Definition: And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have [thy] cloke also.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this famous Bible verse! It’s a really powerful message about responsibility and forgiveness. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it's telling us to be serious about following the rules of God and don’t just ignore them. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Matthew 5:40” : This refers to a specific passage from Matthew (a book in the Bible). It’s a part of Jesus’ teachings. “And if any man will sue thee at the law…” : This means someone is accusing you of breaking God's rules – like violating laws or regulations. Think of it as someone taking legal action against you for something that isn't right. “…and take away thy coat” : This is a figurative way of saying you lose your reputation, your standing in the eyes of others, or your peace of mind. It’s like losing your “coat” – your sense of honor and respect. It could mean losing trust, being disgraced, or feeling upset about something. “…let him have [thy] cloke also.” : This is the key part! Jesus says, "Let him have also your cloak." A cloak represents your character, your reputation, and what others think of you. It’s your whole image. So, the whole verse means: If someone tries to take away something important to you – your reputation, your standing – don't just ignore them! Instead, be willing to offer them what they are taking away too. You should have a way to protect yourself and your integrity. Why is this important? Jesus is teaching us about: Taking responsibility: We need to take ownership of our actions and decisions. Protecting ourselves: We shouldn't be careless or dishonest. Forgiveness: If someone hurts you, it’s okay to defend yourself and your character. In short, Jesus is encouraging us to be diligent in following God’s rules and to protect our own integrity. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts further? For example, would you like me to: Give a real-life example of how this verse applies? Explain what "reputation" means in the context of the Bible?