Definition: And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, [saying], Jacob: And I said, Here [am] I.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly famous verse from Genesis 31:11. It's a really strange and fascinating story about an encounter between God and Jacob! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is speaking to Jacob – the patriarch of Israel – through a dream. Let’s unpack that a little further: “And the angel of God spake” : This means “The angel of God spoke.” It's not a friendly conversation; it’s a divine one. “[saying]” : This is where the verse gets really interesting. The angel is telling Jacob something. "Jacob: And I said, Here [am] I." This is the crucial part. Jacob is responding to this message with the words “Here I am.” So, what's the big deal? This story is a bit symbolic and it’s often interpreted as a sign that God is testing or involved in Jacob’s life. It’s suggesting: Jacob was being tricked: The angel appears to Jacob in a dream and tells him he’s “here.” This suggests that Jacob was being manipulated by an unknown force. God is watching over Jacob: It's a way for God to show that He is actively involved in Jacob’s life, even when he’s being challenged. Why is this story so significant? It’s one of the oldest and most debated stories in the Bible. It raises questions about free will vs. divine intervention, and it highlights a moment of profound surprise and disorientation for Jacob. In short, the verse describes a dream where God speaks to Jacob, and he responds with the words "Here I am." It’s a story that has inspired many interpretations and continues to be pondered today. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this story is so important? Discuss different possible interpretations of the verse? Connect it to other stories in the Bible?