Definition: And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down that verse from Luke 23:43: “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Here’s a simple explanation: Basically, Jesus is offering forgiveness and a new beginning to someone who was severely beaten and likely facing death. Let's unpack it word by word: "And Jesus said..." - This sets the scene – Jesus is speaking. "...unto him..." - This means to him . It’s referring to a specific person, likely one of the criminals who were wrongly accused and punished. "...Verily I say unto thee..." - This is a very important phrase. “Verily” means ‘truly’. "I say unto you" is Jesus using a familiar way to address his audience – it’s like he's talking directly to the person he’s addressing. It conveys sincerity and importance. "...To day shalt thou be with me..." - This is the core of the message. “Today” means today . It’s an invitation, a promise of something wonderful happening. "...in paradise." - Now, "paradise" isn't a literal place on Earth. It refers to a state of perfect happiness, peace, and joy – a place where someone is free from suffering and pain. So, the whole verse means: “Jesus is offering you forgiveness and a new life today.” He’s saying that because of his sacrifice, you can have a better future with him. Important Note: This passage often gets misinterpreted. It's not about a literal paradise on Earth! It's a powerful metaphor for the hope and promise of redemption and eternal life offered through Jesus Christ. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss what this verse might mean in the context of the Bible as a whole? Answer any specific questions you have about it?