Definition: Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 51:21. It's a really important one that speaks about God’s care for someone who is struggling. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse says God is watching over someone who is feeling lost, discouraged, and possibly a little overwhelmed. It’s saying, "I see you, I know you're hurting, and I'm here for you." Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Therefore hear now this..." : This isn’t a command to do anything. It’s a gentle reminder that God is aware of the person’s situation. "...thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine:" This is where it gets interesting. “Thou afflicted…” : This is a formal way of saying “you are suffering.” "Afflicted" means struggling or in distress. “…and drunken…” : This refers to a state of being overly drunk or severely impaired – perhaps from sadness, worry, or other emotional turmoil. "...but not with wine:" This is the crucial part! It's saying that despite their struggles, they aren’t drinking alcohol. It suggests there’s something else going on – maybe they need comfort, support, or a gentle reminder of hope. What does it mean practically? The verse is often interpreted as: God is aware of someone's pain and is offering them comfort and reassurance. It's a message of compassion and a promise that God isn’t ignoring their difficulties. It suggests a willingness to be present and offer support, even when the person seems lost in their own struggles. In short: God sees them, knows they need help, but isn’t offering them alcohol – instead, offering gentle encouragement and presence. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with a specific example? Discuss the context of the verse in the Bible? Explore what it might mean for someone struggling with difficult emotions?