Definition: Then I went to Euphrates, and digged, and took the girdle from the place where I had hid it: and, behold, the girdle was marred, it was profitable for nothing.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 13:7. It's a really strange and dramatic passage, and it’s packed with symbolism! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jeremiah is talking about a man named “I” who was trying to hide a valuable item – think of it like a precious jewel or a magical artifact. He dug deep into the ground near the Euphrates River (a major river in Mesopotamia, now part of Turkey) and found it! But… it’s ruined. It's completely damaged and useless. Let's unpack the symbolism: “I went to Euphrates” : This refers to a very important and potentially dangerous place – the border between two worlds or empires. It symbolizes a time of great upheaval and conflict. “Digged, and took the girdle from the place where I had hid it” : He dug deep . The “girdle” is a metaphor for something incredibly valuable – perhaps a promise, a secret, or even a life itself. He's essentially trying to secure it in a hidden location. “And, behold, the girdle was marred, it was profitable for nothing.” : This is the key part! “Marred” means damaged, broken, and unusable. "Profitable for nothing" means that the effort – the digging and hiding – has been wasted. It's like a failed attempt. So, what does this verse mean ? It’s a warning about false promises and misguided efforts. Jeremiah is saying that people often try to hide things (or ideas) in ways that ultimately lead to nothing. The act of trying to hide something valuable is pointless because it won't last. Possible Interpretations: Avoid Being Deceived: It’s a reminder to be cautious and not trust anyone who offers you something without understanding the potential consequences or for a price you can't afford. Don't Waste Time on Unrealistic Goals: It suggests that chasing after impossible dreams or trying to hide from reality will never lead to success. In short, it’s a message about the importance of honesty, prudence, and not getting bogged down in futile efforts. --- Would you like me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of Jeremiah 13:7 within the larger story of the book?