Definition: Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured; and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jeremiah 30:16. It’s a pretty dramatic statement about the consequences of negativity and harm. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that anyone who consistently spreads malice, hatred, or harmful things towards someone else will eventually be consumed by their negativity. It's a warning about the power of negative influence. Let's unpack it word-by-word (roughly): “Jeremiah 30:16” : This tells us where this verse appears – in the Old Testament book of Jeremiah. It’s a prophecy, meaning it’s a prediction about the future. “Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured; and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity…” This is the main part. “Devour” means to destroy or consume something. So, "devour thee" means to harm or destroy you. The verse continues with a series of imagery: “every one of them…shall go into captivity” : This suggests that these people will be exiled, removed from their normal lives and communities. It's not just about being physically removed; it’s about being spiritually separated. "...and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil…” This is the key part. “Spoil” means to damage or ruin something. So, this verse means those who consistently spread negativity and harm will eventually be damaged – perhaps through disappointment, loss of trust, or emotional pain. “and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey.” This is the final part, and it’s the most unsettling. "Prey upon thee" again means to harm you. The verse says that whoever consistently causes harm will be given to someone else – meaning they’ll be taken care of, or even become something else (perhaps a lost cause). Overall Meaning & Interpretation: The verse is essentially saying: Negative influence and constant harm are very dangerous. It warns against being a target for negativity. Those who consistently spread hatred, bitterness, or causing pain will face consequences – possibly a loss of their well-being, even being taken away from the world. Important Note: This is a difficult verse to understand because it deals with themes of destruction and potential judgment. It's often interpreted as a warning against gossip, slander, and malicious behavior. In short, this verse emphasizes that negativity has consequences, and it’s important to be mindful of the impact our words and actions have on others. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Discuss what this verse might relate to in a particular context (like biblical prophecy)?