Definition: For he will finish the work, and cut [it] short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Romans 9:28. It's a really important and somewhat complex idea, so we’ll go through it step by step. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about God’s plan for the world and how He might use hardship to ultimately bring about good. It suggests that God isn't always perfectly aligned with our desires, and sometimes, things will happen that are unexpected and challenging . Let’s unpack it: “He will finish the work…” - This means that God has a purpose for the world. He’s working towards something significant. “…and cut [it] short in righteousness:” – This is where it gets interesting. "Cut it short" implies a pause or interruption. “In righteousness” means according to His will, His perfect and just way. It's not about stopping the work completely but adjusting it to be better. “Because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.” - This is the core of the message. God will use this interruption – this short period of difficulty – to accomplish something truly good and beneficial for humanity. Here’s what it suggests about God's plan: God isn’t always perfect: It acknowledges that sometimes, God doesn't perfectly align with our wants or desires. He might not always make the decisions we want him to. Good can come from hardship: The verse implies that suffering and difficult situations aren’t inherently bad. They can be a means to an end – a way for God to work out His plan of salvation and justice. It's about transformation: This isn't just about the suffering itself, but the change that occurs as a result of it. The short period of difficulty will transform the world in a positive way. Important Note: This is a complex passage, and there’s been much debate about its exact meaning throughout history. It’s often interpreted as suggesting that God allows some suffering to occur, but ultimately He works for good. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand from this verse? (Are you curious about a specific aspect like the concept of grace, or something else?)