Definition: If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which [temple] ye are.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Corinthians 3:17. It’s a pretty serious and important message about our responsibility to ourselves and others. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that if you mess with something God created – His sacred space – he will punish you. It’s not just about accidentally breaking something; it's about actively disrespecting or damaging something that’s incredibly important. Let’s unpack the parts: “1 Corinthians 3:17” : This is the specific verse we’re talking about. It’s a passage from a letter written to Paul, who was facing a difficult situation with a church in Corinth. “If any man defile the temple of God…” : This is where it gets powerful. “Temple of God” refers to God's house or sanctuary – a place of holiness and worship. Think of it like a very special, precious space dedicated to Him. “…him shall God destroy…” : This means that you , as an individual, are capable of damaging this sacred space. It’s not about a specific act but about the potential for disrespect or wrongdoing. “for the temple of God is holy…” : This reinforces the seriousness of the situation. It emphasizes that it's a place designed for worship and reverence, and it shouldn't be treated lightly. “…which ye are.” : This is the crucial part – you are the one who is defiling the temple. You’re holding yourself to a standard of holiness that God expects of everyone. In simpler terms: It means that if you act in a way that disrespects or harms something God has created, He will actively punish you. It's a warning against sin and a reminder of our responsibility to honor the divine. Important Note: This verse isn’t about me being directly punished. It’s a reflection of the fact that everyone is responsible for how they treat God’s creation – whether it's through our actions, words, or thoughts. It’s about recognizing that we are all connected to something bigger and ultimately held accountable. Does this make sense? Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail? Give some examples of how this principle applies to our lives?