Definition: For precept [must be] upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, [and] there a little:
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly complex and poetic passage from Isaiah 28:10. It’s a really rich and layered verse that speaks to the idea of ongoing, consistent effort and striving for perfection. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: It’s saying that our efforts – our actions, our commitments – should always be consistent and precise . Just like things are built in a way that has a little bit of something missing, or a little bit out of place, we need to keep striving for complete and perfect completion. Let's break it down word by word: “For precept upon precept…” – This means "because of the rule/command/promise..." It’s about adhering to established rules and standards. “…upon precept, precept upon precept” - This repeats the idea of consistent application of a principle. It's emphasizing that we must follow these principles repeatedly. “line upon line…” – This is where it gets really interesting. Think of lines on a ruler or blueprint. Each line represents a specific detail. These lines are linked and connected to each other. “…line upon line” - Similar to the above, this highlights that these details must be perfectly aligned. “here a little, [and] there a little:” – This is the key part. It describes a growing or developing process. Just like a blueprint has small imperfections, our efforts also have small gaps and inconsistencies. “A little” means a small detail, and “there a little” means that tiny imperfection keeps growing. Putting it all together – What does it mean? Isaiah 28:10 is urging us to be diligent and persistent in our work and commitments. It's about striving for excellence through constant, careful adherence to principles and standards. It’s a call to avoid gaps or inconsistencies in our efforts - like a poorly built structure with small flaws. In essence, it's a reminder that perfection is not achieved by accidents, but through consistent, deliberate effort. Why is this important? This verse has resonated throughout history as a metaphor for the journey of life – and it speaks to our responsibility to continually improve ourselves and our endeavors. It’s about never settling for anything less than the best possible result. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Give you a different example of how this idea applies in real life?