Definition: And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Mark 12:24. It's a really important and slightly complex passage in the Bible that speaks to our understanding of faith and obedience. Here’s my explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is asking a question about why people are questioning something – specifically, whether they understand what Jesus is teaching. It’s essentially saying: “You’re misunderstanding something important.” Let's unpack it word by word: “And Jesus answering said unto them…” - This sets the scene. Jesus is speaking to a group of people (likely disciples) who are questioning or disagreeing with him. “…Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures…” – “Do you not?” This is a gentle challenge. It’s asking if they actually understand what he's saying. "The scriptures" refers to the Old and New Testaments of the Bible - the books that contain God’s word. “…nor the power of God?” – This is the core of the question. Jesus is pointing out that they aren’t grasping something fundamental about God’s plan or authority. Putting it all together, here's what it means: Jesus is saying that they are misguided because they don’t fully grasp the meaning of certain religious principles – specifically, the idea that God has power and control over everything. They might be focusing on the wrong things, or not understanding the relationship between God and humanity. Why is this important? This verse highlights a crucial point in early Christianity: God’s plan isn't just about doing things; it’s about understanding them. It’s saying that we need to go beyond simply following rules or traditions, and truly grasp the deeper meaning of God’s will. It’s about recognizing that God is in control and that obeying him requires a spiritual understanding. In essence, Jesus isn't criticizing their questioning; he's urging them to look deeper into faith and understand the true nature of God. --- Resources for Further Learning: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/mark](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/mark) – This lets you read the verse in different translations. GotQuestions.org: [https://www.gotquestions.org/Mark-12-24.html](https://www.gotquestions.org/Mark-12-24.html) - A good resource for understanding the context and meaning of the verse. --- Would you like me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss a specific aspect of this passage (like its historical context)?