Definition: Yet hear the word of the LORD, O ye women, and let your ear receive the word of his mouth, and teach your daughters wailing, and every one her neighbour lamentation.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 9:20. It’s a really powerful and somewhat poetic statement about the role of women in the Bible. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Core Idea: This verse is urging women to be compassionate and understanding – particularly when they are grieving or feeling sad. It suggests that women should actively listen to and offer comfort to others who are experiencing sorrow. Let’s unpack each part: “Jeremiah 9:20” : This refers to a specific prophecy from the Old Testament book of Jeremiah. It's a warning and a call to action. “Yet hear the word of the LORD…” : This is an apology from Jeremiah, acknowledging that he’s speaking to a group who might not fully understand him. “…and let your ear receive the word of his mouth, and teach your daughters wailing, and every one her neighbour lamentation.” This is the key part – it's about listening and responding to others in sorrow. “Let your ear receive the word of his mouth” : This means be open to hearing what others are saying. Don’t just hear their words, but truly listen to understand their pain and feelings. “teach your daughters wailing” : This is the core instruction. It means to offer comfort and understanding to women who are grieving – to listen to them, validate their sadness, and perhaps even offer a gentle response or word of encouragement. “and every one her neighbour lamentation” : This emphasizes that these women should share in each other’s sorrows. It's about recognizing that everyone experiences pain and offering support to those who are grieving. What does it mean in a broader sense? Historically, this verse was interpreted as a call for women to be nurturing and empathetic. It suggests that women have a unique ability – and responsibility – to connect with others on a deeper level when they're hurting. It’s about recognizing the importance of emotional support and solidarity. Important Note: This verse is often debated and interpreted in different ways throughout history. Some see it as a call for women to be overly sensitive, while others see it as highlighting the need for women to offer solace and understanding during difficult times. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with an example? Discuss its historical context? Connect it to a specific theme in the Bible (like compassion or justice)?