Definition: And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Matthew 21:13. Here’s an explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about how people are using a place – a temple or sacred space – and what they’re doing with it. It’s a bit of a warning! Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Matthew 21:13" : This is the specific verse we’re looking at. “And said unto them…” : This means Jesus is speaking directly to a group of people – likely disciples or followers of him. “…It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” This is the key part. What does it mean? Jesus is saying that they (the people) are treating this place – which he refers to as "my house" – in a way that’s not holy or peaceful. It's turning it into something negative and unpleasant. Here's how we can interpret it: “My house shall be called the house of prayer…” : Jesus is saying that he wants this place to be a place where people go to pray, reflect, and connect with God. “…but ye have made it a den of thieves.” This is the crucial part. “Thieves” means someone who steals or takes something valuable without giving back. It suggests they're: Taking things that don’t belong to them. They’re using this space for selfish purposes, like gambling, partying, or being dishonest. Destroying the spirit of reverence and peace. It’s making it a place where people feel uncomfortable, anxious, or even angry. Overall Meaning: Jesus is criticizing the people's behavior – their lack of respect, selfishness, and negativity – in this sacred space. He wants them to understand that they need to treat it with reverence and purity. It’s a call to repentance and a reminder of the importance of using God’s spaces for good. In short: Jesus is saying that people are behaving badly in a place intended for worship, and he’s warning them about the consequences of their actions. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Matthew 21? Give you some examples of how people might be acting in a way that’s causing this problem?