Definition: But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 13:14. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about the end times. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us about a huge and dramatic event that will happen very soon – around the time of Jesus’s second coming (which Christians believe is imminent). It describes something called “the abomination of desolation.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But when ye shall see…” : This means this happens after we’ve been following the signs and prophecies that have been given throughout the Old Testament. It’s a moment of revelation, a clear sign. “…the abomination of desolation” : This is the key word. The Bible uses this term to describe a very specific and terrible event – a total breakdown of society, law, and peace. Think of it as something that completely ruins everything good about the world. It’s not just a bad situation; it's completely destructive. “…spoken of by Daniel the prophet…” : This connects us to a previous prophecy in the Old Testament. Daniel was a wise man who saw visions and understood future events. This verse says that this “abomination” is a result of a prophecy given long ago by Daniel. "...standing where it ought not..." : This is where it gets really unsettling. The text says that this abomination will be placed in a place where it doesn't belong . It’s being set in an area that shouldn’t be there, disrupting the natural order and causing great harm. "(let him that readeth understand)” : This is a warning to those who are reading the prophecy. It’s urging people to understand what's happening – to recognize it as something significant and dangerous. "...then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:" : This tells us who needs to leave. It’s urging Jewish people (and perhaps others facing hardship) to seek refuge in the hills and countryside, away from the center of the city. It's a call to prepare for something terrible. In simpler terms: The Bible is saying that very soon, there will be a massive catastrophe – a complete destruction of peace and order – that will be specifically placed in a place that’s not meant to be. And it's urging those who are reading the prophecy – particularly Jews – to prepare for this by seeking safety elsewhere. Important Note: This is a complex passage with many interpretations, but this explanation provides a general understanding of its meaning within the context of biblical prophecy. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss the different theories about what “the abomination” might be? Compare it to other prophecies in the Bible?