Definition: Yet, LORD, thou knowest all their counsel against me to slay [me]: forgive not their iniquity, neither blot out their sin from thy sight, but let them be overthrown before thee; deal [thus] with them in the time of thine anger.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jeremiah 18:23. It’s a pretty powerful and somewhat dramatic passage about God’s judgment on sin. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is facing a serious problem – a group of people who are constantly plotting against him and trying to harm him. He’s feeling threatened and incredibly angry. He’s essentially saying, "I know they're planning evil against me, and I need to handle them decisively." Let’s unpack the parts: “Yet, LORD, thou knowest all their counsel against me to slay [me]” : This is a crucial part. God knows they're scheming against him. It suggests a deliberate plan, maybe even a rebellion. “Thou” is a formal way of addressing God - it emphasizes his awareness and power. “Forgive not their iniquity, neither blot out their sin from thy sight…” : This is about not forgetting the evil they’re doing. "Iniquity" means wickedness – that's the morally wrong behavior. God doesn’t want to forget this wrongdoing. He wants to see it punished. “…but let them be overthrown before thee; deal [thus] with them in the time of thine anger.” : This is the most intense part. God isn't just going to ignore their evil, he wants to punish them severely. He’s telling them to be dealt with – meaning, they will experience consequences. “Deal with them” suggests a forceful and significant response. Putting it all together: God is feeling incredibly angry at these people because of their persistent wickedness (iniquity). He doesn't want to let this evil go unpunished. He’s giving them a chance to fight back, but if they don’t, he will unleash his full wrath – punish them severely. It’s like a divine ultimatum: "You must be dealt with." The Significance: This verse is often interpreted as a reminder of God's holiness and justice. It emphasizes that He is not indifferent to evil, but actively works to punish it. It speaks to the idea that sin will have consequences, even if those consequences are harsh. --- Important Note: This is a complex passage with layers of meaning. Different interpretations exist within biblical studies. But hopefully, this explanation provides a good foundation for understanding what’s going on in this verse. Would you like me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Compare this verse to other passages about God's judgment or justice?