Definition: They [are] all adulterers, as an oven heated by the baker, [who] ceaseth from raising after he hath kneaded the dough, until it be leavened.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a pretty poetic and thought-provoking one, and it’s about focusing on the quality of things rather than just their physical state. Here's my explanation: Overall Meaning: This verse is talking about people who are constantly trying to do wrong – they’re like an oven that’s always heating up, but never really working its magic. It’s a metaphor for someone or something that’s perpetually striving for something that isn’t right and isn't fulfilling. Let’s unpack it word by word: “They [are] all adulterers…” : "Adulterers" means to cheat or deceive. This refers to people who are trying to trick others, either through dishonesty or actions that go against what is right. “…as an oven heated by the baker…” : This is a really important comparison. Imagine a baker working hard to create bread – they’re carefully kneading it and shaping it until it's perfect. This baker is like God, who is constantly working to bring people closer to Him. “[who] ceaseth from raising after he hath kneaded the dough…” : “Ceaseth” means stops or ceases. "From raising" means to continue, to be active. So this part says that this baker is stopping – they’re not working hard enough, they're not putting in effort to make things right. “He hath kneaded the dough” - This describes the process of creating something good and righteous. "...until it be leavened." : “Leavened” means to become active, to rise and grow. This is a crucial part! It’s not enough for the baker to just sit there and heat up; they need to work – to keep the dough moving, to add ingredients, to make it rise. So, putting it all together: The verse is saying that people who are constantly trying to do wrong are like an oven that’s never fully working its magic. They're always striving for something that isn't right and aren't making any progress. It's a warning against striving for things that are not good or righteous, because they don't truly work and ultimately lead to unhappiness or brokenness. In essence, it’s a gentle but serious reminder to keep striving towards goodness, righteousness, and fulfilling your purpose. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or example? Discuss the meaning of “leavened” further?