Definition: There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you [yourselves] thrust out.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 13:28. It's a really powerful and complex passage about how God deals with those who don’t believe Him. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very serious consequence for people who stubbornly refuse to accept Jesus Christ as the Messiah – the promised savior of humanity. It's essentially saying that when people reject God and His offer of salvation, God will ultimately punish them with unimaginable suffering and loss. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth…” : This is a figurative way of saying great sorrow and distress will occur. Think of it like a massive, drawn-out pain. “…when ye shall see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob…” : These are three important figures in the Old Testament – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (also known as Israel). They represent those who initially followed God’s laws and promises but ultimately rejected Him. They were a group of patriarchs – influential leaders – who had a significant role in establishing the Jewish nation. “…and all the prophets…” : This highlights that it’s not just these three people who will suffer, but all those who have followed the prophets . The prophets were messengers who warned about the coming of judgment and called people to repentance. "...in the kingdom of God..." : This is the crucial part. The "kingdom of God" isn't a physical place; it’s a state of being – a place of perfect peace, justice, and happiness where God dwells with His people. It represents God's ultimate plan for humanity. "...and you [yourselves] thrust out.” : This is the most shocking part. "Thrust out" means to throw away or reject . It’s a very forceful command, implying that God will actively punish those who refuse to accept His offer of salvation. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to the idea that God's judgment isn’t just about punishment; it's about the consequences of rejecting Him and His promise. It suggests that when people choose to ignore God, they are essentially choosing to reject the very source of life and hope. It can be interpreted as a warning against stubbornness, pride, and disbelief. Important Context: This verse is often used in connection with the story of Jesus’s death and resurrection. It's a symbolic representation of the consequences that will occur when people refuse to accept Jesus Christ as their savior. In short, Luke 13:28 is a dramatic prophecy about the ultimate consequence for those who reject God, and it emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Talk about its historical context? Discuss what it might mean for believers today?