Definition: I beheld the earth, and, lo, [it was] without form, and void; and the heavens, and they [had] no light.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Jeremiah 4:23. It's a really powerful and somewhat unsettling image. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, it describes a world that is completely empty and lifeless. Here’s a more detailed explanation: “I beheld the earth…” – This refers to God looking down on the whole world. “…and, lo, [it was] without form…” – This means the Earth wasn't like anything we see today. It didn’t have any shape or structure. Think of a blank piece of paper - it’s completely empty. “…and void…” – “Void” means empty, lacking something. This emphasizes that there was nothing present in the world. “And the heavens, and they [had] no light.” – The "heavens" are the sky, which is usually associated with God’s presence and order. This part is key: “they had no light” means the stars, sun, moon – everything that gives the sky its color and brightness – were completely dark. What does this mean in a bigger picture? Jeremiah was writing about a time when people were living in a state of spiritual emptiness and despair. This verse is often interpreted as a warning about: A lack of God’s presence: The world wasn't filled with the divine, which would make it feel empty and hopeless. Moral decay: It suggests that if people aren't connected to God and are living without purpose or goodness, the world will become dark and lifeless. It’s a dramatic image – it paints a picture of utter desolation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss what this verse might symbolize in a particular context (like the time Jeremiah wrote it)?