Definition: They were [as] fed horses in the morning: every one neighed after his neighbour’s wife.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 5:8. It’s a really stark and disturbing image, and it’s important to understand its meaning within the context of the book. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Jeremiah is speaking about a situation in Babylon. He’s a prophet who’s trying to warn people about the impending destruction of Babylon. It involves a large, unruly herd of horses. The verse describes a massive group of horses, and it's being fed – essentially, cared for – by a man named “Satan.” What does "Satan" mean? In this context, "Satan" isn’t necessarily evil. It refers to a powerful and rebellious force, a spirit of opposition, or even a metaphor for human selfishness and pride. Think of it as the opposite of God's love and goodness. “Fed horses” means they’re being encouraged, supported, and given something. The man is providing these horses with food and care – essentially, enabling them to continue their rebellious behavior. The Crucial Part: “Every one neighed after his neighbour’s wife.” This is where it gets really unsettling. “Neighed” means to make a loud, mournful sound. The horse is making a distressed sound that mimics the pain and sorrow of a woman. “After his neighbour’s wife” – this is the key. It means the horses are mimicking or reflecting back the suffering and distress they perceive in the women around them. They’re mirroring each other's pain. The Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse paints a picture of a society consumed by selfishness, pride, and rebellion. It suggests that Babylon is being ruled by a powerful force of opposition who are encouraging and mirroring the suffering of others – particularly women. Why is this important? It's a warning about societal corruption. Jeremiah’s message isn't just about horses; it’s about the potential for people to become consumed with their own desires, pride, and rebellion, leading to harm and destruction. It highlights the importance of compassion and forgiveness. The verse implies that this behavior is a result of a deeper spiritual malaise – a loss of empathy and connection with God and one another. In short, Jeremiah 5:8 describes a disturbing scene where people are encouraging each other’s selfishness and pain, highlighting a dangerous trend toward rebellion and a lack of compassion. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific theme (like judgment or repentance)? Provide related Bible verses?