Definition: And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this famous verse from Matthew 18:30: “And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.” Here's a simple explanation in plain language: Basically, this verse means: God is willing to punish someone for their sins, but He doesn’t immediately do it. Instead, He actively chooses to put that person in jail – essentially locking them up – until they have paid what they owe. Let's unpack it a bit further: “And he would not…” This is a key part – God isn't just going to let sin go unchecked. He’s taking action. “…but went and cast him into prison…” This describes the action God takes. He chooses to imprison someone, which signifies that they are being held accountable for their wrongdoing. “Till he should pay the debt.” This is the core of the verse – The punishment isn't just a warning; it’s about facing consequences for their actions. “Debt” in this context refers to sin and its negative impact on everyone. It means they need to make amends for what they’ve done. What does this verse teach us? God’s Justice: It shows that God is a just and righteous being, who wants to punish wrongdoers. The Importance of Repentance (Turning Away from Sin): This verse emphasizes the need for people to repent – to confess their sins and turn away from them – because it's not enough to simply not do something wrong; you must also take responsibility. God’s Patience (But Not Forever): God is willing to wait, but He doesn't want to hold anyone indefinitely. He wants the person to understand the seriousness of their mistake and make amends. It’s a powerful image: It depicts a situation where someone is being held captive for their actions until they are ready to fulfill their obligation. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can answer? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of the story in Matthew 18? Discuss what it might mean for individuals to be 'put into prison' in a metaphorical way?