Definition: Therefore thou shalt say this word unto them; Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 14:17. It’s a really powerful and emotionally charged passage about God’s judgment. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: Jeremiah is writing to King Josiah of Judah. He’s expressing concern about a devastating situation – a woman (the “virgin daughter”) of the people has been deeply wounded, broken, and suffering immensely. He’s essentially saying that this woman is facing a terrible crisis and needs God's intervention. What it Means in Plain Language: “Therefore thou shalt say this word unto them…” : Jeremiah is telling King Josiah to directly command people to repeat a specific phrase or action. He's giving him a clear instruction. “…Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day…” : This describes how intensely Jeremiah feels – he’s overwhelmed by grief and sorrow. “Run down with tears” means his tears are pouring out constantly. It shows the depth of his despair. “And let them not cease…” : This is a crucial part. He's telling people to not stop expressing their pain, even when it’s unbearable. It’s a constant stream of sorrow. “…for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow.” : This is the core of the message. The “virgin daughter” refers to a woman who has been deeply hurt and perhaps even killed or seriously injured – a profound loss. The "great breach" suggests a significant trauma or violation. The "very grievous blow" means it’s a devastating and irreparable harm. What's the Big Picture? This verse is a warning about God’s justice and His power to punish those who betray His trust. It speaks of: Divine Wrath: God is incredibly angry with those who don't respect His law or seek His will. Punishment for Sin: Jeremiah is saying that this woman’s suffering is a consequence of the people’s disobedience or wrongdoing. It’s a punishment for their choices. The Importance of Obedience: The verse emphasizes the need for strict adherence to God's commandments and avoiding sin. Important Note: The exact details of what happened to this woman are not explicitly stated, but it's understood as a very serious event – perhaps related to idolatry or other violations of divine law. --- To help me explain further and tailor the explanation to your needs, could you tell me: What specifically about this verse are you most interested in understanding? (e.g., its historical context, its symbolism, its meaning for believers?)