Definition: But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Romans 10:21. It’s a really important and slightly poetic passage about God's desire for people to follow Him. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is actively trying to reach out to people who aren't following Him. He’s not just passively offering a chance; he's actively working to persuade and guide them towards a relationship with Him. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “But to Israel…” : This refers to the Jewish people, specifically those in ancient Israel. It highlights that this isn't happening just to everyone – it's focused on a specific group. “…he saith…” : This is a more formal way of saying “He says.” It’s like God speaking directly to them. “All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.” : This is the most important part! Let's break it down further: "Stretched forth my hands..." : This means God was reaching out, extending himself in a way that wasn’t passive. He was actively working to influence them. "... unto a disobedient…” : “Disobedient” means not following God's commands or will. It means they are resisting Him. "... and gainsaying...” : This is the tricky part. “Gainsaying” means to expand, to grow, to become more fully devoted to something – especially a relationship with God. It implies becoming more like him. So, putting it all together: God is saying that He’s been working tirelessly and consistently to bring people to faith in Him. He's not just offering a chance; he's actively trying to persuade them to turn away from their disobedience and towards a relationship with God. It's about encouraging them to grow into a devoted follower of Him. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the importance of faith and obedience. It suggests that God’s work isn’t finished; He continues to work to draw people into His Kingdom. --- Resources for Further Understanding: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Romans/10:21](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Romans/10:21) GotQuestions.org: [https://www.gotquestions.org/Romans-10-21.html](https://www.gotquestions.org/Romans-10-21.html) Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail, or perhaps explore the context of this verse within the larger story of the Bible?