Definition: And thou, even thyself, shalt discontinue from thine heritage that I gave thee; and I will cause thee to serve thine enemies in the land which thou knowest not: for ye have kindled a fire in mine anger, [which] shall burn for ever.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 17:4. It’s a really powerful and complex passage, and it speaks to a significant shift in God's perspective on humanity. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God’s extreme anger and judgment towards humanity. It says that God is deeply hurt by the choices people make and that he will punish them severely. He’s essentially saying, “I’m so angry with you that I'll actively allow you to be enemies of others in a land you don’t even know.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And thou, even thyself, shalt discontinue from thine heritage…” – This means God is abandoning everything connected to his people and their traditions. He's saying he’s giving up the very things that made them unique and distinct. Think of it like losing a family legacy or a special connection to a place. "...that I will cause thee to serve thine enemies in the land which thou knowest not:" – This is where it gets really unsettling. God is telling people to actively work with those who are causing him pain and suffering, even if they aren't his friends or followers. He wants them to become agents of destruction and antagonism. It’s like a direct call to action against those who oppose him. "...for ye have kindled a fire in mine anger, [which] shall burn for ever." – This is the core of the verse. It’s not just a fleeting moment of annoyance; it's a sustained and eternal expression of God’s wrath. "Kindled" suggests a spark that grows into a raging fire. “Burn for ever” emphasizes the permanence of this punishment. It implies that this fire will last forever, constantly tormenting humanity. What does this mean in a broader sense? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about human nature – our tendency to seek revenge, to cause harm, and to be antagonistic towards others. It speaks to the potential for evil within us all. It suggests that God's justice isn’t just about punishing wrongdoers; it’s about actively working against them. Important Context: This verse appears in the Old Testament, specifically in Jeremiah 17:4-6. It’s part of a larger narrative involving God’s judgment on Israel and its leaders. It's often seen as a consequence of their disobedience and lack of faithfulness to God's covenant. In short, this verse portrays a moment of intense divine wrath directed at humanity, where the consequences of our choices become permanent. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts in more detail? Connect this verse to other biblical stories or themes? Offer a different perspective on the meaning of the verse?