Definition: Mine heritage is unto me as a lion in the forest; it crieth out against me: therefore have I hated it.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible passage. It's a pretty complex and poetic statement, but here’s an explanation designed to be understandable: The Basic Idea: This verse is from Jeremiah 12:8 and it expresses deep frustration and anger towards God. Essentially, Jeremiah feels like God is constantly interfering in his life and causing him pain. He's describing a situation where he feels like God is actively attacking him. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Mine heritage is unto me…” – This means this feeling of anger and frustration belongs to him . It's a personal, deeply felt emotion. “…as a lion in the forest…” - This is the key image. Lions are powerful, wild animals. Placing this metaphor within a "forest" suggests a wild, untamed environment – a place where he feels vulnerable and exposed. “it crieth out against me…” - This is the core of the verse. The lion is roaring – it’s expressing intense anger and opposition. It's actively attacking him. It’s not just a simple complaint; it’s a forceful, defiant response. “…therefore have I hated it.” - This reinforces the feeling of hatred. He feels that God is deliberately causing him pain and suffering. So, what does this mean in a broader sense? Jeremiah was a prophet who felt like God wasn't listening to him or helping him. This verse speaks to a feeling of: Disappointment: He’s disappointed by God’s actions. Resentment: He feels a strong, bitter feeling toward God because he believes God is behaving unfairly. Feeling unheard: He's experiencing the sense that his voice isn’t being heard or valued. Important Context: This passage comes before Jeremiah’s famous prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem. It suggests a period of intense struggle and perhaps even despair for the prophet. In short, this verse portrays Jeremiah as deeply frustrated with God's actions and feeling like he is constantly battling against his divine plan. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious expert. This explanation is based on interpretations of biblical texts and should be considered one possible understanding. Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage?