Definition: Because he slew me not from the womb; or that my mother might have been my grave, and her womb [to be] always great [with me].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly poignant passage from Jeremiah 20:17. It’s a really powerful and moving verse, and it speaks to a deep sense of loss and injustice. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where someone – likely a prominent figure – was brutally murdered by Jeremiah. The speaker is expressing immense grief and a feeling that their life is forever tainted by this tragedy. It’s about the feeling of being targeted, not necessarily a literal retelling of the event. Let's unpack it: “Because he slew me not from the womb…” – This part emphasizes a deep sense of protection and a feeling that their life was already secure. It suggests they were protected by God or fate, and that this death wasn’t a random occurrence. “…or that my mother might have been my grave, and her womb [to be] always great [with me].” – This is the core of the verse. The speaker is saying: "My mother was my grave, and her womb always carried me." “Her womb” refers to his mother, who was likely a powerful and influential figure. “Always great” means that her womb was always filled with him – she was perpetually connected to him, carrying him into the world. It’s a symbolic representation of a life inextricably linked to someone else's existence. What it Means (Interpretations): This verse is rich with symbolism and evokes several interpretations: A Sense of Betrayal: It suggests a deep sense of betrayal by God or fate, as if their life was stolen away from them. Loss of Identity: It can be interpreted as a loss of identity – the person’s very being is tied to this one individual. They felt like they were always defined by this one person's existence. A Victim of Circumstance: It could also be seen as a victim of circumstance - perhaps he was in a situation where he was unfairly targeted or suffered a terrible fate. Important Note: The exact meaning of the verse is debated among scholars. It’s often interpreted as a profound expression of grief and a sense of being utterly devastated by loss. --- In short, this verse paints a picture of intense sorrow, a feeling of being trapped in a cycle of misfortune, and a deep connection to someone who was tragically removed from their life. Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Discuss a specific interpretation of the verse?