Definition: And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 16:30 together. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising passage! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Jesus is telling someone to warn people about a person who is dying. Let’s unpack the parts: “And he said…” : This tells us we’re hearing a conversation between Jesus and someone. “…Nay, father Abraham:” This is where it gets interesting. “Abraham” was a very important figure in Jewish tradition – a patriarch (a hugely influential ancestor) who was known for his faith and willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac. So, Jesus is saying, "Father Abraham," this person is like that! “…but if one went unto them from the dead:” This is the core of the verse. It means someone has died – someone who is lifeless. “unto them” refers back to this dying person. “Went unto them” means they came to meet or visit them. So, what does Jesus mean by this? He’s essentially saying that if someone is dead and coming to meet those he's talking about, they will repent. “Repent” means to turn away from sin and God’s judgment. What does repentance mean in this context? It suggests that the person who is dying might be drawn towards a way of life that leads to eternal punishment – something bad. It’s a warning about temptation and the consequences of choosing wrong paths. Why was this verse important? This story is often interpreted as a warning against false prophets or people trying to manipulate others to do bad things. It highlights the importance of discerning truth from lies and resisting temptation. In short, Jesus is telling us to be cautious about people who are approaching someone he cares about – particularly those who might be leading them toward a path that could bring them harm. --- Do you want me to: Explain it in more detail? Give you another Bible verse?