Definition: Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this famous verse from Luke 19:46. It’s a really important and slightly complex message about how we should treat God’s house – which is His presence and the things He loves. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is saying that when people are using our church, temples, or any place of worship as a place to steal and exploit things, it's actually breaking the rules God set for us – specifically, the rule about honoring Him. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “It is written…” : Jesus is referencing a passage in the Old Testament that speaks about God’s house being a sacred place. It was meant to remind people of how important it was to treat God's house with respect and reverence. “…My house is the house of prayer…” : Jesus is saying that this place is designed for worship, for prayer, and for connecting with God. It’s a special place where we can come to Him and express our devotion. “But ye have made it a den of thieves.” : This is the crucial part. Jesus is pointing out that people are using this sacred space as a place to steal – to exploit, profit from, or take advantage of things for themselves. It's like turning a temple into a place where people seek to gain something without giving thanks or showing respect. In short, Jesus is saying that when we treat our religious spaces with disrespect and greed, it’s damaging the very thing God created – His presence and His love. Why is this important? This verse teaches us: Respect is paramount: We should always show respect to where God places Himself. Don't exploit: We shouldn't take advantage of people's faith or spirituality for our own gain. Focus on gratitude: True worship and devotion are about offering thanks and appreciating God’s gifts, not about seeking something else. Does this apply to us ? Absolutely! It's a reminder that we all have a responsibility to treat our faith spaces – whether it's churches, temples, mosques, synagogues, or any place of worship – with care and reverence. --- Do you want me to: Explain it further in more detail? Give an example of how this verse applies to real life?