Definition: The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a really important and somewhat dramatic passage from Matthew 26:24. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about the impending death of Jesus Christ. It’s saying that Jesus was specifically going to be betrayed – meaning someone would try to harm him – and that this betrayal has terrible consequences for him. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Matthew 26:24” : This is the verse itself, taken from the Gospel of Matthew. “The Son of man goeth as it is written of him…” : "The Son of man" refers to Jesus Christ. He’s saying that he's fulfilling a prophecy (a prediction) that has been made about him. “…but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed!” : This is the core of the verse. "Woe" means sorrow or misfortune. “That man” refers to someone who will be involved in Jesus' betrayal. It’s a very serious warning. “it had been good for that man if he had not been born.” This is the most crucial part. It's saying that if Jesus hadn't been born, things would have been better for him. What does this all mean? It’s a message of profound sadness and foreboding. Jesus was going to be betrayed, and it means his life was in danger. The verse suggests that this betrayal is a terrible thing, and it will cause immense pain and suffering for Jesus. It highlights the idea that our lives are precious and have meaning, and that even good things can be threatened. Why is this important? This passage is often seen as a warning about: The dangers of evil: It’s a reminder that evil will always try to harm good people. The importance of faith: It speaks to the idea that our belief in Jesus can be a protective shield against suffering. The promise of redemption: The verse also hints at a future where Jesus' betrayal will ultimately lead to his triumph and resurrection, bringing about ultimate peace and restoration. In short, it’s a heartbreaking but hopeful message about the fate of Jesus and the potential for good to emerge even from terrible circumstances. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail with examples? Discuss its significance within the context of the New Testament? Talk about how this verse relates to other stories or themes in the Bible?