Definition: And they shall burn thine houses with fire, and execute judgments upon thee in the sight of many women: and I will cause thee to cease from playing the harlot, and thou also shalt give no hire any more.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 16:41. It’s a really powerful and serious message about sin and consequences. Here's a simplified explanation: What it means in plain language: “And they shall burn your houses with fire, and execute judgments upon you in the sight of many women: and I will cause you to cease from playing the harlot, and thou also shalt give no hire any more.” Let’s unpack each part: "They shall burn your houses with fire..." – This isn't about a physical house being destroyed. It’s a metaphorical representation of God’s judgment on those who are living in sin. It suggests that sin leads to ruin and destruction, both physically and spiritually. Think of it like a storm – it can damage things, and sometimes even destroy them completely. "...and execute judgments upon you in the sight of many women:" - This is key. It means God isn’t just punishing you alone. He's condemning your entire community, and everyone within it. It implies a widespread consequence – everyone will see how sinful you are. "And I will cause you to cease from playing the harlot:" – This is the core of the message. “Harlot” in this context refers to sexual immorality, especially adultery and unfaithfulness. It's about a focus on lust, betrayal, and living outside of marriage for personal gratification. It’s a deliberate turning away from God’s design for relationships. "...and thou also shalt give no hire any more." – This is the consequence of stopping this immoral behavior. “Hired” means someone works for money. Giving no hire means stopping the practice of earning a living through sexual activity. It's about removing a way of life that God has forbidden. Overall Message & Interpretation: This verse is a strong warning against sin, particularly lust and betrayal. It’s a call to repentance – acknowledging your problem with sin and making a conscious choice to change. It emphasizes that sin doesn't just affect you personally; it affects the entire community. God intends to punish those who choose to live in sin, but He also offers forgiveness and a path back to righteousness. Important Note: This is a difficult passage to understand because it speaks to a very serious and ancient context of rebellion against God. It’s important to remember that Ezekiel 16:41 is part of a larger narrative about the history of Israel and their relationship with God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or historical context (like the story of Israel)? Discuss what this verse might mean for our own lives today?