Definition: Thus thou calledst to remembrance the lewdness of thy youth, in bruising thy teats by the Egyptians for the paps of thy youth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 23:21. It’s a really powerful and somewhat unsettling passage about God’s perspective on human behavior. Here's a simplified explanation: What it says: “Thus thou calledst to remembrance the lewdness of thy youth, in bruising thy teats by the Egyptians for the paps of thy youth.” Here’s what it means, broken down: “Thus thou calledst…” : This is God speaking directly to someone – likely a king or ruler. He's reminding them of something they did. “…the lewdness of thy youth” : This refers to the times when the person was young and perhaps indulged in foolish, provocative, or even shameful behavior. It’s acknowledging a past mistake or tendency. “in bruising thy teats by the Egyptians…” : This is the key part. The “teats” refer to the genitals. The Egyptians were conquering the land of Israel at that time, and they were often seen as having a bit of a lax attitude towards women’s dignity. God is saying that because the person acted in this way, it caused harm – specifically, bruising their genitals. “for the paps of thy youth” : This is a figurative phrase. “Paps” means the pubic area. So, it's highlighting the result of that past behavior – the physical impact on the person. So, putting it all together: God is reminding this person that their youthful behavior was shameful and caused pain or harm to themselves and others. It’s a consequence of their choices. What’s the message? This verse speaks to several important themes: God’s Justice: It highlights God's judgment on humanity’s actions, even in the past. He isn’t just looking for forgiveness; he’s holding people accountable for what they do. Responsibility: It emphasizes that we are responsible for our choices and their consequences. We can’t simply wash our hands of it – our actions have a tangible impact. Humility: It reminds us that even powerful rulers or leaders need to remember their past mistakes, as it shapes who they become. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a reminder for those in positions of power to be mindful of the potential harm caused by their decisions and actions. It’s not about condemnation; it's about understanding the consequences of our choices. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss its significance in a particular context (like biblical history)? Give a different interpretation or perspective on this verse?