Definition: And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible passage together. It's a pretty dramatic one, so we’ll go through it slowly. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where people who are truly wrong or misguided are punished severely. Think of it like a really harsh punishment for someone who has made a terrible mistake. Let's unpack the details: “And shall cast them into a furnace of fire…” – Imagine a huge, scorching fire. This isn’t just any fire; it’s a fiery punishment. “…there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” – These are very intense emotions that come from deep pain and distress. “Wailing” means crying out in sorrow and frustration, and “gnashing of teeth” means clenching your jaw in anger or discomfort. It’s a physical expression of suffering. What does this mean practically? The verse describes a situation where someone has been taught something wrong, perhaps by a false leader or someone who isn't true to God. This person has made a mistake that is deeply hurtful and damaging to themselves and others. The punishment is meant to be incredibly painful – a truly awful experience of suffering. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of pride, stubbornness, or rejecting God's truth. It’s not necessarily about literal fire, but rather a symbolic representation of the consequences of resisting God’s guidance and returning to a wrong path. In short, this verse describes a very severe consequence for those who stubbornly refuse to accept God’s word and embrace righteousness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning of this verse in more detail (e.g., its symbolism)? Compare it to other stories or teachings in the Bible?