Definition: Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Matthew 25:41. It’s a really important and somewhat shocking verse in the Bible that speaks about judgment and responsibility. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: What it means: This verse says that when God looks down on us after we’ve lived our lives, He will specifically punish those who have been neglecting or mistreating others. It’s a very serious warning about the impact of our actions. Let's unpack it word by word: “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand…” – This means that after death, God will be looking back at everyone who has ever lived. He’ll be focusing on those who haven't been kind or helpful. “…Depart from me, ye cursed…” – “Blessed” is a good word here - it means to be happy and grateful. “Cursed” means to be punished or in trouble with God. So, "you cursed" refers to those who have been unkind, selfish, or refused to help others. "...into everlasting fire..." – This is the most dramatic part. “Everlasting fire” symbolizes punishment – a punishment that lasts forever and isn’t just a temporary inconvenience. It's a deep, burning experience of God's judgment. "...prepared for the devil and his angels:" – This is where it gets really strange. “The devil” represents evil and those who oppose God. "His angels" are powerful spiritual beings that serve the Devil. So, this verse implies that those who have been neglecting others will be facing a very severe punishment from God's highest authority – the Devil and his minions. In essence, it’s saying: God is not just concerned with punishing bad people; He’s focused on those who don’t care about others. He’ll hold them accountable for their actions, and that accountability will be incredibly painful. It's a clear message of responsibility – we are all responsible for how we treat each other. Why is it important? This verse is often interpreted as a call to action. It suggests that we should always strive to be kind, compassionate, and helpful to others, because God will ultimately judge us based on our treatment of those around us. It’s about recognizing that our actions have consequences, both in this life and beyond. Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/25:41](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/25:41) The Bible Project: [https://www.thebibleproject.com/bible/25/41](https://www.thebibleproject.com/bible/25/41) --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of the Bible? Talk about what it might mean for our daily lives?