Definition: As a fountain casteth out her waters, so she casteth out her wickedness: violence and spoil is heard in her; before me continually [is] grief and wounds.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 6:7. It’s a really powerful and dramatic statement about a nation and its people. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a situation where God is deeply troubled by the wickedness and violence happening in a specific place – likely referring to Judah (the land that eventually became Israel). It’s like a huge, overflowing fountain of negative energy that’s constantly spilling out. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “As a fountain casteth out her waters…” This is a really striking metaphor. A fountain pours water out – it creates a flow. This suggests a constant stream of negativity, trouble, and harm. “…so she casteth out her wickedness:” This means the nation of Judah is actively engaging in evil – spreading gossip, hurting others, being unjust, and generally being morally wrong. It’s about causing pain and suffering. “Violence and spoil is heard in her…” This isn't just any violence; it’s violent acts that cause damage and destruction. "Spoil" here implies loss – things are broken, ruined, and taken away. The word “spoils” can also mean hardship or suffering. “Before me continually [is] grief and wounds…” This is the most intense part. God says he’s constantly experiencing pain and sorrow because of this wickedness. It's not just a few times; it's an unending stream of sadness, regret, and hurt. It’s like a persistent, deep wound that always exists. Overall Meaning & Context: Jeremiah 6:7 is a warning from God about the state of Judah. He's saying that the nation was so deeply corrupted by evil that it’s constantly causing pain and suffering to him. It suggests a situation where God is actively displeased and feels burdened by this negativity. It’s a clear call for repentance, change, and restoration. Important Note: This verse often gets misinterpreted as an attack on Judah specifically. However, the context of Jeremiah 6:7 points more to a broader warning about the dangers of spiritual corruption and the need for God's people to turn away from evil. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand about this verse? (e.g., Are you curious about its historical context, or do you want a more general explanation?)