Definition: And shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Even so will I break this people and this city, as [one] breaketh a potter’s vessel, that cannot be made whole again: and they shall bury [them] in Tophet, till [there be] no place to bury.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jeremiah 19:11. It’s a really powerful and disturbing passage about God’s judgment on a people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is going to completely destroy a specific group of people – the Israelites – and their city, Jerusalem. He's saying they will be utterly wiped out and buried forever. Let’s break down the parts: “And shalt say unto them…” : This tells us that this isn’t just a general warning; it’s a specific command from God. “…Thus saith the LORD of hosts…” : This is a formal, authoritative voice – it's God speaking directly to the people. “…Even so will I break this people and this city…” : This is the main part - God intends to completely destroy both the people and the city. “as [one] breaketh a potter’s vessel…” : This is a crucial analogy. A potter's vessel is something that's made with careful craftsmanship – it has a specific shape, purpose, and can be restored. God is comparing this to breaking a pottery vessel. “that cannot be made whole again” : The destruction will be so complete that there will be no way to rebuild or restore anything. It’s like shattering something completely. “…and they shall bury [them] in Tophet…” : This is the final, horrifying part. Tophet was a sacred place – a desolate and barren area – in ancient Israel. God is choosing to bury these people there forever. What does this mean practically? This verse speaks of a devastating judgment. It's not just about punishment; it’s about the complete annihilation of a group of people. It implies a terrible, irreversible consequence for their sins and choices. The imagery of Tophet suggests a place of utter desolation and decay. Important Context: This verse comes after a period of intense rebellion and idolatry by the Israelites. It’s a stark warning about the consequences of rejecting God's law and returning to sin. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI assistant and this explanation is based on interpretations of biblical texts. It’s important to remember that these scriptures are deeply complex, and different scholars and theologians offer varying perspectives. Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the symbolism behind the imagery (like Tophet)? Talk about the historical context of this passage?