Definition: Behold, therefore I have smitten mine hand at thy dishonest gain which thou hast made, and at thy blood which hath been in the midst of thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 22:13. It's a really powerful message about honesty and consequences. Here's a simplified explanation: What it means: This verse is saying that God has directly dealt a punishment – a “smattering” – to someone who was profiting from dishonesty (getting rich through trickery or deceit). It’s not just a warning; it’s a very serious statement. Let's unpack the parts: "Ezekiel 22:13" : This is the verse itself. It’s coming from a prophetic text in the Bible, written by Ezekiel, a prophet who lived around 185 AD. "Behold..." : This phrase is like “I see you…” or “Watch this…” It's a way of introducing a serious situation. "...I have smitten mine hand at thy dishonest gain..." : This means God has punished or taken action against the person who was exploiting others for their own benefit through dishonesty. "Smitten" is a strong word – it suggests a forceful, direct punishment. It’s like someone getting a very painful blow. "...and at thy blood which hath been in the midst of thee." : This is the crucial part. It means that God has taken or punished the person's blood – their secret, hidden, and potentially harmful actions. "Blood" here isn’t necessarily literal blood; it refers to any kind of wickedness, deception, or harmful activity. “In the midst of thee” emphasizes that this was happening within their own heart or dealings. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse is often interpreted as a warning against: Greed and Selfishness: It’s about recognizing when you're prioritizing your own gain over others and acting unfairly. Deception and Trickery: It highlights the danger of lying, cheating, or manipulating people for personal benefit. Moral Accountability: It calls us to be honest in our dealings with others. In short, it’s a call to repentance – to stop being dishonest and to recognize that your actions have consequences. --- Important Note: The meaning of biblical prophecy is often debated. Some interpret this verse as referring to a specific person or group involved in a particular instance of deceit. However, the core message - about accountability and avoiding harmful behavior - remains consistent across different interpretations. Would you like me to: Explain another part of Ezekiel 22? Discuss how this verse relates to other biblical teachings on sin and justice?