Outrageously Funny Word Dictionary :: Mark 11:17

👉 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Mark 11:17. It’s a really powerful and symbolic statement about our relationship with God and how we treat Him. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that our attitudes and actions can change the way people perceive us, and ultimately, how God sees us. It’s not just about literally making a house a den – it’s about the feeling we have about our relationship with God. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "And he taught, saying unto them..." - This refers to Jesus teaching his disciples. "...saying unto them, Is it not written..." – He’s pointing to a specific passage in the Bible that says something similar. It’s like saying, “This is what God has already shown us.” "My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer?" - This is the core of the verse. It means that we , as individuals and as a community, have the potential to be a place where people can come to pray – a sacred space for worship and reflection. It suggests a beautiful and holy environment. "...but ye have made it a den of thieves." - This is the crucial part. Jesus is saying that you (and your group) have been treating God’s gifts, His blessings, and His presence with disrespect and selfishness. It means you've been taking advantage of Him, being greedy, or prioritizing your own needs over His. “Den” implies a place of negativity, dishonesty, and unhappiness. So, what does it mean in a nutshell? It’s a call to spiritual maturity – to shift from selfish behavior to selfless service and reverence towards God. It's about recognizing that our actions have consequences and that we are accountable to Him. It encourages us to be good stewards of the gifts He gives us. Why is this important? Jesus uses this imagery to teach his disciples a valuable lesson: God’s grace and blessings are available to all people, but only those who approach Him with humility, gratitude, and love will truly receive them. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the symbolism behind this verse in more detail (e.g., why is it called a "den")? Connect this verse to a broader theme in the Bible?