Definition: Ye looked for much, and, lo, [it came] to little; and when ye brought [it] home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that [is] waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Haggai 1:9. It's a really important passage about faith and purpose! Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying God is impressed with our efforts and wants to bless us. But he’s disappointed because we haven’t put enough effort into something – specifically, building a temple. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Ye looked for much, and, lo, [it came] to little…” - This means initially, people were hoping for a big, amazing result. They were anticipating a huge amount of work and a spectacular outcome. But the result was small . It's like when you’re planning a big picnic, but it turns out to be a small gathering. “…and, when ye brought [it] home, I did blow upon it.” - God is now giving us a sign – “I’m pleased with your efforts!” – and he’s using a powerful action to show that approval. He's essentially blowing on the temple to bless it. “Why? saith the LORD of hosts.” - This is the key part! God says this because there was waste (meaning something wasn’t working properly) in the building site. And people were running off to their own homes, neglecting their responsibilities. It's like someone leaving a task unfinished – it’s not being done correctly. “Because of mine house that [is] waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.” - This is the reason for the disappointment. The building site was in a state of disrepair – a mess. And because people weren’t working diligently, they were spreading out, each going their own way without taking responsibility for the task. It's saying that lack of focus and diligence leads to problems. In short: God is impressed with our effort, but he’s disappointed because we haven't finished what we started properly. It’s a reminder to be diligent, focused, and responsible in everything we do. What does this mean for us today? This verse encourages us to: Be Focused: Don’t get distracted or lose sight of our goals. Take Responsibility: Don't let things fall through the cracks – be diligent and complete your tasks. Work Together: Teamwork is important. We need to support each other in completing a project effectively. Do you want me to explain any of these parts further, or would you like me to connect this verse to a specific story or example? For instance, are you interested in: A biblical story that illustrates this idea? How it relates to modern-day productivity or responsibility?