Definition: Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it [is] laid over with gold and silver, and [there is] no breath at all in the midst of it.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a really interesting and somewhat strange one, and it’s packed with symbolism. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where something seemingly lifeless – wood or stone – is transformed into something incredibly valuable and beautiful. Let’s unpack the parts: “Woe unto him that saith to the wood…” : This is the starting point. The person speaking is saying something to the wood. It's a critical, negative statement. “…Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise…” : This part uses figurative language. “Dumb stone” refers to something that’s lifeless and inert – like wood or stone. "Arise" means “rise up” or “come alive.” So, the person is urging the wood to move and become something more. “It [is] laid over with gold and silver…” : This describes a lavish covering of precious materials – gold and silver. It’s incredibly rich and beautiful. “…and there is no breath at all in the midst of it.” : This is the really strange part. It means that inside this incredibly valuable, golden-covered object, there is absolutely nothing – no life, no spirit, no movement. It's completely empty. The Overall Meaning - A Metaphor for Difficult Situations This verse is a powerful metaphor about difficult times and the potential for things to be transformed in unexpected ways. It suggests: Things can appear lifeless or worthless on the surface. Just like this wood, we might initially see something that looks dull or unimportant. Hidden value can exist within seemingly inanimate things. The verse implies that even what seems empty and devoid of life can hold incredible potential for beauty and purpose. Think of it as a warning against despair: It’s saying that when things seem hopeless, there might be hidden opportunities waiting to be discovered – opportunities of transformation, growth, or even divine purpose. It's encouraging us to look beyond the surface and recognize the potential for something beautiful within adversity. In short, it's a story about how something seemingly lifeless can become incredibly valuable through transformation. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its symbolism further? Compare it to another Bible passage?