Definition: And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched [it] out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Mark 3:5. It’s a really important and slightly dramatic passage about forgiveness and reconciliation. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Jesus is watching a group of people who are being disrespectful and difficult to him. He’s feeling frustrated and upset with their behavior. What Happened Next: He looked around: Jesus isn't just passively observing; he’s actively looking at them. He was grieved: This means he felt sadness and disappointment because they were behaving badly. He said something: He addressed the people directly, likely to make a point or express his frustration. He told them to stretch out their hands: This is the key part! Jesus instructs them to extend their hands outward – like reaching out to each other. What Happened Then: His hand was restored whole: This is where it gets really significant. Jesus immediately restores his hand to its original position, as if nothing happened. It's as if the damage was repaired! The Overall Meaning – A Powerful Message This verse isn’t just about a physical repair. It’s a powerful metaphor for forgiveness and reconciliation. Here’s what it suggests: Jesus’s Approach to Wrongdoing: Jesus is showing that even when people are difficult, disrespectful, or even angry at him, he can restore something broken. He doesn't let their negativity defeat him. The Power of Forgiveness: It highlights the importance of forgiveness – understanding someone's mistakes and letting go of anger, rather than holding onto resentment. In short, this verse is a reminder that even when people are difficult, Jesus can heal and restore things. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of the passage (what was happening before)? Discuss the symbolism behind the image of restoring a hand?