Definition: Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Matthew 18:18. It’s a really profound statement about forgiveness and responsibility. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that what you bind on Earth – physically or emotionally – will be bound with God. And what you loosen on Earth – like words, thoughts, or actions – will be free with God. Let's unpack the parts: “Matthew 18:18” : This refers to a specific story in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus tells his twelve apostles to resolve a significant disagreement. “Verily I say unto you…” : Jesus is using this phrase to emphasize the seriousness of what he’s about to tell us. It's not just a casual instruction; it’s a powerful statement. “Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth…” : This refers to any physical act – like tying someone’s hands, locking them in a room, or even a simple insult. It’s about physical actions that create a restriction. “…shall be bound in heaven…” : This is the key part! Jesus says that the consequences of these physical acts will be dealt with by God. It's like saying that if you break something, it will have repercussions – and those repercussions are beyond your control. “And whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” : This is the second part. If you loosen a thing on Earth (like a word or an action), God will release it to Him. But if you bind something on Earth (like a relationship or a feeling), God will keep it safe and secure. What does this mean practically? Forgiveness: This verse is often interpreted as emphasizing the importance of forgiveness. Jesus says that forgiving someone who has wronged you doesn’t just make you feel better; it also means God will be satisfied with your forgiveness. Responsibility: It highlights our responsibility for our actions and words. We are accountable to God, and what we do has consequences. The Power of Words: It's a reminder that words can have a huge impact on people – both positively and negatively. Important Note: This verse isn’t about punishment . It’s about the consequences of our actions, and God’s justice and control over all things. In short, this verse is a powerful reminder that our choices matter, and we should strive to make good choices because they will have lasting effects. --- To help me tailor my explanation further, could you tell me: What are you hoping to learn from this verse? (e.g., understanding its meaning, how it relates to a specific situation?)