Definition: And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: [nevertheless], if thou see me [when I am] taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be [so].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 2:10. It's a really important and somewhat dramatic piece of text in the Bible. Here’s a simple explanation: What it means: This verse is about a future event – the death of King Hezekiah. It’s saying that even if God allows him to be taken away from you, there will be consequences for you. But if he doesn't take him away, then things will be different for you. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And he said…” : This establishes the context – a conversation between God and Hezekiah. “…Thou hast asked a hard thing:” This is a direct address to Hezekiah, acknowledging his request was difficult. It's essentially saying, "You've asked a really challenging question." “[nevertheless], if thou see me [when I am] taken from thee…” : This is the core of the verse. “Thou” refers back to Hezekiah. "When I am taken from you" means he’s going to die. It's a significant, dramatic moment. “it shall be so unto thee:” : This means you will experience something negative if this happens. It suggests a loss or hardship. “…but if not, it shall not be [so].” : This is the crucial part. If Hezekiah doesn't die, things will continue as they were before. It’s a reassurance that things won’t change drastically because of his death. In simpler terms: God is saying that even though Hezekiah asks for something difficult, there will be consequences for him if it happens. But if Hezekiah doesn't die, things will remain the same. It's a warning about the potential for loss and a promise of stability. Why it’s important: This verse is a reminder of God's sovereignty – His absolute control over events. It also speaks to the importance of trusting in God even when things seem bleak or difficult. Do you want me to explain any of this further? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the context of the story in 2 Kings 2? Explain what "sovereignty" means in biblical terms?