Definition: Now why dost thou cry out aloud? [is there] no king in thee? is thy counseller perished? for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Micah 4:9. It's a really powerful and somewhat unsettling message about the state of someone’s life. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that someone is experiencing a deep, overwhelming sense of despair, hopelessness, and perhaps even fear. They’re so burdened by their problems that they’re crying out – expressing their pain and distress – like a woman in labor (a difficult birth). Let's unpack the parts: “Now why dost thou cry out aloud?” - This isn’t a simple, frustrated cry. It suggests a deep, persistent anguish. It’s a sound of sorrow that's not easily silenced. “[is there] no king in thee?” – This is the core question. It implies someone is ruling themselves, controlling their own life, and feels utterly powerless. They’re not being guided or led by anyone. “is thy counsellor perished? for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail.” - This paints a vivid picture of their suffering. “Counselor” means someone who advises, guides, or helps. The phrase "pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail" is a very dramatic and metaphorical way of saying that they've experienced a terrible, painful birth – a significant loss of life and potential. It suggests a profound, overwhelming hardship. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: Micah 4:9 is essentially a warning about the state of someone’s inner world. It suggests that someone is facing immense suffering and feels like they have no support or guidance to overcome it. The verse implies a crisis of faith - perhaps a loss of hope for the future, or a feeling of being utterly alone in their despair. Important Note: This verse often gets interpreted as a prophecy about judgment or punishment. However, it's more generally about the state of someone’s emotional and spiritual well-being – they are experiencing deep suffering and potentially needing healing and guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse in more detail? Connect this verse to a particular theme or story (like the prophecy of judgment)?