Definition: Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really important passage from the Bible – Ezekiel 18:4. It's a tough one to understand at first, but we can unpack it bit by bit. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about God’s complete ownership and control over every single person. It’s saying that God has absolute authority over everyone. Let’s break it down into parts: “Ezekiel 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine…” – This is a dramatic opening. It's like Ezekiel, who was a prophet, is describing something incredibly significant - God's complete ownership of everything. It's not just about giving him things; it’s about everything falling under his control. “…as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine…” – This is where it gets a little more complex. It compares the soul (which represents a person’s life and spirit) to the soul of the father. It means that God also has control over everyone's soul. “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” – This is the crucial part. If someone does something wrong, sins, or acts in opposition to God’s will, they will die . It doesn't mean a literal death in the physical sense; it means their life is ended, their spirit is lost, and they are separated from God forever. Putting it all together – A Simple Analogy: Think of it like this: Imagine a parent has complete control over their child. If that child makes a bad choice (sins), the parent will always have the final say about what happens to them - they may be sent away, or even taken away from the family. God is doing the same thing with everyone. Important Context & Interpretation: Ezekiel's Message: This passage was part of a larger message from Ezekiel, who was experiencing a crisis of faith and felt God wasn't being clear in his teachings. It’s often interpreted as a warning about human disobedience and the consequences of straying from God’s path. The "Sinneth" – Crucial Point: The word "sinneth" is key. It means to “sin” – to disobey God's commands, to act in ways that are against his will. This is where the danger lies. In essence, this verse emphasizes that God’s love and control are absolute. He doesn’t just care about us, he owns our souls. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious advisor. This explanation is based on interpretations of biblical texts and should be considered one perspective amongst many. Would you like me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Provide a different analogy to help understand it?