Definition: And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really important passage from Matthew 10:28. It’s a pretty complex idea, so we'll go through it step-by-step. What does it mean? This verse is about the ultimate stakes of our lives and how to handle danger. It essentially says that God’s judgment isn’t just about taking someone’s life; he also judges them for their entire being – their soul (their spirit) and their body. Let's unpack it: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul:” This part is straightforward. It means that people who harm us physically (like murderers or those who commit violence) don’t have a problem with our spirit. They don't threaten our faith, our love for God, or our desire to live a good life. They don’t want to take away our hope and purpose. “…but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell:” This is the crucial part. It says that God himself is the one who will ultimately judge us – and he will judge us for everything we do, even if we’re not physically harmed. He’s concerned with our eternal fate - what happens after death. "Hell" here refers to the place of punishment and separation from God. So, essentially, it's a warning about: The ultimate consequence of sin: God sees sin as a threat to everything – our souls, our lives, and our hope for eternal life. God’s justice: He will hold people accountable for their choices, even if they don’t directly harm us. Our responsibility to live a righteous life: Because of this, we must strive to do good, love God, and avoid sin. What does it mean for us ? This verse encourages us to: Be vigilant: Don't be complacent about danger. Always be aware of potential threats. Pray constantly: Pray for God’s protection and guidance. Live a life that pleases Him: Focus on living in a way that honors God and demonstrates love. In short, it’s a reminder that we are not just vulnerable to physical harm; our entire being is at risk if we don't remain faithful to God. --- Resources for Further Exploration: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/bible/Matthew/10%2C28](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/bible/Matthew/10%2C28) GotQuestions.org: [https://www.gotquestions.org/Matthew-10-28.html](https://www.gotquestions.org/Matthew-10-28.html) Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss a specific aspect of it (like the concept of "eternal judgment")?