Definition: When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Genesis 4:12. It’s a really important passage about beginnings and God’s plan for humanity. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a significant shift in the human relationship with the Earth – and, by extension, with God himself. It says that after humans start tilling the land (planting crops and farming), the land will no longer be ours to control. It’s going to become a place of wandering and being lost. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “When thou tillest the ground…” : This refers to the act of planting seeds and preparing the soil. It’s about starting something new. “…it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength…” : “Yield” means to give or allow something. This part says that after we start working the land, it will no longer be good for us to control. It’s like the land is giving up its power to us. "Her strength" refers to the land's natural ability to provide – its fertility, its resources, etc. “A fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.” : This is the shocking part! It means we will become wandering, lost, and without a permanent home. We’ll be constantly moving from place to place, unable to settle down or build a life. It implies a lack of security and belonging. What does this mean practically? Humanity's Beginning: This verse is often seen as the beginning of humanity's journey – our first step into a world where we are not inherently connected to the land. Loss of Control: It’s a reminder that humans aren’t in complete control of the Earth. We are temporary guests, and our dominion over nature will eventually be limited. A Call for Responsibility : It can also be interpreted as a call to humility – to respect and care for the land and its resources, rather than taking it for granted. Context & Significance: This verse is part of a larger story in Genesis that describes humanity’s creation and the beginnings of life on Earth. It sets the stage for the subsequent events where humans begin to dominate the world, leading to conflict and ultimately, the story of Adam and Eve and the fall from grace (according to some interpretations). In short, it's a powerful statement about the changing relationship between humanity and the natural world – a shift towards wandering and instability. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to another Bible passage? Discuss its symbolism (like being lost)?