Definition: And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against [their] parents, and cause them to be put to death.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly serious passage from Matthew 10:21. It's a shocking verse that describes a truly horrific act – violence between brothers and family members. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: What it means: This verse is essentially saying that if your brother commits a violent crime against another person, you are obligated to stop him. It’s condemning the very idea of allowing such violence to happen. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Matthew 10:21” : This refers to a specific passage in the Gospel of Matthew about Jesus sending his disciples on a mission. “And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death…” : This is the core of the warning. It means that if a brother commits violence against another, you have a moral obligation to stop him before he causes harm. It’s not just about punishing the person; it's about preventing the violence from escalating. “…and the father the child…” : This highlights the disturbing nature of this situation. It’s not just about one person harming another; it’s about a sibling relationship being twisted into something violent. “And the children shall rise up against [their] parents, and cause them to be put to death.” : This is the chilling consequence. It describes a rebellion – a group of people, likely family members, rising up against their parents and causing them harm. This suggests a complete breakdown of social order and a willingness to violence. What’s the message? This verse speaks to the importance of love, responsibility, and protecting those you care about. It's a stark warning against: Forgiveness: It challenges us to forgive our own siblings, even when they have wronged us. Justice: It emphasizes the need to hold people accountable for their actions. Protection: It highlights our duty to safeguard those around us from harm and violence. Important Note: This verse is a difficult one to understand and can be interpreted in various ways. It’s crucial to remember that it's a reference to the historical context of a time when the Jewish community was facing great turmoil, and this passage reflects a deep concern about maintaining order and protecting its members. Disclaimer: I’m providing this explanation for educational purposes only. The Bible contains complex themes and can be interpreted differently by different people. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail (e.g., its historical context)? Discuss how this verse relates to other biblical teachings about forgiveness or justice?