Definition: The waters compassed me about, [even] to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Jonah 2:5. It’s a really interesting and dramatic verse! Here's an explanation in simple terms: Basically, it means: “I was overwhelmed by the water, so much that it wrapped around me, trapping me.” Let's unpack it bit by bit: “The waters compassed me about…” : This is a slightly poetic way of saying "the water surrounded me." Think of it like being completely enveloped in a large body of water. “…even” : This emphasizes the extent of the problem. It wasn’t just a little bit of water; it was a huge, overwhelming amount. “to the soul…” : This is key. “Soul” refers to a person's spirit, their mind, and their inner thoughts. The water wasn’t just physically surrounding him; it was affecting his mind and causing him distress. “the depth closed me round about…” : This describes how the water trapped him. It felt like a complete enclosure – a deep, dark space. “the weeds were wrapped about my head.” : This is the most vivid part. "Weeds" are metaphors for worries, doubts, and anxieties. They were wrapping around his head, obscuring his vision and preventing him from seeing anything good or clear. So, what's the takeaway? Jonah was in a deep state of despair because he was consumed by fear and worry. The water represented these overwhelming thoughts and emotions that were trapping him up inside. It’s a powerful image – it shows how easily our minds can be overwhelmed by things outside of us. In short, this verse is a story about being trapped by worry and doubt. --- Would you like me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of Jonah 2? (Like why it's important in the story?) Talk about the meaning of the metaphor of "weeds"?