Definition: And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this famous verse from Luke 12:4. It’s a really powerful message about life beyond death. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling his followers that even after we die, our spirits don’t disappear. They can continue to experience and even influence the world around us. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And I say unto you…” : This is Jesus introducing himself and setting a serious tone. He's speaking to his followers, likely disciples, who are probably worried about death. “…Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.” : This is the core of the verse. It means that even when people die, they don’t completely lose their existence. They aren't trapped or forgotten. What does this mean in practice? Our spirits continue to exist: Jesus is saying our souls and consciousness are not destroyed. They remain within the world, continuing to think, feel, and even influence things. We can still do good: This isn’t about being alive forever, but rather that our actions and intentions after we die have a lasting impact. Think of it like this: If you do something kind and loving, your legacy continues to be positive. The Significance - It's about Hope & Eternal Life: This verse is incredibly important because it offers hope for those who are in the afterlife. It suggests that our lives don’t end with our physical death. It highlights the idea of a “second life” or a continuation of our spirit and influence. In short, it's a message of comfort and assurance that our souls live on. Resources for further learning: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/english](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/english) - Allows you to read the verse in different translations. The Bible Project: [https://www.thebibletproject.org/2018/03/15/lukes-12-4/](https://www.thebibletproject.org/2018/03/15/lukes-12-4/) - Offers a visual and easy-to-understand explanation of the verse. Do you want me to: Explain it in a different way? Talk about its symbolism?