Definition: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Hebrews 3:9 together. It’s a really important one with a lot of meaning about perseverance and God’s grace. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that you, like me, have faced challenges and hardships in your life – significant difficulties – and you've been tested. It highlights that God has seen your efforts and has recognized your struggles. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “When your fathers tempted me…” – This refers to times in the past when people (likely humans) tried to persuade or lead someone astray, often with bad intentions. Think of situations where people pushed you to do something wrong or against your will. “…proved me…” – This means God has also tested and challenged you, pushing you to grow and change. It’s like a trial, a test of your faith and character. “…and saw my works forty years.” – This is the key part! "Works" here refers to your efforts - your faithfulness, your obedience, your commitment to God's will, and your consistent actions. “Forty years” represents a long time. It means that you’ve been striving for what's right and true throughout a significant period of your life. So, what does it all mean? Hebrews 3:9 is essentially saying: "You have faced difficulties in the past, and God has seen how you've responded to those challenges. Your faithfulness and perseverance have been noticed. ” It’s a reminder that God doesn't give up on us when we struggle. He sees our efforts and rewards us for them – even if it takes time. In a broader sense: This verse encourages us to: Stay strong in faith: Don’t give up on your beliefs or your commitment to God. Keep striving: Even when things are difficult, continue to work towards what is right and good. Be patient: God's grace is often shown through our perseverance. Does this verse resonate with you? Would you like me to explain anything further in more detail or perhaps connect it to a specific situation in your life?