Definition: Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 2:21. It's a really powerful and somewhat shocking statement. Here’s an explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Jeremiah is talking about a young man named “you” (referring to the speaker) who is now acting very badly – he’s become a destructive, unpleasant person. He’s saying that he was planted with a very special and beautiful seed, and he's completely gone wrong. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Yet I had planted thee…” : This means Jeremiah saw this young man as being nurtured and cared for – like a seed being planted in fertile ground. He believed he was given a good start. “…a noble vine, wholly a right seed:” This is the key part. “Noble vine” suggests something beautiful, strong, and full of potential. "Right seed" means this young man was perfectly suited to flourish and become great. It implies he had the qualities to thrive. “How then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?” This is where it gets really dramatic. “Degenerate plant” is a metaphor – it’s describing someone who is rotting, decaying, and not growing well. "Strange vine" suggests this isn't just a normal vine; it's a vine that has been twisted and corrupted. “Unto me” means Jeremiah is expressing his displeasure or disappointment with this young man. He feels like he’s being punished for something. Overall Meaning - A Warning & a Sense of Disappointment: The verse essentially says: “You were given a wonderful opportunity – you were blessed with good qualities and potential. But now, you've turned into a terrible, unproductive, and unpleasant person. I am disappointed and even angry because your path has led to this.” Important Note: This is a very difficult passage to interpret. It’s often seen as a warning about the dangers of pride, vanity, and focusing on superficial qualities rather than genuine goodness and wisdom. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the context of this passage in the Bible? Talk about what it might be teaching us today (e.g., about striving for a good life)?