Definition: And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I [am] the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Mark 12:26. It's a really important one that gets to the heart of understanding God’s relationship with humanity. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is asking if we understand God’s power and authority over death and life. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And as touching the dead, that they rise…” – This part focuses on a specific situation: when someone dies, it's possible for them to be brought back to life. It's not just about the general concept of death ending, but about something happening specifically with those who have passed away. “…that they rise:” - This is the key phrase. It means that God has the power to restore life to those who are dead. “Have ye not read in the book of Moses…” – This refers to the Old Testament, specifically the story of Moses. It’s pointing back to a specific narrative in the Bible. "...how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I [am] the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?” – This is where it gets really significant. It's about Moses telling Pharaoh that he was God. “The bush” : This refers to a specific place in the Old Testament – Mount Sinai, where God revealed his laws and promises to Moses. “…God spake unto him…” - This means God spoke to Moses. "...saying, I [am] the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?” - Moses then declares that he was the God of those specific people – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. So, what’s the big takeaway? This verse essentially says: God is the ultimate authority over life and death. God has the power to bring back those who have died, just as he brought back Moses with his laws. Why is this important? It's a foundational concept in Judaism and Christianity. It emphasizes God’s sovereignty – his absolute control over all things. It also speaks to our belief that God is involved in the final destiny of humanity – the possibility of resurrection and eternal life. --- Resources for Further Learning: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/articles/mark_12_26](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/articles/mark_12_26) - This provides a detailed explanation and context. Wikipedia – Mark 12:26: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_12%3A26](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_12%3A26) Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a particular theological concept (like salvation or the afterlife)?