Definition: And say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Cursed [be] the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 11:3. It's a really important and somewhat challenging passage, so we'll go through it slowly. Here’s what it means in plain terms: “And say unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Cursed [be] the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant.” Let’s unpack each part: “And say unto them…” : This is Jeremiah speaking directly to a group of people – likely leaders or officials – and he's giving them a warning. He’s essentially saying, “Listen carefully to me.” “…Thus saith the LORD God of Israel…” : This establishes who is speaking – it’s the biblical figure of God Himself. This isn’t just a casual conversation; it’s a direct message from God. “Cursed [be] the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant.” : This is the core of the verse. "Cursed" means to be punished or suffer. “Obey” means to follow and adhere to something. So, this verse says: “Let the man who doesn’t follow the rules and promises in this agreement (the covenant) be cursed!” What does this mean practically? The Bible describes a covenant as a binding agreement between God and his people - a promise of protection, blessings, and a relationship. This covenant was made with Israel, and it involved specific laws and obligations. Jeremiah 11:3 is essentially saying that if people don't follow these rules, they are being punished. It implies that this covenant is important and needs to be upheld. Context & Why it’s Important: This verse appears in a situation where the people of Israel were becoming increasingly rebellious and refusing to honor God’s laws. Jeremiah was warning them about their disobedience, and this verse is a direct consequence of their actions. It highlights that obedience is vital for maintaining a good relationship with God. In short: This verse warns against disobeying God's instructions and promises. It suggests a serious consequence for those who refuse to follow the rules set forth in a covenant. --- To help me explain it even better, could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand about this verse? (e.g., Are you curious about its historical context? Do you want a simpler explanation?)