Definition: And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Luke 7:31. It’s a really thought-provoking verse that deals with human nature and God's plan. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is asking a profound question about humanity – specifically, about this generation (the time period we live in). He’s essentially saying, “What kind of people are we like?” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the Lord said…” : This immediately establishes that Jesus is speaking to God. It's a moment where he’s expressing a deep concern about humanity. “…Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation?” : This is the core of the question. “Liken” means to compare or group things together. So, Jesus wants to understand what makes these people different from everyone else. “and to what are they like?” : This is a very direct question asking about their character and behavior. What does it mean? Jesus isn’t necessarily saying that all men are bad or terrible. He's trying to understand the fundamental qualities that define humanity – the things that make us human, good, and prone to sin. He’s looking for a pattern. Possible Interpretations (and why it’s complex): There have been many different interpretations of this verse over the centuries. Here are a few common ideas: Humanity's inherent flaws: Some believe Jesus is pointing out that humanity has a tendency towards selfishness, pride, and rebellion against God. The temptation to sin: A more recent interpretation suggests that the verse highlights the struggle between good and evil within us all – our natural desire to disobey God. A time of darkness: It could represent a period where people are easily swayed by temptation and fall short of God's will. Important Note: The Bible doesn’t offer a simple, definitive answer to this question. It’s meant to provoke thought and encourage reflection on our own character. Resources for Further Exploration: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1452/Luke](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1452/Luke) - This provides a summary and different translations of the verse. Different Bible Study Websites: Search for "Luke 7:31 meaning" on sites like Bible.org or The Bible Project for more in-depth explanations. --- To help me tailor my explanation to your needs, could you tell me: What are you hoping to get out of this explanation? (e.g., a basic understanding, a deeper philosophical perspective?)