Definition: What wilt thou say when he shall punish thee? for thou hast taught them [to be] captains, [and] as chief over thee: shall not sorrows take thee, as a woman in travail?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jeremiah 13:21. It’s a really important and complex passage about God’s judgment and the consequences of disobedience. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying that if someone consistently encourages others to do things they shouldn’t, especially positions of power or authority, God will punish them severely. It’s like a mother pushing a baby – she wants to protect and nurture the child, but if she pushes too hard, it can cause harm. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “What wilt thou say when he shall punish thee?” - This is asking what kind of judgment God will bestow on this person. “for thou hast taught them [to be] captains, and as chief over thee…” – This tells us that this person has been guiding or leading others – specifically, they’ve been teaching people to hold positions of leadership (like captains). “As chief” means they're in a position of responsibility. “shall not sorrows take thee, as a woman in travail?” - This is the core of the warning. It's drawing a powerful comparison to childbirth. What does this metaphor mean? God is comparing this person’s actions to a woman going through labor (travelling into painful contractions). Just like a woman in labour experiences intense pain and pressure, God sees this person’s constant encouragement of others as causing them immense suffering and hardship. The overall message: Jeremiah's writing suggests that unchecked influence and bad advice can be incredibly damaging to individuals and society. It's a warning against leading others astray and encouraging them to act in ways that ultimately harm themselves or others. It’s about the importance of humility, responsibility, and considering the consequences of one's actions. In short: This verse warns against encouraging others to do wrong, especially when it puts them at risk and causes great suffering. It highlights the potential for harmful influence and emphasizes the need for ethical behavior. --- Would you like me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this verse to a broader theme in the Bible (like forgiveness, responsibility, or the nature of God)?