Definition: And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 23:44. It's a really powerful and significant part of the story of Jesus’ final moments. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, it describes a very dark and quiet moment right before Jesus was nailed to the cross. “About the sixth hour”: This is a key word. “Sixth hour” refers to a specific time – usually around midday – when Jesus was being led away from his followers. It signifies a crucial point of significance in the story. “A darkness over all the earth”: This isn’t just a little bit darker; it's complete darkness. Imagine the sun completely disappearing, and everything is shrouded in shadow. This wasn't just a momentary cloud; it was a deep, encompassing darkness that spread across the entire world. Why was there a darkness? The Bible doesn’t say exactly why this happened, but it suggests it was a deliberate act of God. The darkness symbolizes: God’s judgment: It's a sign that something terrible has happened and that God is displeased with humanity. A period of mourning: It represents the sorrow and grief felt by those who witnessed Jesus' death. The Verse Ends: “And there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.” This means it lasted for nine hours – a long, quiet time of contemplation and despair. Overall Significance: This is a dramatic and symbolic moment in the Bible that highlights: Jesus’ suffering: It shows that Jesus endured immense pain and hardship. God's power: It emphasizes God’s control over events and His ability to bring about justice and punishment. Do you want me to explain any of this further? For example, we could talk about: The symbolism of darkness in the Bible as a whole. What it might mean for the people who witnessed this event.