Definition: But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Luke 23. It's a really powerful and often misunderstood part of the Gospel (the story of Jesus’ life). Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Message: Jesus isn’t just saying “it’s okay, don’t mourn.” He’s directly addressing everyone present – including the people of Jerusalem – and telling them to feel sorry for themselves. It's a plea for empathy and responsibility. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening: “But Jesus turning unto them…” : This means Jesus is moving away from the scene, perhaps towards the crowd. “…said, Daughters of Jerusalem…” : The word "Jerusalem" refers to the city of Jerusalem – it's a significant place in Jewish history and tradition. So, Jesus is calling them “Daughters of Jerusalem.” This suggests he’s addressing a group of people who are important to him and to Jewish faith. “…weep not for me…” : This is the key part. He’s telling them not to mourn his death. It's a direct command – don’t grieve for him. "...but weep for yourselves, and for your children." : This is where it gets really important. Jesus isn’t saying he died; he’s saying that they are responsible for his death. He’s urging them to feel the pain of loss and worry – specifically, their own children and families. It's a call to acknowledge the impact of this event on everyone who loved him. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse is often interpreted as a message of responsibility . Jesus isn’t just offering comfort; he’s highlighting that everyone is implicated in his death – the people who were with him, the people who mourned him, and now those who are grieving. It emphasizes the spiritual implications of his crucifixion. Why is it significant? This passage is often seen as a pivotal moment in Christian theology because: It shifts focus: It moves away from focusing solely on Jesus’ death to emphasizing the collective impact of his sacrifice. It speaks to martyrdom: It suggests that even those who were part of the crowd and mourned him were participating in his suffering. It's a call to action: It urges believers to consider the consequences of their choices and actions, acknowledging that we are all connected to the impact of what happens to those around us. --- Resources for deeper understanding: [Bible Gateway](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+23:28) - This website provides a reliable translation and context for the verse. [Wikipedia - Luke 23:28](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_23#:~:text=“But Jesus turning unto them said, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.’) Do you want to delve deeper into a specific aspect of this verse? For example, are you curious about its historical context, or perhaps how it relates to the idea of atonement?