What is the definition of Matthew 17:11?

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.

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Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Matthew 17:11. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage that gets at the heart of faith and redemption. Here’s a simple explanation:
The Basic Idea:
This verse is about
bringing back what was lost.
It’s not about a literal return of a lost person, but rather a return of something precious and valuable – things that have been broken or damaged.
Let's unpack it word by word:
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"And Jesus answered..."
: This sets the scene – Jesus is speaking to a group of people (likely fishermen) who are troubled about their son Elias. 💎
"...and said unto them..."
: Jesus is directly addressing his listeners. 💎
"Elias truly shall first come..."
: This is the key part. "Elias" refers to a man named Elias, who was a very important figure in Jewish tradition and a prophet. The word “true” here means “real” or “authentic.” So, Jesus is saying that Elias will eventually return. 💎
"...and restore all things."
: This is the most profound part. “Restore all things” means to make something whole again, to bring it back to its original state – to heal a broken thing. It's not just about fixing something; it’s about bringing something back 💎to wholeness💎.
What does this mean in a broader sense?
The meaning of "restore all things" has been interpreted in several ways throughout history and continues to be debated. Here are some common understandings: 💎
Redemption:
It speaks to the concept of redemption – that God’s plan for humanity involves restoring brokenness and suffering to its original state - to bring people back to a place of righteousness. 💎
Restoration of Lost Things:
It can symbolize the restoration of lost faith, lost relationships, or even lost opportunities.
In short, this verse is a promise that God will eventually bring back what was damaged or broken in order to restore everything to its former glory.
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Important Note:
This interpretation is rooted in Jewish tradition and has been expanded upon over time. It's a complex idea that’s often associated with the concept of “the Second Coming” of Jesus Christ. Do you want me to: 💎 Explain this verse further in more detail? 💎 Discuss different interpretations of it?