Definition: Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 11:47. It's a really powerful and sobering message about how we can be destructive to those who are trying to share their beliefs. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is warning us against being disrespectful, hateful, or actively harmful towards people who hold different viewpoints or beliefs. It suggests that we're creating a kind of "dead space" for those beliefs – essentially burying them under our own. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Luke 11:47” : This is the beginning of the verse, setting the scene. We’re talking about a story that happens in the early church. “Woe unto you!” : This is a formal, dramatic way of saying “You are warned.” It's not an expression of anger, but rather a lament for what’s happening. “for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets…” : This is the key part. "Sepulcher" means a tomb or burial place. The verse describes people building tombs for those who were believed to be dead – specifically, the prophets of old. Think of them as messengers carrying God’s word, and they were often killed by their enemies. “…and your fathers killed them.” : This is the consequence of our actions. The "fathers" in this context refers to the Jewish leaders who condemned the prophets for speaking out against injustice. They killed them! So, what's the message? This verse essentially says that if we are disrespectful and hostile towards those who hold different beliefs , we are actively contributing to their demise – both literally through their death and figuratively by creating a space where their ideas can be suppressed and silenced. It’s about recognizing that our actions have consequences, especially when it comes to the freedom of thought and expression of others. Why is this important? This verse reminds us: Respect is crucial: We should always treat people with dignity and acknowledge their right to believe what they choose. Don't be divisive: We shouldn’t create conflict or hostility towards those who are different from us. Consider the impact of our words/actions: Our choices can have a lasting effect on others, and we should strive to minimize harm. In short, Luke 11:47 is a call for compassion and mindful behavior. It’s about recognizing that our actions shape the world around us and encourages us to treat those who hold different perspectives with respect. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific situation or theme?