Definition: I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zechariah 5:4. It's a pretty complex and dramatic passage, but we can understand its meaning piece by piece. Here's what it says in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a terrifying event – something that will destroy a house and its contents. It’s about a powerful, malicious force coming to claim what belongs to someone. Let’s unpack the parts: “I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts…” : This is a commanding statement from God. He’s actively doing something. “Bring it forth” means he's about to reveal or show something. “…and it shall enter into the house of the thief…” : This refers to someone who is stealing or deceiving others – a thief, a liar, or someone who is trying to take advantage of others. “...and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name:” : This describes someone who lies and makes false promises. They’re using their words to deceive others. "Sweared falsely by my name" means they're claiming something that isn’t true. “…and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.” : This is the terrifying part. The thing that's coming forth will stay inside their home. It will destroy everything within it – the wood (timber), the stone (walls), and all the things inside. It’s a complete annihilation. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This verse paints a picture of divine judgment and retribution. God is saying that someone who is dishonest, deceitful, and malicious will face devastating consequences. His action isn't just about punishing them; it's about completely destroying their home and all its belongings. It’s a powerful warning against dishonesty and the dangers of false promises. Important Note: This verse often gets misinterpreted as a literal attack on a specific house. However, it’s more symbolic. It speaks to a spiritual or moral battle – a victory for good over evil. The "house" represents a person's life, reputation, or integrity. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/Zechariah-5:4](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/Zechariah-5:4) Wikipedia - Zechariah 5: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_5) Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail, or would you like me to explore a specific aspect of this verse (like its connection to other biblical stories)?