Definition: Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 20:47 together. It’s a really striking and somewhat unsettling passage about God's judgment. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where people are overly focused on seeking comfort and blessings – particularly by taking care of widows and orphans – to the point that they are neglecting their own spiritual needs and becoming incredibly unhappy or troubled. God is essentially saying, “Those who are so focused on helping others that they don’t focus on God and their own relationship with Him, will face a much harsher punishment.” Let's unpack it word by word: "Which devour widows’ houses..." : This refers to people who are excessively concerned with helping others. They might be so focused on alleviating the suffering of others that they neglect their own lives – their own faith, their own relationships, and their own well-being. “Devour” means to consume or destroy - like a hungry animal consuming its prey. This suggests a deep preoccupation with external help. "...and for a shew make long prayers:" : The "for a shew" part is key. It’s not just about doing prayers; it's about long prayers. Long, earnest, and heartfelt prayers are being made. It implies a genuine desire to connect with God and seek His guidance and comfort. “The same shall receive greater damnation.” : This is the shocking part. “Darnation” means eternal separation from God – a punishment in hell. "Greater" here emphasizes that this punishment will be significantly worse than what someone who focuses on earthly comforts might face. It suggests that a life dedicated to seeking external solutions rather than spiritual connection will lead to a much deeper and more painful fate. In simpler terms: Think of it like this: People who are excessively focused on helping others (like being overly kind) can become so consumed by their worries and anxieties that they lose sight of their own spiritual needs. They might become unhappy, restless, and ultimately face a much greater punishment in the afterlife – a separation from God. Why is it a warning? This verse serves as a reminder to: Don’t neglect our spiritual life: It encourages us to prioritize our relationship with God through prayer, meditation, and fellowship. Seek God's guidance: It urges us to seek His wisdom and comfort – not just from others, but from Him directly. Guard against self-centeredness: It warns against becoming so absorbed in our own needs that we lose sight of the bigger picture—our relationship with God and our eternal destiny. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Discuss its context within the larger story of the Bible? Explore what it might mean for Christians today?