Definition: Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 17:15. It’s a really interesting and slightly unusual verse! Here's an explanation in simple terms: The Core Idea: Jesus is concerned about a young man who is experiencing significant distress and fear. What’s Happening – The Details: “Lord, have mercy on my son…” - This is a plea from Jesus to the Father for compassion for this boy. It's a request for forgiveness and understanding. “…for he is lunatic, and sore vexed…” - "Lunatic" means crazy or mentally unstable. “Sore vexed” means extremely worried, troubled, and upset. “For ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.” – This is where it gets a bit more symbolic. Jesus describes a pattern of behavior: Falling into the fire: He’s experiencing intense fear and panic. Think of someone who's about to burn or get severely scalded. Falling into the water: He’s also experiencing anxiety and distress – possibly feeling overwhelmed or insecure. What Does it Mean? This verse isn’t just about a literal situation. It’s a metaphor for a person struggling with intense emotional turmoil - perhaps facing a difficult problem, a loss, or a significant challenge in their life. Jesus is saying that this boy needs comfort and understanding. The Significance: Empathy & Compassion: The verse highlights Jesus' deep empathy for those who are suffering. Divine Intervention: It suggests that God is aware of the boy’s pain and wants to help him through it. Guidance: It hints at a need for guidance from the Father to soothe this troubled soul. Important Note: Matthew 17:15 is a relatively old passage, and its interpretation has been debated throughout history. It doesn't offer a straightforward explanation of what “lunatic” means in this context. However, it generally points to a boy grappling with profound emotional challenges. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning of a specific word or phrase within this passage?