Definition: But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Luke 11:42. It’s a really important message about our relationship with God and how we should approach Him. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Jesus is telling Pharisees (one of the Jewish leaders) to focus on really loving and worshipping God. It's like he’s saying, “You’re focusing too much on things that don't involve Him – things like mint, rue, herbs, and judgment. Let go of those and concentrate your attention entirely on Him.” Let's unpack it a little: "But woe unto you..." : This is a serious warning. It means "It’s going to be bad for you if you don't." "... Pharisees!" : Jesus is addressing the leaders of the Jewish community, specifically those who were very strict about rules and traditions. "...for ye tithe..." : This is key. “Tithe” was a regular offering made by Jewish people to support the poor and needy. It wasn't just a small amount; it was a significant portion of their wealth. Jesus is saying, “You are giving more than your fair share.” "...mint and rue and all manner of herbs..." : These aren’t just any herbs! They were considered special spices used in religious rituals and symbolized purity and devotion. Think of them as offerings to God. "...and pass over judgment and the love of God:" This is where it gets really important. “Judgment” refers to God's righteous anger – His punishment for wrongdoing. "Love of God" represents God’s goodness, mercy, and affection. So, what does this mean practically? Jesus is telling us that we should always prioritize loving and worshipping God, but not at the expense of other important things like: Prayer: Spending time in prayer with Him. Repentance: Saying sorry for our sins and turning away from them. Serving Him: Doing good deeds and being a helpful person to others – that’s a way of showing love to God. In short, Jesus is urging us to focus on the core of our relationship with Him - His love and grace. It's about putting His needs first. Does this make sense? Do you want me to explain any part in more detail or perhaps give an example?