Definition: And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 16:31. It's a really powerful and somewhat unsettling passage about the future of humanity. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse warns us about the dangers of rejecting God’s message – specifically, the Bible. It suggests that if people don’t believe in or listen to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the prophets (the Old Testament), they will never be persuaded to accept anything from God. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And he said unto him…” : This is a dramatic way for Jesus to introduce the idea. He’s talking about a future situation – a time when humanity might not want to listen to God’s word. “…If they hear not Moses and the prophets…” : This refers to everyone who doesn't believe in or follow the teachings of the Old Testament (which includes stories, laws, and prophecies about God’s plan). It’s about rejecting the foundation of faith. “neither will they be persuaded…” : This means that if people don't accept God's message, they won't be interested in following it. They won’t want to believe in or change their lives based on what Jesus and the prophets teach. “…though one rose from the dead.” : This is a really striking image. It means that if humanity completely rejects God, He will ultimately rise up again – meaning He will return to judge and save us! It speaks of a final judgment, and the possibility of eternal life with God. What’s the big takeaway? The verse is a warning about the importance of faith and obedience. It highlights that believing in God and following His teachings is absolutely crucial for salvation (getting to heaven) and ultimately, for the future of humanity. In short, it's saying: Don’t ignore what God has revealed – it will have serious consequences. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Provide a related story or example from the Bible? Discuss the meaning of the concept of “judgment” as it relates to this verse?