Definition: Thou art become guilty in thy blood that thou hast shed; and hast defiled thyself in thine idols which thou hast made; and thou hast caused thy days to draw near, and art come [even] unto thy years: therefore have I made thee a reproach unto the heathen, and a mocking to all countries.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 22:4. It’s a really powerful and serious message about sin and consequence. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that someone has committed a terrible act of sin – essentially, they’ve become deeply guilty and have brought shame to everyone. It's not just a minor mistake; it’s a significant turning point in their life. Let's unpack the parts: “Thou art become guilty in thy blood that thou hast shed…” - This is a direct accusation. "Thou" means "you." The word “blood” refers to the blood of the person who committed the sin. It’s saying they’ve shed their blood – meaning they've committed a violent act, likely murder or a serious offense. “…and hast defiled thyself in thine idols which thou hast made…” - This is where it gets really intense. "Idols" are figures worshipped as deities – things created by humans to be worshipped and obeyed. The person has made these idols, and they've become corrupted or evil. They’ve gone beyond just worshiping them; they’ve defiled them with their own actions and ways. “and hast caused thy days to draw near, and art come [even] unto thy years…” - This is a prophecy about the future. “Days” refers to time – it's talking about the end of their life. The phrase "art come [even] unto thy years" means they are now nearing the end of their life. It’s like saying, “You’re almost at the end of your time.” “therefore have I made thee a reproach unto the heathen, and a mocking to all countries.” - Finally, this verse paints a picture of shame and condemnation. The person is now considered an outcast, a source of shame for everyone else. They've become a negative example – they’re being mocked by others. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to the idea of spiritual sin – things we do that are wrong and harmful to our relationship with God. It's about: Moral Responsibility: We all make mistakes, and we are accountable for our actions. The Consequences of Sin: Sin leads to shame and separation from God. Judgment & Redemption: This verse is a warning about the future – that those who sin will be judged and face consequences. But it also offers hope – through repentance (turning away from sin) and faith in Jesus Christ, we can find forgiveness and be reconciled with God. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a warning to avoid idolatry – worshipping false gods or things that don’t lead to true worship of God. It’s about focusing on the real, spiritual things: our relationship with God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or example? Discuss what this verse might mean for someone struggling with temptation or wrongdoing?