Definition: There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 20:29. It's a really important and somewhat surprising story about Jesus and his brothers. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Jesus was having a conversation with two of his disciples – Peter and John – when he suddenly stopped and said, “There were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.” What’s Happening? Seven Brothers: Jesus was talking about seven brothers . This is a crucial detail. The First Took a Wife: This tells us that one of those brothers, named James, had a wife. Died Without Children: The key part is that this wife died without giving birth to any children. So, what’s the big picture? This verse suggests something unusual and perhaps a bit unsettling about Jesus' life. It implies that he was experiencing a kind of spiritual death – a separation from his earthly purpose. Possible Interpretations (and why it’s complex): There are several ways to understand this, and it's been debated for centuries: A Test/Trial: Some believe this is a test or trial from God. It could be a way for Jesus to show us that he wasn’t fully human and that his purpose was higher than anything we can comprehend. Pre-Planning: Others suggest it's a foreshadowing of his future sacrifice and death on the cross. It might be a sign that he would die without producing descendants, highlighting the importance of his sacrifice for humanity. Important Note: This is one of the most debated passages in the Gospels. There’s no single, definitive answer to what it means. It's a complex story with layers of symbolism and interpretation. Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/20:29](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/20:29) (This gives you a good overview of the verse and different interpretations.) Wikipedia - Luke 20:29: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_20:29](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_20:29) --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these interpretations in more detail? Discuss a specific aspect of the story (like its historical context)?