Definition: For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Luke 19:21. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious verse! Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about Jesus recognizing someone who was challenging him or his followers. It suggests he saw a person who was very serious, disciplined, and focused on their own principles. Let's unpack it word by word: “For I feared thee…” - Jesus starts by acknowledging that he felt concern for this person. He’s recognizing them as someone who might be causing trouble or disruption. “…because thou art an austere man…” – This is a key part. "Austere" means strict, disciplined, and focused on principles. Jesus is saying he recognized this person as someone who values their own beliefs very strongly. "...thou takest up that thou layedst not down..." - This is where it gets a little more complex. It translates to: “You are taking something up – perhaps a position, a challenge, or a responsibility – that you didn't initially place on yourself.” It’s like he’s noticing someone who’s being overly cautious or focused on their own rules. "...and reapest that thou didst not sow." - This is the most figurative part. “Sow” refers to planting a seed, and "reaping" means reaping the rewards of your efforts. Jesus is saying he's recognizing this person who has been very diligent in their own beliefs and actions – they’ve taken on a lot of responsibility. But now, he observes that they haven’t actually put in the effort to follow those same principles consistently or wholeheartedly. They are "reaping" what they didn’t sow. Overall Meaning & Context: The verse is often interpreted as a warning about hypocrisy . Jesus isn't criticizing this person directly; he’s gently pointing out that they might be neglecting their own responsibilities and not living up to the principles they preach. It's suggesting there's a need for balance – a willingness to put in the effort, not just to talk about it but to do it consistently. Why is this important? It’s a reminder that true faith and righteousness aren’t just about words; they require consistent action and dedication. It encourages us to be mindful of our own commitment and strive for a life of genuine effort and responsibility, rather than simply adhering to rules without embodying them. --- To help me tailor this explanation even further, could you tell me: What are you hoping to learn from this verse? (Are you trying to understand it better, or perhaps apply it to your own life?)