Definition: And say, What [is] thy mother? A lioness: she lay down among lions, she nourished her whelps among young lions.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 19:2. It’s a really strange and unsettling passage, and it’s packed with symbolism. Here's a simplified explanation: What it means on the surface: The verse describes a horrific event where God transforms a man into a lioness – essentially, he becomes a wild animal. It’s a powerful image of suffering and transformation. Let’s unpack the symbolism: “And say, What is thy mother?” - This isn't a question about a real mother. It’s a way of acknowledging that this man was transformed into something monstrous. He's being called back to his original form, but he’s lost and utterly changed. “A lioness: she lay down among lions…” - This is the core of the image. The verse describes a scene where a man is lying in a place surrounded by lions – wild, ferocious lions! He's completely vulnerable and exposed to danger. “…she nourished her whelps among young lions.” - This is the crucial part that adds to the gravity. A lioness nurtures her cubs (whelps). It’s suggesting that this man is being cared for, nurtured, and protected by these wild, predatory animals. He's being offered a life of danger and struggle, even while he's trapped in this animal form. Overall Interpretation – What it suggests: This verse speaks to themes of: Loss of Innocence: The man is being stripped of his humanity and reduced to a wild beast. Divine Punishment & Transformation: It’s a punishment, but also a transformative experience. God is using this ordeal to teach a lesson about the dangers of pride, arrogance, or neglecting God's guidance. The Danger of Pride: The lioness represents a state of unchecked power and recklessness – a refusal to obey God’s commands and a tendency towards violence. Important Note: This is a difficult passage to interpret. It's often debated among theologians, and there are different perspectives on its meaning. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the symbolism in more detail? Talk about how this verse relates to other biblical stories or themes?