Definition: And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low;

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ecclesiastes 12:4. It’s a pretty poetic and thought-provoking passage about life and endings. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is warning us to stop chasing after fleeting pleasures and distractions – the things that bring us momentary joy but ultimately don't last. It suggests that our time on Earth is coming to an end, and we need to focus on what truly matters. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the doors shall be shut in the streets…” – This isn’t about physical walls closing. It’s a metaphor for a shift in our priorities. Our lives should be focused on things that are important and lasting, like God, wisdom, and true meaning. We're moving away from things that distract us. “…when the sound of the grinding is low…” – “Grinding” refers to something that’s constantly working, striving, or making noise. This suggests a time when our efforts are becoming less intense. It's a feeling of slowing down and settling into a more peaceful state. “and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird…” – This is where it gets really symbolic. The "bird" represents God or a higher power. It’s saying that our time with God should be focused on listening to Him, reflecting on His word, and seeking guidance. We shouldn't just chase after things; we need to listen for what He wants us to know. “and all the daughters of music shall be brought low…” – This is the most important part. “Daughters of music” represent distractions – things that bring us pleasure but don’t truly fulfill us, like entertainment, gossip, or chasing after fleeting trends. It's saying that these things should decrease in importance and influence as we approach our final rest. So, what does it all mean? The verse is urging us to: Shift Our Focus: Stop obsessing over things that don’t bring lasting happiness or fulfillment. Prioritize Spiritual Growth: Spend time with God and seek His wisdom. This is the core of the verse – seeking a deeper connection with what truly matters. Recognize Our Mortality: Understand that our lives are finite, and it’s important to prepare for the end. In essence, the verse encourages us to live a life of purpose and contentment by focusing on things that lead to lasting meaning and spiritual growth, rather than chasing after temporary pleasures. --- Disclaimer: I've provided an explanation based on common interpretations of this passage within biblical scholarship and theology. Different people might interpret it in slightly different ways. Would you like me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail? Discuss its connection to other Bible passages?