Definition: Thou hast sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really powerful one, and it speaks to a feeling of profound loneliness and despair. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that someone who consistently leaves others to suffer and breaks the hearts of those who need them is incredibly unkind and hurtful. Let's unpack it word by word: “Thou hast sent widows away empty…” – “Thou” is a formal way of addressing someone, like "you." “Hast sent" means you have done something. “Widows” are people who are alone and without support. The implication is that this person has deliberately left these people to fend for themselves without any help or care. It’s a deliberate act of abandonment. “…and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.” – “Fatherless” means someone who isn't cared for by their family, often because they are orphaned or abandoned. "Arms" represent vulnerable places - like the arms of a child needing protection. So, this is saying that these people have lost their sense of security and safety because of this person’s actions. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: The verse essentially conveys a feeling of deep sadness and isolation. It suggests that this person's behavior is causing significant pain and harm to others – they are deliberately depriving those who need them the comfort, support, and love they deserve. It highlights a lack of empathy and compassion. Why it’s important: This verse is often interpreted as a warning against selfishness and unkindness. It can be a call for us to be more mindful of how we treat others and to consider the impact our actions have on those around us. Important Note: It's worth remembering that this isn’t necessarily a condemnation of everyone who might feel lonely or sad. The verse focuses on the action – the deliberate act of causing pain and abandonment. --- Do you want to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, we could talk about: Its context in the larger story of Job (it’s a famous passage)? The idea of “emptiness” – what does that mean in this context? How it relates to forgiveness or reconciliation?