Definition: For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Jeremiah 20:8. It's a really powerful and difficult verse, so we’ll go through it step-by-step. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “Jeremiah spoke…” : This refers to the prophet Jeremiah, who was a very important figure during the time of King Josiah. He was known for his prophetic words – he often warned about future events and challenges. “…I cried out…” : He wasn’t just talking; he expressed his distress and frustration. He felt like he was shouting and pleading for something to change. “…I cried violence and spoil…” : This is the core of the verse. Jeremiah was crying out because he believed the message he was delivering – the word of God – had become corrupted, tainted, or even harmful. It wasn’t being respected or appreciated. Think of it like a broken promise or a misleading argument. “Because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me…” : This is crucial. He's saying that his words were being rejected and despised. The Bible describes God’s word as holy and important, but this verse shows it was being treated poorly. “…and a derision, daily.” : This means the word of God wasn’t valued or trusted. It was often mocked, ridiculed, or dismissed as unimportant. He felt like his words were constantly being questioned and belittled. Overall Interpretation – What it suggests: The verse paints a picture of deep disappointment and frustration for Jeremiah. He felt that his message of truth and justice wasn't received well, and it was being treated with disrespect. It conveys a sense of sadness and perhaps even anger at the state of things. Important Context: This passage is found in the Book of Jeremiah, which details prophecies about Israel’s future. It’s often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of ignoring God's word or allowing corruption to spread within the nation. It speaks to a time when the people were drifting away from God and embracing something that wasn’t true. It’s important to note: The Bible doesn’t fully explain why Jeremiah felt this way, but it’s generally understood as a reflection of his deep conviction about the importance of God's word and its impact on individuals and society. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to another Bible story or theme? Provide some background information about Jeremiah's time?