Definition: And I am very sore displeased with the heathen [that are] at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zechariah 1:15. It's a really interesting and somewhat complex passage, so we'll go through it step-by-step. Here's what it means in simpler terms: “Zechariah 1:15” : This refers to a specific event in the Old Testament – a vision or prophecy given by Zechariah to King David about the future of Israel. “And I am very sore displeased with the heathen [that are] at ease” : This is the core of the verse. “Heathen” means people who are different from Jewish people, and it's a really important word here. Zechariah is saying he’s very upset with those who are comfortable or relaxed . “for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.” : This is where it gets more nuanced. "Affliction" means hardship, trouble, or suffering. Zechariah saw this coming – he knew that people would be troubled by God's judgment on Israel. He did feel a small amount of worry, but it wasn’t overwhelming. The important part is that these “heathens” (people who are at ease) were actively helping to cause the suffering to continue. Putting it all together – Here’s what it suggests: Zechariah was worried about a future situation where people would be comfortable and unconcerned, which would make it easier for God to punish Israel. He saw this as a potential problem that needed to be addressed. He wasn't angry at them, but he recognized their actions were contributing to the suffering. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about human nature. It suggests that we are all susceptible to being comfortable and complacent, which can lead us down paths of wrongdoing or suffering. It’s a reminder to be mindful of our own comfort and to actively work against negative influences. Important Note: The exact context of this verse is debated among scholars, but it's generally understood as a prophetic warning about the potential for human apathy or complacency that could lead to disaster. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Relate it to a particular biblical story or theme? Give you some different interpretations of this verse?