Definition: And I said unto her, Thou shalt abide for me many days; thou shalt not play the harlot, and thou shalt not be for [another] man: so [will] I also [be] for thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 3:3. It’s a really important message about love and commitment! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is offering her (the woman) a very special kind of support – a long, enduring relationship with Him. He wants to be with her for a significant amount of time and he's committed to keeping her safe and happy. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And I said unto her…” - This is Hosea, the prophet, speaking directly to a woman named Hannah. It's like saying "I am speaking to you." “…Thou shalt abide for me many days…” – "Thou” is a formal way of addressing someone older or more important than you. So, this means “you shall stay with me for many days.” It’s about a long period of time. “…thou shalt not play the harlot…” - This is the key part. "Harlot" is a tricky word, but it essentially means someone who is frivolous, restless, and focused on pleasure and attention rather than commitment or responsibility. She's not being faithful to God. “…and thou shalt not be for [another] man…” – This reinforces the idea of not straying from God’s plan. She shouldn't be with someone else. “So [will] I also [be] for thee.” - This is the crucial part. “Also” means "and." It’s a promise of continued support and care, because she will stay with God. He promises to remain with her throughout her life. Putting it all together: Hosea 3:3 is essentially saying that God is offering Hannah a long, committed relationship with him. He wants to be with her for a significant amount of time and he's determined to keep her safe and happy, always being there for her. It’s about a deep, enduring love and faithfulness. Overall Meaning: The verse emphasizes the importance of commitment, devotion, and faithfulness in a relationship – both with God and with each other. It's a message of hope and reassurance that God will remain with you through thick and thin. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give an example of what "playing the harlot" could mean in a real-life situation (without being overly judgmental)? Relate it to a broader theme in the Bible, like faithfulness or commitment?