Definition: As thou knowest not what [is] the way of the spirit, [nor] how the bones [do grow] in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse. It’s a really poetic and thought-provoking passage from Ecclesiastes, and it’s packed with layers of meaning! Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about the mystery of God and His plan. It acknowledges that we can't fully understand how God works, especially when it comes to things like creation and development. Let's break it down word by word: “As thou knowest not what [is] the way of the spirit…” – This is a gentle way of saying, “We don’t fully understand the inner workings or intentions behind something.” "The way of the spirit" refers to something that's beyond our immediate grasp – it’s a hidden part of God. “…nor how the bones [do grow] in the womb of her that is with child…” - This is where it gets interesting. The verse compares the development of a baby (the womb) to the way God creates things. "Bones grow in the womb" symbolizes the process of life, growth, and becoming – the beginning of a new being. "...even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all." - This is the crucial part. It’s saying that even though we can’t fully understand how God creates everything, He still works with a grand, purposeful design. “Maketh all” means “creates” or "makes.” Putting it all together – The Overall Meaning: The verse suggests that God's creation is incredibly complex and profound. It’s not about easily understandable steps; it’s a mystery that requires us to look beyond our own limited perspective. We can appreciate the beauty of creation, but we don’t have complete understanding of why God does things the way He does. Think of it like this: You can see the finished product – a beautiful painting – but you don't fully understand the artist's process or every brushstroke. God’s creation is similar - while we can marvel at the beauty and complexity, there are deeper principles at work that are beyond our complete comprehension. Why it's important: This verse encourages humility – a recognition that we need to approach understanding with reverence and trust in God’s wisdom. It also points to the fact that God is always working, even when we can’t see what He’s doing. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Connect it to a specific theme or concept in Bible study? Give you some examples of how people have interpreted this verse over time?