Definition: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Luke 12:52. It’s a really interesting and somewhat unsettling verse that speaks about the nature of relationships and how they can become unbalanced. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that family relationships – particularly those involving multiple people – can become incredibly difficult and unstable if not carefully managed. It highlights a situation where things are becoming too crowded and chaotic, leading to conflict. Let's unpack the parts: “For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided…” : This means that within a single household (or group of people), there will be more than one person. It’s a growing number of people who are all competing for the same resources and attention. Think of it like a crowded room – things start to get messy and difficult to manage. “…three against two…” : This describes a situation where there are three people (the "two") and two people (the "three"). They’re in a struggle. “and two against three.” : This is the kicker! There are also two people (the “two”) struggling against three people (the “three”). It suggests a complex, challenging situation where there's a significant power imbalance and potential for conflict. What it’s suggesting: The verse isn’t necessarily saying that this is always going to happen. Instead, it’s pointing out a potential danger – that if relationships aren’t managed well, they can escalate into problems. It's about the possibility of division and conflict arising from too many people and too much competition. Why is this important? Jesus is teaching us about priorities. He’s telling us to focus on what truly matters: relationships that are built on love, trust, and respect – not just quantity. It's a warning against focusing on accumulating more than we need, or allowing ourselves to become overwhelmed by conflict. In short, the verse warns us about the potential for chaos and division in relationships when we don’t prioritize balance and healthy management. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with examples? Talk about how this relates to modern relationships (e.g., friendships, family)? Offer a different interpretation of the verse?