Definition: The nations have heard of thy shame, and thy cry hath filled the land: for the mighty man hath stumbled against the mighty, [and] they are fallen both together.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Jeremiah 46:12. It’s a pretty dramatic and powerful statement about God’s judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is saying that everyone – all the nations – has heard of something terrible happening to Him. And that’s not just a small problem; it’s a big, significant disaster. And because of this, everything is falling apart. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “The nations have heard of thy shame…” This means the entire world – all the people God has created – knows about something wrong with Him. It’s not just a few people; they are aware of a significant transgression or failure. Think of it like a huge, widespread scandal. “…and thy cry hath filled the land…” This is a metaphor for the feeling of sorrow and distress that has spread throughout the world. It's not just sadness; it’s a deep, overwhelming sense of worry and pain. It’s like a massive wave of anguish washing over everything. “For the mighty man hath stumbled against the mighty, [and] they are fallen both together.” This is the key part. “The mighty man” refers to powerful leaders or people – kings, emperors, armies, etc. - who were previously strong and confident. But they have failed. They've been defeated by someone (or something) that’s stronger than them. “Both together” means they are falling down as a whole, not just one person at a time. Overall Meaning: Jeremiah is saying that God's power and judgment are complete. The failure of these powerful leaders – who were once respected – has created a widespread crisis. It’s a consequence of their pride and defiance, and it’s causing great suffering for everyone. It suggests a time of significant upheaval and chaos. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of pride and arrogance. God isn't necessarily saying everyone is failing; He's highlighting a specific situation where those who were once powerful have fallen due to their own mistakes. --- To help me explain it even better, could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand about this verse? (e.g., Are you wondering about its historical context?) Are you interested in a specific aspect of the meaning – like the symbolism of "the mighty man" or the idea of widespread suffering?