Definition: And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 21:5. It's a really interesting and slightly unsettling passage that speaks about the future state of the world. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that people were talking about building up the Temple in Jerusalem – a place of worship for God – with beautiful, valuable things. But Jesus is saying, “As some spoke of this, he responded.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Luke 21:5" : This tells us we’re talking about a specific moment in the future. “And as some spake of the temple…” : This means people were discussing something related to the Temple – perhaps planning to build or renovate it, or even looking forward to its restoration. “Spoke” implies they were making declarations or plans. “…the temple was adorned with goodly stones and gifts.” : This describes what they were talking about. "Goodly stones" refers to beautiful, precious stones used in the Temple’s construction – think gold, silver, lapis lazuli, etc. “Gifts” could mean things like religious symbols or offerings. It paints a picture of a magnificent and impressive structure. Jesus' Response: The key part is that Jesus immediately interrupts. He says, "He said." This suggests he’s anticipating something significant and perhaps warning about the future. What does this all mean? This verse has been interpreted in several ways throughout history. It’s often seen as a warning about the potential for human actions to lead to destruction or chaos. It's suggesting that: Human ambition can be dangerous: People might focus on building things – temples, palaces, kingdoms – with little regard for God or His purpose. Our desire for material wealth and power can corrupt us: The verse suggests a potential for greed and selfishness to overshadow the spiritual aspects of life. We need to stay focused on God’s will: Jesus is urging us to turn our attention back to what truly matters – fulfilling God's plan for humanity. Important Note: This verse isn’t meant to be taken literally about the future destruction of the world. It's a symbolic reflection on human nature and potential pitfalls. In short, this verse warns us to be mindful of our desires, to stay grounded in faith, and to prioritize God’s will over earthly ambitions. --- Would you like me to: Explain any of these concepts further? Provide a more detailed example of what “goodly stones” might symbolize?