Susanna 1:23 - It is better for me to fall into your hands, and not do it, than to sin in the sight of the Lord.

Generated Verse: Susanna 1:23

What does "Susanna 1:23" mean?


This verse comes from the Book of Susanna, which is considered part of the Old Testament Apocrypha. Let's break down what it means:

"It is better for me to fall into your hands, and not do it..." This refers to Susanna's situation. She is being pressured and threatened by two elders who are lusting after her and demanding she have an affair with them. "To fall into your hands" means to be at their mercy, to be subjected to their power and potential harm. "Not do it" means to refuse their advances and not commit adultery. Susanna acknowledges that refusing them could lead to severe consequences at their hands (likely public accusation and punishment).

"...than to sin in the sight of the Lord." This is the crux of the verse. Susanna is stating that even facing the potential danger and shame of being wrongly accused by the elders is preferable to committing a sin against God. She prioritizes her faithfulness and obedience to God over her own safety and reputation.

In essence, the verse means:

Susanna chooses to uphold her moral and religious integrity, even if it means facing dire consequences from the elders, rather than compromise her values and sin against God by engaging in an adulterous act. It demonstrates her strong faith, moral courage, and commitment to doing what is right in God's eyes, regardless of the personal cost. She values her relationship with God more than her own life or social standing.

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