Definition: And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air [have] nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay [his] head.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly rich and symbolic verse from Matthew 8:20. It's a really interesting and layered quote about Jesus. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: Jesus is saying that while he can be with people, he doesn’t have a place to settle down or rest comfortably. He’s feeling a bit restless and needs space to do his work. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And Jesus saith unto him…” : This sets up a conversation – Jesus is speaking to someone. “…The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air [have] nests;” : This compares life to things that do have a place to live. Foxes and birds build their homes. It’s a picture of comfort and security. “But the Son of man hath not where to lay [his] head.” : This is the key part! Jesus is saying he doesn't have a permanent, settled place to be. He's feeling a need for freedom and isn't comfortable being tied down. What does this mean in terms of Jesus’ role? He’s focused on his mission: Jesus is busy working to heal people, teach them, and show them the Kingdom of God. He needs to be free to do that work without constant worry about where he'll rest. He’s a traveler: The image of him not having a place to settle suggests he’s constantly moving and working. It speaks to his future role: This verse is often interpreted as foreshadowing Jesus’ future role as the Messiah – that he will return to earth and be with us fully, establishing His Kingdom. In short, it's a beautiful description of Jesus’ desire for freedom and peace. It emphasizes his importance as a worker who needs space to do what He was called to do. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/english](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/english) - This allows you to read the verse in different translations and see how it’s been interpreted throughout history. Different Bible Websites: Search for "Matthew 8:20 interpretation" on reputable Bible websites like BibleHub or BibleProject.org Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example, would you like to know: How it relates to the idea of the Kingdom of God? What some people interpret it as signifying about Jesus’ future?