it a little: “I tell you…” : This is Jesus speaking – he’s giving us a message of truth. “…that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see…” : This refers to people who were trying to understand something significant – maybe a miracle, a divine plan, or a special event. They were actively seeking to witness it. "...and have not seen [them]..." : This means they weren’t fully experiencing the truth of what was happening. They were focused on the details, but not the underlying meaning. They weren't truly seeing the bigger picture. "...and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard [them]” : This is where it gets really important. They were listening to stories about this thing – perhaps through legends or traditions – but they didn’t fully absorb its meaning. They weren't truly understanding the message itself. What does this mean for us? It means we too can be like that. We might be focused on the surface details of things, and miss the underlying truth or purpose. We need to: Look deeper: Don’t just focus on the facts; try to understand why something is happening. Connect with the meaning: Think about what's really going on – what does this represent? Listen with an open heart: Truly hear and reflect on the stories, not just the words. In a nutshell: It’s a reminder that true understanding comes from more than just seeing things; it requires connecting with their meaning and purpose. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Give an example of how this applies to something specific (like a spiritual experience)?