Definition: Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down Matthew 23:38: “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” What it means on the surface: It’s a pretty harsh and judgmental statement. It suggests that the person who built their home (represented by "your house") has fallen into a bad state – a state of ruin or unhappiness. Let's unpack it layer by layer: “Behold” : This is an invitation, a warning. It means “Watch me.” “Your house” : This refers to the person’s life and their home – their existence, their community, their way of living. “Is left unto you desolate” : This is the key part. "Desolate" means empty, abandoned, ruined, or lacking in purpose. It implies a state of unhappiness, perhaps even spiritual emptiness. The overall message: Jesus is pointing out that this person has made poor choices and isn't living a good life. It’s a condemnation of their actions and a call for repentance. Important Context – What’s happening before this verse? Matthew 23 describes the destruction of Jesus’s temple in Jerusalem. This event is setting the stage for this judgment. It's a dramatic warning about the consequences of sin and wrongdoing. In short, it’s a message of judgment and a call to change. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific theme or idea (like forgiveness, repentance, or sin)?