Definition: And now, [though] thou wouldest needs be gone, because thou sore longedst after thy fatherâs house, [yet] wherefore hast thou stolen my gods?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse. It’s a really interesting and dramatic passage from Genesis! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God creates Adam and Eve. In the beginning, God created Adam and Eve to be self-sufficient, but He also gives them a beautiful garden to live in. They disobey God. Adam and Eve decide to eat from a forbidden fruit – it’s tempting and they take a bite. God punishes them. God is very angry with them and decides to exile them from the Garden of Eden. He makes them run away. Now, here's what the verse says: “And now, though thou wouldest needs be gone, because thou sore longedst after thy father’s house, yet wherefore hast thou stolen my gods?” Let’s unpack that: “Though thou wouldest needs be gone…” – This is a very strong phrase. It means “Because you really, really wanted to go away.” It's highlighting the intensity of their desire. “…because thou sore longedst after thy father’s house” - This part is key. Adam and Eve were incredibly eager to return to the home they left behind – the Garden of Eden. They missed it terribly. “Yet wherefore hast thou stolen my gods?” – This is the core of the question. God has given them precious objects, which he calls “gods.” They took these objects and made a pact with them. The verse asks why they stole them. It’s like saying, "Why did you take those things, and why are you now unhappy about it?" What's the Meaning? This passage is often interpreted as a story of pride and disobedience. It shows that humans can be tempted to do things that go against God’s will – even when we really want something. It’s a reminder that our desires need to be tempered by obedience. In short, the verse is a question about why someone who craved something precious (the gods) chose to leave everything behind. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this story? Talk about what this passage means in terms of human nature?