Definition: Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 5:26. It’s a really important message about how we should treat God and His things. Here's a simple explanation: What it means in plain language: “Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, until thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.” “Verily I say…” : This is Jesus using a powerful way to tell someone something important. It’s like saying “This is true,” or “Listen closely.” “…Thou shalt…” : This is a command – a rule we must follow. It's not just a suggestion; it’s a requirement. “Come out thence” : This means enter or come into something. Think of it like stepping through a door. “…until thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.” : This is the key part! “Farther” means a lot, a significant amount. "Uttermost" emphasizes that it’s the most important amount – the biggest, most valuable amount. So, this verse says: “You must pay the total amount, the entire sum, before you can leave.” What does it mean in terms of our relationship with God? Jesus is saying that we should always be respectful and obedient to God. It's not just about following rules; it’s about showing Him love and devotion. It means: Don't be disrespectful: We shouldn’t treat God or His word as if they aren’t important. Don’t be a burden: We shouldn’t constantly try to do things for God that he doesn’t want us to do – or, more importantly, don’t cause him unnecessary stress and worry. Be obedient: Follow His teachings and commands. In short, the verse is a reminder that we must be careful how we relate to God. It's about being respectful and giving Him what He deserves. Why is this important? Jesus uses this idea often throughout the Gospels. It’s a call for humility and a focus on love and obedience, which are seen as ways to connect with God. --- Do you want me to: Explain it in a different way (e.g., using an analogy)? Discuss its significance in the context of other Bible verses?