Definition: Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knoweth [it] not: yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he knoweth not.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 7:9. It’s a really poignant and insightful passage about God’s love and understanding. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about God’s immense love and care for his people, even when they are behaving strangely or seemingly lost. It highlights that while our outward appearance – like gray hairs – might seem to show a lack of strength or wisdom, God still knows everything. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Hosea 7:9 Strangers have devoured his strength..." - This is the core image. “Strangers” refers to people who are not truly connected to God and aren’t living a righteous life. They are acting out of their own desires, perhaps lacking faith or understanding. "Devoured his strength" means they're taking away from His power and guidance. "...and he knoweth [it] not..." - This is the crucial part. “He knoweth it not” means God doesn’t need to explain things to us, He already understands our struggles and shortcomings perfectly. It’s a profound statement of His infinite awareness. It's like saying, "I see what you’re doing, even though I don't need to tell you." "...yet he knoweth..." - This is a key point – God does know. He doesn’t just passively observe; He actively observes and understands our behavior. The Meaning & Significance: This verse suggests several important things: God's Perfect Understanding: God doesn't judge us based on how we look or act. He sees the whole picture, even when it’s imperfect. Forgiveness & Grace: God's love isn't about perfection; it’s about grace – His willingness to forgive our mistakes and help us grow. It's about seeing beyond the surface. The Importance of Faith: The verse implies that true strength comes not from outward appearances but from a deep, trusting relationship with God. It encourages us to seek His understanding rather than focusing on how we appear to others. In short, this verse tells us that God loves us deeply even when we’re struggling and doesn't judge us based on our flaws – because He already knows everything. Where does it come from? This passage is found within the book of Hosea, which is a prophetic letter to Hosea, one of God’s servants. It speaks about the Israelite people’s relationship with God and their need for repentance and renewed faith. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific theme or story?