Definition: And I will give the men that have transgressed my covenant, which have not performed the words of the covenant which they had made before me, when they cut the calf in twain, and passed between the parts thereof,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Jeremiah 34:18. It’s a really powerful and complex verse, but we can understand it piece by piece. Here's what it essentially means, explained simply: The Core Idea: This verse is about justice and punishment for those who broke God’s agreement. It’s talking about people who violated a covenant – a promise or agreement made between God and a person. Let's unpack the details: “Jeremiah 34:18” : This tells us who is speaking – Jeremiah, a prophet of God. “And I will give the men that have transgressed my covenant…” : This means Jeremiah is saying he will take action against those who have disobeyed God's rules and promises. “…which have not performed the words of the covenant which they had made before me…” : This is the key . Jeremiah is pointing to a specific past event – a ritual sacrifice, specifically involving animals being cut in twain (meaning they were split into two pieces). He’s saying these people didn't follow what God said when they performed this act. “when they cut the calf in twain, and passed between the parts thereof” : This is a gruesome detail. It describes how these people did it: Cutting the Calf: They were cutting a goat (a sacred animal) into two pieces. This was a deeply symbolic act – it was a way of offering a sacrifice that would be seen as unworthy of God’s attention. Passing Between the Parts: This is crucial. They weren't just splitting the goat; they were moving the two pieces between the different parts of the goat. It was an act of desecration, like violating a sacred boundary. So, putting it all together: Jeremiah is saying that these people deliberately disobeyed God by breaking a promise and performing a ritual in a way that was not aligned with God’s will. They were actively defying what he had told them to do. What does this mean practically? This verse often points to a time of great rebellion and idolatry – when people turned away from worshipping God and focused on their own desires instead. It's a warning about the seriousness of breaking trust with God. Important Note: This is a very difficult passage, and it’s often interpreted symbolically. It’s not necessarily about physical punishment in the way we understand it today. It speaks to a deeper issue of disobedience and violating divine law. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious expert. This explanation is based on interpretations of biblical texts and should be considered a general overview. If you are struggling with complex theological concepts, seeking guidance from a religious leader or scholar is always recommended. Would you like me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Provide context for the story of the Calf? Discuss how this passage relates to other parts of the Bible?