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📖 Verse of the day
‹But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.›
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Romans 15:13
× Verse explanation
Matthew 12:36
‹But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.›
Author: Jerome Posted on: 2022-11-13
This, too, goes with what was said before, and the meaning is that on the day of judgment each person must render an account of his or her words. If an idle word which by no means edifies the listeners is not without harm to the speaker, how much more will you Pharisees, who criticize the works of the Holy Spirit and say that I cast out devils by Beelzebub the prince of devils, have to render an account of your criticism? An idle word is what is spoken without benefit to the speaker and the listener. We overlook serious things and utter frivolous things and tell old wives’ tales. One who acts like a buffoon and makes mouths drop with boisterous laughter and who utters disgraceful things— that person shall be held to account, not for an idle word but a slanderous word. .
Author: John Chrysostom Posted on: 2022-11-13
And that is idle, which is not according to the fact, which is false, which has in it unjust accusation; and some say, that which is vain also, for instance, provoking inordinate laughter, or what is filthy, and immodest, and coarse.
Author: Matthew Henry Posted on: 2023-09-25
Men’s language discovers what country they are of, likewise what manner of spirit they are of. The heart is the fountain, words are the streams. A troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring, must send forth muddy and unpleasant streams. Nothing but the salt of grace, cast into the spring, will heal the waters, season the speech, and purify the corrupt communication. An evil man has an evil treasure in his heart, and out of it brings forth evil things. Lusts and corruptions, dwelling and reigning in the heart, are an evil treasure, out of which the sinner brings forth bad words and actions, to dishonor God, and hurt others. Let us keep constant watch over ourselves, that we may speak words agreeable to the Christian character.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 33-37
Author: Ger de Koning Posted on: 2024-03-27
The Tree and Its Fruit
The Lord takes an example from nature. Everyone knows that a good tree only produces good fruit. But if a tree is bad, it cannot produce good fruit, but only bad fruit. The tree produces fruit in accordance with its nature. The Pharisees are a bad tree. They are a “brood of vipers” [Verse 34]; [Matt 3:7]; [Matt 23:33], that is, they are bred by satan. They are children of the devil; the devil is their father [John 8:44]; [1John 3:8]. It is therefore impossible for them to speak good things. They bring forth bad fruit, in accordance with the bad tree that they are. In their hearts is an abundance of corruption and that comes out of their mouths.
The Lord further applies the general principle of the tree and its fruit to man. The good man is the man who through repentance and faith has new life and in whom the Holy Spirit dwells. That good man brings forth good things from the treasure of new life and the Holy Spirit, such as life and peace [Rom 8:6]. The evil man is full of the flesh and of himself. He brings forth from the evil treasure of the flesh the works of the flesh [Gal 5:19-21].
Words are not value-free, because they are connected to the heart. Words express what is in man. The Lord Jesus is the Word of God, that is, the perfect expression of Who God is. He has always only spoken what the Father told Him to speak [John 12:50]. He has never spoken a meaningless word. Believers sometimes speak meaningless words, words without use and meaning. This is particularly true for what is called speaking in tongues. That shows how we are inside. We must also confess that.
Unbelievers do not at all wonder what God wants them to say. They speak meaningless words. They will have to account for this in the day of judgment, before the great white throne, before Him Who sits on the throne, that is Christ [Rev 20:11-12]. They will not be able to avoid it by saying, for example, that they meant it all slightly differently, because He perfectly knows the motives that governed the heart when those words were spoken.
The words of the mouth reveal the condition of the heart. Words give expression to feelings and show us who someone is, just as their behavior shows it in a different way. Words are so important that every human being will be justified or condemned on the basis of his words (cf. [Rom 10:9-10]). The Lord will make a complete statement about the use of words because He knows the source from which they come.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 33-37
🙏🏼 Prayer of the day
Jesus, I praise You for Your goodness! Thank You for being merciful to me-for allowing me to have a relationship with You even though I don't deserve it. I know I no longer have to fear death because You have given me hope. I love You, Lord. Amen.
👤 Bible character of the week
Asaph
Role in the Bible
Asaph is a figure in the Old Testament, known as one of the chief musicians and psalmists during the reign of King David. He is mentioned in the Books of Chronicles and in the Psalms.
Historical Background
Asaph was a Levite appointed by David to oversee the singing and music at the temple. He and his descendants formed one of the major musical families that played a leading role in the liturgical music of the Israelites across generations.
Significant Events
• Leader of Temple Music: Asaph was one of the three chief musicians, alongside Heman and Ethan, responsible for the musical arrangement of the worship services in the temple. This role involved singing, playing instruments, and composing music. • Author of Psalms: Asaph is traditionally credited with composing several psalms that are part of the biblical Psalter. These psalms, including Psalm 50 and Psalms 73 to 83, reflect deep spiritual insights and a close relationship with God. • Spiritual Legacy: The descendants of Asaph continued his musical and liturgical work, and his name is often used synonymously with liturgical singing in Israel.
Importance
Asaph is often seen as a key figure in the development of the musical and spiritual culture in ancient Israel. His contributions to the psalmody are particularly important for understanding the role of music in biblical and Jewish tradition.
Relevance Today
Asaph's story highlights the power of music and poetry in spiritual practice and how it can help unify communities and deepen faith. His psalms continue to be used in many religious traditions worldwide to provide expression and depth in worship. His legacy inspires musicians and artists to use their talents to praise God and enhance the spiritual life of their communities.
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Bible verses by tags
📝 New verse explanations
Verse
Hebrews 12:21 And so terrible was the sight, [that] Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)
Explanation
The entire scene was so "fearful" and dreadful that even "Moses" himself trembled. All of this speaks powerfully of the nature and ministry of the law. It is the revelation of God's righteous demand and his wrath against sin. The purpose of the law was not to impart the knowledge of salvation, but the knowledge of sin. It announces the distance between God and man because of sin. It is a ministry of condemnation, darkness, and gloom.
Author: William MacDonald Posted on: 2024-11-10
Verse
Hebrews 12:20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:
Explanation
They were completely unsettled by the divine command that "if even an animal touches the mountain," it "shall be stoned." [1] They understood that if such an action meant death for an unreasoning, unintelligent animal, how much more would it mean death for people who understood the warning.
Footnote
[1] Die Worte »oder mit einem Geschoss erschossen werden« (LU 1912) bzw. »oder mit einem Pfeil erschossen werden« (Schl 2000) fehlen in den meisten Handschriften einschließlich der älteren. Höchstwahrscheinlich sind sie eine spätere Hinzufügung.
Author: William MacDonald Posted on: 2024-11-10
Verse
Hebrews 12:19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which [voice] they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:
Explanation
Alongside these unusual natural phenomena, terrible supernatural events also occurred. A trumpet blast sounded, and the thunderous voice was so terrifying that the people begged for it to stop.
Author: William MacDonald Posted on: 2024-11-10
Verse
Hebrews 12:18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
Explanation
Those who are tempted to return to the law should remember the terrifying circumstances surrounding the giving of the law and draw spiritual lessons from them. It all took place on Mount Sinai, an earthly "mountain" in the literal sense, entirely covered in "fire." It was veiled so that everything appeared indistinct, hidden, and nebulous. A dreadful storm raged around it.
Author: William MacDonald Posted on: 2024-11-10
Verse
Hebrews 12:17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
Explanation
Later, Esau regretted the loss of the double portion that the birthright granted him, but it was too late. His father could no longer take back the blessing, which had instead been given to Jacob.
It is the same with an apostate. He did not properly value spiritual things. He consciously rejects Christ to avoid disgrace, suffering, or martyrdom. He may feel regret, but he does not experience true repentance.
Author: William MacDonald Posted on: 2024-11-10
Verse
Hebrews 12:16 Lest there [be] any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
Explanation
Apostasy is closely connected with sexual sins. A nominal Christian can fall into severe moral sins. Instead of admitting his guilt, he blames the Lord and falls away. Apostasy and sexual sin are also linked in [2Pet 2:10]; [2Pet 2:14]; [2Pet 2:18] and in [Jude 1:8]; [Jude 1:16]; [Jude 1:18].
Finally, apostasy is a form of unbelief, as seen in "Esau." He did not value his birthright but consciously sold it to satisfy his temporary hunger.
Author: William MacDonald Posted on: 2024-11-10
Verse
Hebrews 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled;
Explanation
The next two verses explicitly mention four sins that must be avoided. Yet, again, there are strong indications from the context that this is another warning about the one sin of apostasy and that these four sins are all connected to it.
First, apostasy means "falling short of the grace of God." The person appears to be a Christian, speaks like a Christian, and even professes to be a Christian, but has never been born again. He has come so close to the Savior but has never truly accepted him; he is so near yet so far.
Apostasy is a "root of bitterness." The person becomes bitter toward the Lord and despises the Christian faith. His condition is contagious. Others are "defiled" by his complaints, doubts, and denials.
Author: William MacDonald Posted on: 2024-11-10
Verse
Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Explanation
Christians should always strive to live in "peace" with all people. But this exhortation is especially necessary when Christians are under severe persecution, when some are falling away from the faith, and when everyone’s nerves are strained. At such times, it’s all too easy to vent our frustration and fear on those closest and dearest to us.
We should also pursue "holiness," "without which no one will see the Lord." What type of "holiness" is meant here? To answer this question, we should remember that in the NT, the word "holiness" is used in at least three ways in relation to believers.
First, the believer is holy in position from the moment of conversion. He is called out of the world by God and set apart [1Cor 1:2]; [1Cor 6:11]. Through his union with Christ, he is forever sanctified. This is what Luther means when he says, "My sanctification is in heaven." Christ is our sanctification, as far as our position before God is concerned.
Then there is also practical sanctification [1Thess 4:3]; [1Thess 5:23]. This should be practiced by us daily. We should always separate ourselves from all forms of evil. This sanctification should progress, meaning we should increasingly resemble the Lord Jesus over time.
Finally, there is perfect sanctification. This will be granted to the believer when he arrives in heaven. There, he will be freed from sin forever. His old nature will be removed, and his condition will perfectly match his position.
So, which sanctification are we to "pursue"? Obviously, practical sanctification is in view here. We do not need to pursue positional sanctification, as it belongs to us automatically when we are converted. Nor do we need to pursue perfect sanctification, as we will receive it when we see God’s face. But practical or progressive sanctification is a matter that requires our obedience and cooperation; we must always value sanctification. The fact that we are to pursue it is proof that we will never attain it perfectly in this life (see notes on [Heb 2:11] [where the different aspects of sanctification are discussed more fully]).
Wuest writes:
The exhortation is directed to born-again Jews who have left the temple to live a consistently holy life and to cling firmly to their newfound faith. This should happen so convincingly that the unsaved Jews, who have also left the temple and outwardly accepted the truth of the New Testament, would be encouraged to continue believing in the Messiah as their High Priest. Otherwise, they were in danger of returning to the outdated sacrifices of the Levitical order. The true born-again Jews are warned: a half-hearted Christian life could cause these unsaved Jews to stumble along the way. [1]
Yet a difficulty remains! Is it true that without practical holiness, we will not see the Lord? Yes, in a certain sense, that is true. However, we should understand the following: this does not mean that we earn the right to see God by living a holy life. Jesus Christ is our only claim to heaven. What this verse means, however, is that there must be practical "holiness" in us as evidence of the new life within us. If a person is not increasingly sanctified, then he is not saved. If the Holy Spirit dwells in this person, he demonstrates his presence by leading that individual to a life separated from sin. This is a matter of cause and effect. If someone has accepted Christ, then streams of living water will flow.
Footnote
[1] Wuest, Hebrews, S. 222.
Author: William MacDonald Posted on: 2024-11-10
Verse
Hebrews 12:13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
Explanation
We should help "stumbling feet" to find the "straight path" of Christian discipleship.
Williams writes:
"All who follow the Lord fully prepare the path of faith for weaker brethren. However, those who do not follow fully make the path uneven for others and produce spiritual cripples." [1]
G. H. Lang illustrates this with a wonderful example:
A weary traveler, tired of the road and the raging storm, stands there disheartened and lame. His drooping shoulders, slack hands, and bent, trembling knees are all too evident. He is about to give up and sink to the ground. This can happen to God’s pilgrims, as depicted by the author of the book of Hebrews.
But then someone comes to him with a confident demeanor, smiles at him kindly, and says in a firm voice: “Take heart, stand up, strengthen your limbs, and take grace to heart. You have come so far now; don’t let your efforts be in vain. At the end of the journey, a wonderful home awaits you. Look, over there is the road that leads directly to it. Walk straight on and ask our great healer to cure your lameness. Your forerunner took the same arduous path to God’s palace, others before you have succeeded on it, and others are still on the way; you are not alone—just hold on. And then you will reach the goal and win the prize.”
Blessed is the one who knows how to lift the weary with words [Isa 50:4]. Blessed is the one who can accept admonition [Heb 13:22]. And thrice blessed is the one whose faith is entirely focused on the goal and strong enough not to stumble over the Lord when his chastisement is heavy. [2]
Footnote
[1] George Williams, The Student’s Commentary on the Holy Scriptures, S. 989.
[2] G. H. Lang, The Epistle to the Hebrews, S. 240-241.
Author: William MacDonald Posted on: 2024-11-09
Verse
Hebrews 12:12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
Explanation
Believers should not surrender under life's adverse circumstances; their lack of faith could have a negative influence on others. We should revive "weak hands" to serve the living Christ. We should strengthen "feeble knees" so that we can pray persistently once again.
Author: William MacDonald Posted on: 2024-11-09
More content
✍🏼 People behind verse explanations
Matthew HenryPriest | presbyter 23214 | 3
John Chrysostom Bishop | presbyter 7697 | 18
Augustine of Hippo Bishop | roman-catholic 5283 | 8
Author: William MacDonald
