Definition: When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and complex verse from Isaiah 4:4. It's a really important passage with layers of meaning, but I’ll try to explain it in a way that’s easy to understand. Here’s what it says: “When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.” Let's unpack each part: “When the Lord shall have…” : This sets up a future event – something that will happen eventually . It’s about the coming of a time when God is actively working. “…washing away the filth of the daughters of Zion…” : This is where it gets a little tricky to translate, but basically it means God is going to remove something negative or corrupting from Jerusalem. “The daughters of Zion” are figures mentioned in Jewish history, and "filth" represents something that’s wrong, sinful, or impure. It's suggesting that there’s a problem with the people of Israel, perhaps due to their actions or a spiritual state. “…and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof…” : This is a key part. “Purge” means to cleanse or remove something completely. “The blood of Jerusalem” refers to the bloodshed and violence that happened in Jerusalem’s history, particularly during times of conflict and rebellion. It's saying God is removing this violence and wrongdoing. “…by the spirit of judgment…” : This indicates a righteous and divine action. The “spirit of judgment” isn’t just any judgment; it’s a powerful, holy force that is actively working to correct something wrong. "...and by the spirit of burning.” : This suggests a cleansing fire – a purifying fire. It's not just about removing the filth; it's also about destroying something that’s harmful or destructive. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: Isaiah 4:4 is a powerful message about God's ultimate justice and restoration. It speaks of a time when God will completely cleanse and purify Jerusalem, eliminating sin and wrongdoing. The “spirit of judgment” and “spirit of burning” represent a complete destruction of evil and a return to righteousness. Important Context – It’s a Bit Mysterious: It's important to remember that this verse is often interpreted within the context of Jewish prophecy about the coming of a Messiah (a future king or savior). Many scholars believe it speaks of the coming of Jesus Christ, who fulfills these prophecies and brings about a final cleansing of the world. In short, Isaiah 4:4 describes a time when God is actively removing evil and corruption from Jerusalem, ultimately leading to a restoration of righteousness. --- Disclaimer: I'm providing this explanation for educational purposes only. Biblical interpretation can be complex and nuanced, and different scholars have varying perspectives. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example, are you curious about: The historical context of the verses? Its symbolic meaning?