Definition: [Is] Ephraim my dear son? [is he] a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 31:20. It's a really powerful and emotional passage about God’s love and concern for a specific person. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Jeremiah is talking to God about a situation where he’s about to deliver a man named Ephraim. This man has done something that Jeremiah believes has angered God, perhaps through a mistake or transgression. What's Happening – It’s About a Promise: The verse says, “Jeremiah spoke against him… He does earnestly remember him still.” This means that Jeremiah still feels a deep sadness and regret over this situation. He’s not just momentarily concerned; he’s deeply mourning for the person he’s speaking to. God's Action – A Promise of Mercy: Then, God says, “Therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him.” This is a huge statement! It means that God intends to show compassion and forgiveness to Ephraim. He’s essentially saying, "I want to give this man a second chance." Why the Trouble? – A Feeling of Sorrow: The verse explains why Jeremiah feels so troubled: “For since I spoke against him, I do earnestly remember him still.” This suggests that he's constantly thinking about the wrongdoings and feelings of Ephraim. It’s like a heavy weight on his heart. The Core Meaning – God’s Love & Justice: This whole verse speaks to God’s love and justice. It highlights: God’s Concern: God is deeply concerned for the well-being of this individual. Forgiveness: God desires to restore this person, offering him a chance to be forgiven and redeemed. Justice: While it might seem a bit poetic, there's an underlying sense that God is bringing about a just outcome – a correction for wrongdoing. In short, Jeremiah is expressing his profound sorrow and longing for the restoration of this man, driven by God’s love and desire for justice. Important Note: This verse often gets misinterpreted, but it's generally understood as a message of hope and forgiveness, emphasizing God's unwavering care for all people. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of this passage? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme (like redemption)?