Definition: The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Matthew 13:41. It’s a pretty complex verse, but we can understand it in simpler terms. Here’s what it means: The Basic Idea: This verse is about judgment and removal . It suggests that Jesus is going to remove people who are truly bad or sinful – things that are wrong and harmful – from his kingdom (his community of followers). Let's unpack the parts: "The Son of man shall send forth his angels..." - This refers to Jesus’s messengers, angelic beings. Think of them as little messengers sent by God. "...and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend..." – "Kingdom" in this context means the community of believers – the followers of Jesus. “Offend” here means doing things that are against God’s will, or things that are morally wrong. These could be anything from lying, stealing, breaking promises, etc. "...and them which do iniquity;" - This is a more direct phrase. "Iniquity" translates to "sin." It refers to any behavior that is considered bad, wicked, or morally flawed. So, putting it all together: Jesus is sending out his angels to go around collecting people who are doing wrong and harmful things – things that are against God’s will. He's essentially saying he wants to purify the community and remove those who are truly rebellious. Important Note: This verse isn't about a punishment for everyone who does bad things. It’s more about removing individuals who are actively defying God's guidance and causing harm. Why is this a complex passage? The meaning of the verse has been debated for centuries, and different interpretations exist. Some believe it refers to Jesus’s own ministry, while others see it as a warning about the state of humanity. It’s a powerful image that highlights the importance of following God's rules. Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to other parts of the Bible? Discuss its possible interpretations?