Definition: I was at ease, but he hath broken me asunder: he hath also taken [me] by my neck, and shaken me to pieces, and set me up for his mark.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage together. It's a really powerful and somewhat unsettling verse from the Book of Job. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment of profound pain and loss. It suggests that someone has deliberately and severely damaged or broken someone – likely the speaker – and then treated them with extreme disrespect and abandonment. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “I was at ease…” : This immediately sets up a contrast. The speaker is supposed to be comfortable, peaceful, and secure. This is a moment of tranquility before the disaster unfolds. “…but he hath broken me asunder” : This means someone has inflicted a deep wound or damage – “broken me asunder.” It’s not just a small scratch; it's a significant loss. Think of it like a major blow to something important. “He hath also taken [me] by my neck, and shaken me to pieces…” : This is the most shocking part. The speaker is being deliberately and brutally attacked – literally “shaken to pieces.” It’s as if someone has deliberately pinned them down with force, causing significant damage and disintegration. It's a harsh metaphor for being utterly destroyed. “And set me up for his mark” : This is the crucial part that adds weight to the verse. The person who broke the speaker has now designated them as a “mark” – something they’ll keep observing or remember. It suggests a lingering consequence, a permanent reminder of this painful experience. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This verse speaks to the idea of unjust suffering and divine punishment. It portrays a situation where someone intentionally causes significant harm and then leaves the speaker vulnerable and marked for remembrance. Here are some possible interpretations: Divine Justice: It could be interpreted as God’s judgment on those who act with malice or disregard. Testing of Faith: Some believe this verse is about a test of faith, showing that even in times of comfort, there can be pain and suffering. The speaker's situation highlights the importance of trust and dependence on God. A Loss of Security: It emphasizes the fragility of human security and how easily it can be taken away. Important Note: This is a difficult verse to interpret – it’s poetic and doesn't offer easy answers. It’s often seen as a reflection of the speaker’s struggle with doubt and suffering, but also a powerful expression of God’s sovereignty. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further in more detail? Discuss different interpretations of the verse? Provide context for the story of Job?