Outrageously Funny Word Dictionary :: Breth

👉 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from 1 Corinthians 14:20. It’s a really nuanced one and has been debated for centuries, so let's go through it step-by-step. Here's the core meaning: This passage is about respectful disagreement and avoiding being overly argumentative or critical. It’s telling us to approach disagreements with a measured and thoughtful spirit, not just because we’re angry or trying to win an argument, but because we are trying to understand each other. Let's unpack the phrases: “Brethren” : This refers to fellow believers – people who share the same faith and are part of a community. “Be not children in understanding” : This is where it gets interesting. “Children” here isn’t about being young or immature. It means we're not acting like we don’t know anything, that we’re easily swayed, or that we’re just reacting impulsively. We’re avoiding being overly passionate and making hasty judgments. “Howbeit in malice be ye children” : This is the crucial part! "Malice" means ill will, anger, or spite. It's saying that if we are engaging in disagreement with a spirit of negativity, pride, or antagonism, then we need to act like children – meaning we need to be thoughtful and humble. “But in understanding be ye men” : This is the key takeaway. "Men" refers to those who are striving for wisdom, reason, and integrity. Being "men" means approaching the situation with a reasoned and thoughtful approach, not just reacting emotionally. In simpler terms: It’s telling us that disagreements shouldn't be about being angry or trying to prove someone wrong. Instead, we need to understand why the other person feels the way they do, with respect and humility. We should be thoughtful and reasoned, not just reacting emotionally. Why is this important? Paul wrote this verse to address a situation where people were arguing over matters of faith (teaching) in church. The original context suggests that these arguments were often fueled by pride and anger, which would disrupt the unity of the community. This verse encourages us to remain calm, thoughtful, and respectful – even when we disagree. Think of it like this: Imagine you're trying to bake a cake. You’re frustrated with your friend because they didn’t follow your recipe perfectly. Instead of yelling at them, you take a deep breath, understand why they made the adjustments (maybe they were feeling overwhelmed), and try again in a way that respects their efforts. Do you want to explore this verse further? For example: Would you like me to give you some examples of how to show understanding instead of getting angry? Are you curious about how this verse relates to other situations where disagreement happens?

👉 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really important verse from 1 Corinthians 7:24: “Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.” Here's a simple explanation in plain language: Basically, it means: “Wherein he is called” – This refers to the purpose or duty that God has given each person. It’s about what you’re meant to do and be. Think of it like a map showing where God wants you to go. "Inwardly abide with God" – This means to live in a way that reflects the love, goodness, and faithfulness of God. It's not about doing good deeds, but about being good – being a person who is pleasing to God. What does it mean practically? It’s saying that we should dedicate our lives to fulfilling what God has given us – whether it’s being kind, honest, helpful, or pursuing a specific path. It’s about aligning your actions with the divine will. Why is this important? The Bible stresses that we're not meant to just drift through life without purpose. God wants us to live a life that honors Him and reflects His character. This verse encourages us to actively choose to live in accordance with God’s plan for our lives. In short, it’s a call to live a purposeful life, guided by God's will. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some examples of how this verse applies to everyday life?

👉 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse! It's a really important one about following God’s instructions and staying true to what He’s taught us. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is saying: “Don’t try to make up your own rules or create new laws. What God has already given you – the words of His message – that's the real important thing.” Let’s unpack it a bit further: “I write no new commandment unto you…” - This means John isn’t giving us a brand-new set of rules to follow. He’s not saying, “You need to do this and I will tell you how.” He's reminding us that God has already given us a clear message. "...but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning." - This is the core of it. The commandment he’s referring to is the basic teachings and guidance that God gave to people long, long ago – the whole foundation of Christian belief. Think of it like the core principles of a religion. “The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.” - This means that everything we’ve learned about God, about love, about right and wrong, comes directly from God through His words – the Bible. It's not something we create or invent; it’s what God revealed to us. In a nutshell: This verse emphasizes that our faith isn't about us making our own rules. It's about trusting in God and following the guidelines He gave us, which is found in His Word (the Bible). Why is this important? It’s a reminder to stay rooted in God’s teachings and not stray from them. It encourages us to listen to what God has told us throughout history and to keep that message close to our hearts. Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this verse to a particular biblical story or theme?

👉 Brethren, pray for us.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down that verse: “Brethren, pray for us.” It’s a really important and comforting message from the Apostle Paul. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, Paul is asking his fellow believers to look out for each other. Let’s unpack it a little further: “Brethren” : This refers to all of the church community – all the followers of Christ who are part of the Christian faith. It's a call to unity and togetherness. “Pray for us” : This is the core of the message. Paul is asking everyone to actively wish good things for the people in his church, particularly those who might be facing difficulties or challenges. Why is this important? Paul wrote this verse during a time when there were tensions and disagreements within the early church. He was worried about the well-being of his fellow believers. It’s a reminder that we're all connected, and that we should look out for one another. In short, it’s a gentle plea for support and encouragement from the community. Do you want me to explain anything in more detail or perhaps give you an example of how this verse might be applied in real life?

👉 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though [it be] but a mans covenant, yet [if it be] confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Galatians 3:15. It’s a really important and often confusing one, so let's go through it slowly. Here’s the gist: This verse is saying that even though a covenant (a promise or agreement) is just a man’s agreement – a personal deal – it’s confirmed and cannot be broken . It’s like a handshake – it's real, it's binding, and it's strong. Let’s break it down word by word: “Brethren…” : This tells us who the speaker is – it’s addressing believers (people who have faith in Jesus). “…I speak after the manner of men…” : This is a little tricky. It means the speaker is speaking from experience , from someone who has been through the process of making and upholding agreements. We're not talking about a formal, written contract. “Though [it be] but a man’s covenant…” : This part acknowledges that it’s a specific agreement made by one person – a covenant made by a man . It's important to remember we’re talking about a human agreement, not divine law. “…yet [if it be] confirmed…” : This is the key part! "Confirmed" means it has stood firm and is reliable. It's not just a fleeting agreement; it's one that’s been established. “No man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.” : This is where the real meaning comes out. “Disannulleth” means to break or annul – to cancel. “Addeth” means to add something. So, "no man disannulleth" means no one breaks it , and "no man addeth thereto" means no one changes it . Putting it all together: The verse is saying that even though a covenant is just a human agreement, it’s already firmly established and can't be changed or broken. It highlights the importance of our faith and the reality of our commitment to God, even without formal legal contracts. What does this mean for us? This verse encourages us to trust in God and in our covenant relationship with Him. It reminds us that our faith is real and that we are part of a group bound together by agreement. It’s about being reliable and committed to God's promises. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you an example of how this applies to your life? Or, would you like me to explain a different Bible passage?

👉 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I [am]; for I [am] as ye [are]: ye have not injured me at all.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Galatians 4:12. It’s a really important and comforting message about love and acceptance. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that the author of the letter is also experiencing similar struggles and difficulties as you do. It’s emphasizing a deep sense of connection and understanding. Let's unpack it word by word: “Galatians 4:12” : This is the title of the passage – it’s about a relationship between Paul and his Jewish followers. “Brethren…” : This means “brothers” or “fellows.” It refers to people who are part of the same group – those following Paul's teachings. “…I beseech you, be as I [am]…” : This is where it gets really important. The author is asking you to understand them . "Beseech" means to beg or plead earnestly. He’s asking you to emulate his situation – to live in a similar way. “for I [am] as ye [are]…” : This is the crucial part. The author uses “I” to say, "I am experiencing this too." "Ye" is a plural form of “you,” referring to the people he’s addressing. It means that they are facing similar challenges and difficulties. “ye have not injured me at all.” : This is the core message – it’s saying that they haven't wronged or offended him. It’s a strong declaration of forgiveness and acceptance. Putting it All Together - A Simple Explanation: Paul isn’t talking about his struggles. He’s talking about your struggles, and he's offering reassurance that he understands and shares them. He’s saying, “I’m feeling the same way you are – facing challenges and difficulties. It doesn’t mean I’m perfect; it means I’m human too.” Why is this important? This verse is a powerful reminder of: Compassion: It shows that we're not alone in our struggles. Forgiveness: It encourages us to extend forgiveness to others, because we are also experiencing difficulties. Unity: It highlights the importance of connection and understanding within a community. In essence, this verse is about recognizing each other’s humanity – acknowledging that we all face challenges and offering support. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Give you some examples of how this principle applies in everyday life?

👉 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Galatians 6:1. It’s a really important message about how to handle difficult situations and our own behavior. Here's a simple explanation: Think of it like this: “Brethren” : This refers to fellow Christians – those who share the same faith and are part of the community of believers. “Overtaken in a fault” : This means someone is making a mistake or acting badly. It could be anything from being disrespectful to hurting others, or even just not following God’s guidance. “Ye which are spiritual” : This is really important. “Spiritual” in this context means living according to the teachings of Jesus Christ – trusting in Him and striving for a righteous life. It's about being guided by His love and will. “Restore such an one in the spirit of meekness” : This is where it gets deeper. " Meekness" means being gentle, patient, and not easily angered. It’s about showing kindness and understanding , even when someone makes a mistake. It’s about treating them with compassion. “Considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” : This is the warning part. “Considering thyself” means being aware of your own behavior and how it might affect others. We all have tendencies – we can fall into bad habits or make mistakes. The verse says that we need to be careful not to let our own flawed behavior influence those around us. So, the whole verse basically says: “If someone makes a mistake, treat them with kindness and understanding, just like you would want someone to treat you. And be mindful of your own actions so you don’t inadvertently bring harm or temptation into the situation." In short, it's about being a good example for others and taking care of those around us. --- Would you like me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, we could go deeper into: What “fault” means specifically. The importance of "meekness" in our relationship with others.

👉 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with your spirit. Amen.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Galatians 6:18: “Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” Here's what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, it’s a blessing and encouragement. “Brethren” : This refers to fellow believers – those who share the same faith and are part of the Christian community. It’s addressing everyone who follows Jesus. “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ” : This is the core of the message. “Grace” means God's favor, kindness, and love towards us. "Jesus Christ" is the central figure in Christianity – he is believed to be both fully human and fully divine. So, “grace” refers to the special favor and mercy that God offers us because of his love for humanity. “Be with your spirit” : This is a key part. It’s not just about having grace; it's about experiencing it. It means that God’s grace isn’t just something we do ; it’s a feeling and presence within us. “Amen” : A short acknowledgment – like saying “yes” or “so be it.” Putting it all together: The verse is urging believers to receive the special favor and love of God through Jesus Christ, not just as a concept but as a feeling that lives within them. It’s a reminder that God’s grace is present in our lives and offers comfort, strength, and peace. In short, it's a powerful statement about God's unconditional love and invitation to experience His presence. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this verse within the context of Galatians?

👉 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse: “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;” What it means in simple terms: This verse is a gentle but serious call to action. It's saying: “If anyone in our group starts to go astray from what we believe, let them be helped to turn back! If someone makes a mistake that goes against our core beliefs, please encourage them to reconsider.” Let’s unpack it further: “Brethren” : This refers to fellow believers – people who share the same faith and belief system. “If any of you do err from the truth…” : This is the key part. It means that anyone within our group – anyone who isn't walking in harmony with what we believe – has potentially strayed. “Err” means to go wrong or lose sight of something important. “…and one convert him;" : This is the action we need to take. “Convert” means to change your mind, to turn away from a mistake or incorrect belief. "One" is crucial – it’s one person who needs help. It implies that this one individual might be on a path that leads us astray. Overall Meaning & Context: This verse emphasizes the importance of holding each other accountable and gently guiding people back to the right path. It's about protecting our community and ensuring we stay true to our faith. It’s not about condemnation or judgment – it’s about offering a chance for someone to change direction. Why is this verse important? It highlights accountability: It reminds us that everyone has the potential to make mistakes. It calls for care and concern: It shows we are thinking about each other's well-being within our community of faith. It encourages encouragement: It offers a way to help someone who is struggling, rather than simply condemning them. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you an example of how this verse might be used in a specific situation (like a disagreement within a group)?

👉 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Philippians 3:13. It's a really beautiful and thought-provoking statement about our focus and priorities. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Paul is saying: “I don’t feel like I fully understand everything – my life, my experiences, my ambitions – but I’m focused on what is truly important to me.” Let's unpack that a little more: “I count not myself…” : This means he isn’t boasting about his accomplishments or achievements. He's not trying to impress anyone with his own success. “…to have apprehended:” This is a bit tricky, but it means he hasn’t fully grasped everything . It’s not that he doesn’t know anything – he does! But he’s recognizing there’s more to life than just the surface level. He's acknowledging that there are deeper truths and purposes. “but [this] one thing…” : This is the core of the verse. He’s focusing on one specific thing . It’s not a massive, complicated goal; it’s something smaller and more fundamental. “…forgetting those which are behind:” This is the key part. He's letting go of things that are behind him – past experiences, worries, anxieties, or distractions. He's consciously choosing to look forward. “and reaching forth unto those things which are before:” This means he’s actively seeking and focusing on what’s ahead – his future goals, his relationship with God, his purpose in life, and the things that truly matter. So, putting it all together: Paul is emphasizing that true happiness and fulfillment come from a focus on spiritual truths and purposes rather than being consumed by worries or past experiences. He’s saying he's choosing to prioritize what’s before him – the eternal rewards of living according to God’s will. In essence, it’s about a shift in perspective. It’s about moving from being caught up in the details of life to focusing on the bigger picture of eternity and purpose. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with examples? Discuss its significance in the context of Paul's letter? Connect it to a specific theme in the Bible (like faith, hope, or love)?