Definition: And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 16:18. It's a really powerful statement about judgment and consequence. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God will punish those who have broken His laws and principles with a double punishment for their wrongdoing. It's not just a little bit of trouble; it’s a significant and harsh reckoning. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And first I will recompense…” – This means God is going to take action, starting now, to deal with the problem. “…their iniquity and their sin double.” – Iniquity is a fancy word for “sin” or “evil deeds.” So, this part says that God will give them twice the punishment they’ve received for their sins. It's a clear indication of a very large amount of suffering coming their way. “because they have defiled my land…” – This is the cause of the punishment. "Defiled" means to ruin or corrupt something, often in a way that harms it. The “land” refers to God’s kingdom and His creation. So, this verse says that their actions are damaging God's home. “they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.” – This is the result of their sin. Carcases means "bones" or "fragments." This part describes the destruction: Detestable and abominable things: These are actions that are considered wrong, wicked, and morally repulsive by God’s standards. Think of things like murder, idolatry (worshiping other gods), lying, stealing, and breaking God's laws. “filled” - This means to completely cover or contaminate everything with their wickedness. It's not just a little bit damaged; it's gone. Overall Meaning: Jeremiah is warning that those who have broken God’s rules will face a very severe punishment – twice the amount of suffering they’ve already experienced. It's a stark and serious message about the consequences of sin and disobedience. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a prediction of future events, but it's also seen as a warning to everyone to live righteously and avoid wrongdoing. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of things that might be considered "detestable" according to biblical standards? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of the Old Testament?