Definition: And she shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them; and she shall seek them, but shall not find [them]: then shall she say, I will go and return to my first husband; for then [was it] better with me than now.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Hosea 2:7. It’s a really powerful and poignant message about love and commitment. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a woman who is deeply involved with her partners – she loves them intensely – but finds herself trapped and unable to truly be with them. She's constantly seeking them, yearning for their attention, but ultimately realizes that her current situation isn’t fulfilling her needs or happiness. She feels like it’s better to leave everything behind than to continue in this cycle of longing. Let's unpack the parts: "And she shall follow after her lovers..." : This is the initial part – she’s drawn into a relationship with others. "...but she shall not overtake them; and she shall seek them, but shall not find [them]:" : This is the core of the verse. She tries to be with them, she actively seeks them out, but she can't truly have them. It’s a constant chase – a longing without fulfillment. Think of it like a ship trying to catch a wave, but always missing the mark. "Then shall she say, I will go and return to my first husband; for then [was it] better with me than now." : This is the crucial part. She realizes that her current situation – being constantly seeking this other person – isn’t good for her long-term happiness or well-being. It's causing her pain and discontent. She makes a conscious decision to leave, believing it’s better to be single than in this unhappy cycle. What does it mean practically? This verse speaks to the challenges of unhealthy relationships – where love becomes an obsession rather than genuine connection. It highlights: The importance of commitment: It warns against drifting away from a relationship without considering whether it's truly serving your best interests. The value of self-awareness: It encourages us to examine our own needs and desires in relationships. The potential for happiness through separation: It suggests that sometimes, the most fulfilling path is to break free from unhealthy attachments and find peace with oneself. In essence, Hosea 2:7 is a warning against pursuing relationships solely for the sake of love – it’s about seeking someone, but ultimately, true fulfillment comes from self-discovery and choosing a life that nurtures your own well-being. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific theme in the Bible?