Definition: Woe unto them! for they have fled from me: destruction unto them! because they have transgressed against me: though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 7:13. It's a really powerful and somewhat sobering message about betrayal and the importance of honesty. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that people who have broken trust with God are facing serious consequences. It’s not just a simple disagreement; they’ve actively lied to him, and that lies is causing them pain and destruction. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Hosea 7:13 Woe unto them!" – This is a strong, dramatic expression of sadness and warning. "Woe to them" means “sadness” or “suffering.” "For they have fled from me…" – This suggests people have turned away from God, abandoned his promises, and stopped trusting him. It’s like they've run away from him. “…destruction unto them!” – This is the key part. "Destruction" means ruin, devastation, and a painful end. It's not just about physical harm; it’s about a fundamental loss of good things and a broken relationship with God. “Because they have transgressed against me…” – “Transgressed” means to break a law or rule. "Against me" refers to God himself. They've violated his rules, his promises, and his character. It’s like they’re actively disobeying him. “…though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me.” – This is the most important part. Hosea, the prophet, did redeem these people (referring to a specific group of people). However, they've continued to lie and speak false words about him. This contradicts what he has done for them! So, what’s the message? The verse is essentially saying that when we break trust with God, even after he has helped us, it leads to a painful and destructive outcome. It emphasizes the importance of honesty, faithfulness, and keeping his promises. It's a warning against dishonesty and a call for repentance. In short, it’s a message about the consequences of lying to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Relate it to a specific biblical story or context?