Definition: Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jeremiah 31:31. It’s a really important and slightly mysterious passage in the Bible. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, it means: “The Lord is saying that soon he will make a completely new covenant with the people of Israel and the people of Judah.” Let's unpack that a little bit: “Jeremiah 31…” : This refers to a prophecy given by Jeremiah to King Josiah. It’s a prediction about the future. “…Behold, the days come…” : This is a dramatic phrase – it means soon . The Lord is promising a significant event that will happen in the future. “…sayeth the LORD…” : This is God speaking directly to us. It’s a formal declaration. “…that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel…” : This is the core of the message. A "covenant" is an agreement between two parties, like a promise or a deal. This time, it's about the people of Israel . The Lord is promising to establish a new agreement with them. “…and with the house of Judah:” : This tells us specifically who this covenant will be made with – the people of Judah, which is part of the larger nation of Israel. What’s the big deal? For centuries, there have been many theories about what this verse means. It's often interpreted as: A Restoration: The Lord promises to restore Israel after a period of hardship or division. A New Era: He’s promising a new beginning for the nation, free from past mistakes and filled with righteousness. Important Note: The exact meaning of this verse is still debated among theologians and scholars. It's a complex passage that speaks to themes of restoration, covenant, and renewal. --- To help me explain it even better and tailor it to your needs, could you tell me: Why are you interested in learning about this verse? (Are you curious about its historical context? Its theological significance? Something else?)