Definition: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [thou] that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under [her] wings, and ye would not!

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 23:37. It’s a really powerful and poignant verse that speaks about the treatment of believers in the future. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Jesus is expressing immense disappointment and anger at the behavior of those who follow him. He’s comparing their actions to how a hen gathers her chicks under her wings – a natural, protective arrangement. He sees them as being harsh, destructive, and disrespectful. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “O Jerusalem…” : This is Jesus addressing the Jewish people, specifically the city of Jerusalem. It’s a familiar and significant place in their history. “…thou that killest the prophets…” : This is the key part. Jesus is saying that they are actively killing or stoning those who are sent to them – meaning those who follow him, preach about him, and try to share his message. It’s a very serious accusation of violence against messengers of God. “…and stonest them which are sent unto thee…” : This reinforces the idea of silencing and punishing those who are following Jesus. “Stoning” suggests a brutal and deliberate act of opposition. “How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under [her] wings…” : This is where the analogy comes in. Think of a hen protecting her chicks. She diligently gathers them close to her – she’s carefully managing and nurturing them. Jesus says he would have gathered them together, but they are behaving in a way that disrespects him and his message. He's comparing their behavior to a hen tending its young. “…and ye would not!” : This is the crucial point. He’s expressing deep disappointment – that they wouldn’t be happy or peaceful with this situation. Overall Meaning & Significance: The verse is a warning about the dangers of rejecting or disrespecting those who are called to follow Jesus. It's about the importance of honoring and protecting messengers of God, as well as those who are seeking truth and righteousness. It’s a reminder that those who are truly devoted to him will be treated with respect and care – a far cry from the harsh treatment shown to those who don’t. In essence, it's a lament about the potential for injustice and hostility towards believers. --- To help me explain this verse even further or answer any specific questions you might have, let me know: Are you curious about a particular aspect of the analogy? Are you interested in understanding why Jesus feels this way?