Definition: They have stricken me, [shalt thou say, and] I was not sick; they have beaten me, [and] I felt [it] not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Proverbs 23:35. It's a really poignant and insightful piece about feeling helpless and lost. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core of the Verse: “They have stricken me, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake?” Let’s unpack it word by word: "They have stricken me..." : This suggests a painful or difficult experience. It's like someone has inflicted some kind of harm or hardship on you. "...and I was not sick..." : This is the crucial part. The person feels no pain, no discomfort. They’re experiencing something that should be causing pain, but they aren’t feeling it. "they have beaten me..." : This is a significant point. It implies a deliberate action – a harsh or forceful treatment. It suggests someone has caused you harm through their words or actions. "...and I felt it not:" : Again, this highlights the absence of pain. There's no physical sensation of suffering. "when shall I awake?" : This is the heart of the verse. The person is asking, "When will this happen again? When will this hurt me?" They’re grappling with a feeling of helplessness and uncertainty. What it Means – A General Interpretation: This verse speaks to a deep sense of vulnerability and despair when someone deliberately harms you or causes you pain. It conveys the idea that: You are powerless: You're at the mercy of someone else’s actions. You feel trapped: You don’t have control over the situation, and it feels like something is constantly happening to you without your ability to stop it. There’s a longing for deliverance: The person desperately wants to be free from this pain and to regain their peace of mind. They're asking for a way out of the cycle of suffering. Connection to the Larger Context of Proverbs: This verse is often interpreted within the broader context of Proverbs, which is filled with wisdom about living a righteous life and avoiding harm. It’s a reminder that we are vulnerable and need protection from those who would inflict pain. --- Important Note: The specific meaning can deepen as you consider the situation of who might be speaking. But this verse captures a fundamental human experience – feeling helpless in the face of adversity. Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail? Explore how this verse relates to other biblical passages about suffering or resilience?