Definition: And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 2:19. It's a really beautiful and important message about God’s relationship with his people. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about God’s commitment to eternal love and faithfulness, not just in times of happiness but in all situations – good and bad, right and wrong. It's a promise of a truly enduring and complete relationship with us. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Hosea 2:19” : This is the verse itself – a passage from the book of Hosea. “And I will betroth thee unto me for ever…” : Think of "betrothing" as a kind of marriage, but this isn’t a traditional wedding. It's about a lifelong, unbreakable bond. “Thou shalt be with me forever” – it’s a promise of unending devotion. “Yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness…” : This is the key part. "Righteousness" means doing what is morally good and right. It’s about living according to God's standards. “…and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.” This adds layers of meaning: “Judgment” : This refers to God's justice – His fairness and punishment for wrongdoings. But it’s not about anger or condemnation; it’s about bringing things into balance. “Lovingkindness” : This is a really important word - it means kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and understanding. It speaks to God's inherent goodness and desire to be near us. “Mercies” : This is the ultimate reward – God’s grace and forgiveness for our mistakes. It's about giving us a second chance and restoring us to a place of love and acceptance. So, putting it all together: God isn't just promising to love us sometimes . He promises to always love us, to be with us eternally, and to forgive us even when we fall short of his standards. It’s about a relationship built on goodness, justice, compassion, and forgiveness – a relationship that transcends our mistakes. What does this mean for us? It means: God is always faithful to his promises and intentions, even when we struggle. It's an invitation to live a life of righteousness, kindness, and love, knowing that God will ultimately reward us with eternal joy and peace. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme?