Definition: Wherefore the king said unto me, Why [is] thy countenance sad, seeing thou [art] not sick? this [is] nothing [else] but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 2:2. It’s a really interesting and poignant passage about a man’s sadness and fear. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Nehemiah was overseeing rebuilding work in Jerusalem after a period of chaos. He noticed a man looking very sad and worried. He asked him why he seemed so distressed, and the man responded with a deep feeling of sorrow. What it Means – A Simple Explanation: “Wherefore the king said unto me…” - This means Nehemiah was speaking to someone who was addressing him directly. It’s like saying “Because I asked you…”. “…Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick?” - This is the core of the verse. The man was looking sad because he wasn't physically ill. He was feeling a deep emotional pain. “this is nothing else but sorrow of heart.” – This is the key part. “Sorrow of heart” means deep sadness, grief, and often regret. It’s not just a little bit unhappy; it’s a significant kind of sadness. “Then I was very sore afraid.” - This shows how much the man was affected by his sorrow. He felt so worried and frightened that he couldn't shake it off. So, putting it all together: The verse describes a man experiencing profound sadness because he wasn’t physically unwell. This sadness stemmed from something deeper – regret or perhaps worry about something in his past. It was a very intense emotional experience for him. Why is this important? This story highlights that sometimes, our sadness isn't just about physical illness. It can be rooted in our hearts and feelings, and it’s okay to feel sad when we’re burdened by difficult emotions. It shows the importance of acknowledging and addressing these feelings. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this passage within a larger context (like the rebuilding of Jerusalem)?