Definition: The bellows are burned, the lead is consumed of the fire; the founder melteth in vain: for the wicked are not plucked away.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly powerful verse from Jeremiah 6:29. It's a really serious and symbolic message about judgment and repentance. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where someone is deliberately trying to destroy God’s people – essentially, those who follow him. It’s saying that this person is using fire (the bellows) to burn things – representing the efforts of wickedness and evil. The fire consumes everything it touches, and the person attempting this is ultimately not being removed or forgiven by God. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Jeremiah 6:29” : This is the specific verse we’re focusing on. It’s a passage from the Old Testament Book of Jeremiah. “The bellows are burned, the lead is consumed of the fire…” : This describes a process of destruction. Think of it like a blacksmith using a forge – they're heating and burning materials to transform them. This represents the actions of those who are trying to harm God’s people. “…the founder melteth in vain:” - "Founder" refers to someone leading or guiding others, often a leader or authority figure. “Melteth” means to soften or lose their shape. So, this is saying that the efforts of this person are weakening and losing their impact – they’re not effective anymore. “…for the wicked are not plucked away.” - This is the crucial part. It means that those who deliberately cause harm and wickedness will not be forgiven or removed from God's sight. It’s a statement of eternal judgment. What does this all mean in a bigger picture? This verse speaks to the idea of: The power of evil: The verse highlights that evil doesn't simply disappear; it persists and can cause significant damage. God’s justice: It emphasizes God’s righteous judgment against those who pursue wickedness. Repentance is crucial: It’s a call to repentance – to turn away from sin and seek forgiveness. If we don't repent, our actions will have consequences. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of pride, rebellion, and seeking power at any cost. It suggests that those who are consumed by their own wickedness will ultimately face God’s wrath. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give an example of how it might be applied today? Explore a related biblical passage?