Definition: And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this famous verse from Matthew 12:25. It's a really powerful message about conflict and the importance of unity. Here’s a simple explanation: What it means in plain English: “Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them, ‘When two groups or factions within a community become divided against each other – like when people fight amongst themselves – then that community will fall apart and collapse.’ And if a city or house is broken apart by its own internal disagreements, it won’t stand.” Let's unpack the key parts: “Jesus knew their thoughts…” : This means Jesus understood what these people were thinking. He wasn't just observing them; he was actively trying to grasp what they were believing and feeling. “…and said unto them…” : This is a formal address, like when Jesus speaks to a group of people. “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation…” : This is the core of the message. A “kingdom” in this context refers to a community – a nation, a group of people, or even a family. When these kingdoms are fractured and fighting amongst themselves, it leads to destruction. “…and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:” : This is the consequence. “Cities or houses” are being likened to structures that need support and stability. When they’re constantly pulling at each other, they become unstable and ultimately fall down. What does this mean practically? This verse speaks to the dangers of: Division: When people disagree with each other, even in small ways, it can create problems. Conflict: Fighting or being antagonistic towards others undermines a community’s strength and stability. Disruption: When groups are divided, they lose their ability to work together effectively and achieve common goals. In short, Jesus is warning us that conflict and division are bad for communities – they weaken them and ultimately lead to failure. Why is this verse important? It’s a timeless reminder of the importance of unity and cooperation within groups. It encourages us to strive for harmony and peaceful resolution rather than letting disagreements fester. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible passage? Discuss a specific interpretation of this verse?