Definition: Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut [the womb]? saith thy God.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly poetic passage from Isaiah 66:9. It’s a really rich and complex verse, and it speaks about God’s plan for humanity. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying, “God is going to bring about a significant change in the world, and He's going to actively initiate that change.” It’s a bit dramatic, but it has layers of meaning. Let's look at each part: “Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth?” – This refers to God bringing about the creation of humanity (or perhaps a new era). "Bring forth" means to create or expand – to grow and become something new. So, God is planning to start humanity. “Saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut [the womb]?” – This is where it gets really interesting. “Shut the womb” is a very symbolic phrase. It means that God intends to prevent humanity from fully developing or reaching its full potential. It’s like a seed that isn't allowed to sprout. “Saith thy God.” – This confirms that this is God speaking directly to us. What it Means (Interpretations - There are different ways to understand it): There are several interpretations of what this verse is trying to convey, and it’s been debated for centuries: A Test or Trial: Some believe it's a test of humanity's faith and willingness to accept God's plan. God is testing whether we are ready to embrace the future He has in store. A Necessary Step: Others see it as a necessary step towards a greater purpose. It’s like planting a seed – without letting it grow, it won’t become something truly significant. The Rise of Evil: A more dramatic interpretation is that this verse anticipates the rise of evil and wickedness in the world. God might be preparing a time when humanity will inevitably fall into darkness. This is often linked to the story of Cain and Abel. Important Note: It’s important to remember that this is a very symbolic passage. The "shutting of the womb" isn't meant to be taken literally. It represents a restriction or limitation on human potential. In short, Isaiah 66:9 describes God's intention to actively shape and guide humanity's future – with a deliberate effort to limit its growth. --- To help me tailor this explanation further for you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to learn from this verse? (Are you curious about a specific interpretation, or just the general meaning?)