Definition: And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 22:31. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible. Here’s an explanation in simple terms: What it means: Jesus is telling Simon Peter (one of his closest followers) that Satan is trying to trick him and use him for something bad. He’s saying, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has desired you." Let's unpack the parts: “The Lord said…” : This establishes that Jesus is speaking from a higher authority – God himself – and it’s not just a casual conversation. “…Simon, Simon, behold…” : This is a gentle but firm reminder to Simon. It’s addressing him directly, acknowledging his role. “Satan hath desired you…” : This is the core of the verse. “Satan” is a figure from Jewish tradition who represents evil and opposition. The word "hath" is a plural form of "he," meaning Satan is seeking to influence or use Simon. “…that he may sift [you] as wheat:” This is the crucial part. “Sift” means to separate, to analyze, to choose. “Wheat” is a type of grain – it’s used for baking bread. So, Satan wants to analyze Simon and use him to do something undesirable. What does this mean in bigger terms? This verse points to a situation where Jesus is recognizing that Satan is actively trying to manipulate and control Simon. It suggests: Satan’s influence: He's not just being generally annoying; he’s actively trying to steer Simon towards something negative. Manipulation: The word "sift" implies that Satan wants to break down Simon, to make him vulnerable to temptation or deception. A test: It could be viewed as a trial or test – Satan is testing Simon’s faith and character. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ crucifixion. It suggests that Satan's efforts would eventually lead to Simon's downfall and ultimately, his death on the cross. In short, it’s a warning about the ongoing battle between good and evil, and a glimpse into the challenges Simon might face. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss the context of this passage within the New Testament? Explore what this verse could mean for believers today?