Definition: And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Matthew 17:11. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage that gets at the heart of faith and redemption. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about bringing back what was lost. It’s not about a literal return of a lost person, but rather a return of something precious and valuable – things that have been broken or damaged. Let's unpack it word by word: "And Jesus answered..." : This sets the scene – Jesus is speaking to a group of people (likely fishermen) who are troubled about their son Elias. "...and said unto them..." : Jesus is directly addressing his listeners. "Elias truly shall first come..." : This is the key part. "Elias" refers to a man named Elias, who was a very important figure in Jewish tradition and a prophet. The word “true” here means “real” or “authentic.” So, Jesus is saying that Elias will eventually return. "...and restore all things." : This is the most profound part. “Restore all things” means to make something whole again, to bring it back to its original state – to heal a broken thing. It's not just about fixing something; it’s about bringing something back to wholeness . What does this mean in a broader sense? The meaning of "restore all things" has been interpreted in several ways throughout history and continues to be debated. Here are some common understandings: Redemption: It speaks to the concept of redemption – that God’s plan for humanity involves restoring brokenness and suffering to its original state - to bring people back to a place of righteousness. Restoration of Lost Things: It can symbolize the restoration of lost faith, lost relationships, or even lost opportunities. In short, this verse is a promise that God will eventually bring back what was damaged or broken in order to restore everything to its former glory. --- Important Note: This interpretation is rooted in Jewish tradition and has been expanded upon over time. It's a complex idea that’s often associated with the concept of “the Second Coming” of Jesus Christ. Do you want me to: Explain this verse further in more detail? Discuss different interpretations of it?