Definition: Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench [it], because of the evil of your doings.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse – it’s a really powerful and complex one! Here’s an explanation in simpler terms, aiming for understanding rather than just a literal translation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s intense anger towards a specific group of people in ancient Judah. It’s essentially saying that if they continue on their bad ways, God will unleash a terrible punishment. Let's unpack the parts: “Jeremiah 4:4” : This refers to a specific passage from the Old Testament book of Jeremiah. It's a very important part of understanding this verse. "Circumcise yourselves to the LORD..." : “Circumcise” means to tighten around something, like a ring. In this context, it’s a metaphorical tightening – God is putting a firm boundary or restriction on them. It suggests they are being forced into a position of submission and control. "...and take away the foreskins of your heart..." : This is where it gets really heavy. “Foreskins” refers to a layer of skin that covers the inside of our hearts – our emotions, thoughts, and desires. The verse says God wants to remove these negative, hurtful emotions from their hearts. It's like saying they need to be cleansed of something deeply wrong. "...ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem..." : This specifies who is being targeted: the people of Judah (a specific region in ancient Israel) and the people living in Jerusalem – the capital city. It’s a concentrated focus on their actions. "...lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench [it]..." : This is a dramatic image. “Fury” means intense anger or rage. "Like fire" emphasizes God's wrath – a very powerful and destructive force. The phrase “none can quench it” suggests this anger is unstoppable and will cause devastation. "...because of the evil of your doings." : This explains why God is angry: because of their wrong actions, their wickedness, and their disobedience to him. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to a time when Judah was experiencing serious problems – political instability, social injustice, and a general lack of moral leadership. It’s a warning about the consequences of rejecting God's guidance and embracing wickedness. It highlights the importance of repentance (turning back) and seeking God's forgiveness. Important Context: The Old Testament: This passage is part of a larger story in the Old Testament, which tells of God's relationship with his people and their history. Prophecy: The verse was written centuries before the events it describes, making it a prophetic message – a prediction of future disaster. In short, this verse warns Judah to change their ways, to purify themselves emotionally, and to repent of their evil deeds, because God will ultimately punish them with terrible consequences. --- Disclaimer: I've provided a simplified explanation based on the text. Biblical interpretation can be complex, and there are different perspectives on its meaning. If you want to delve deeper, I recommend consulting reliable resources and theologians. Would you like me to: Explain any of these concepts further? Provide a more detailed historical context? Offer a comparison with other Bible passages about anger or judgment?