Definition: For I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 30:11. It's a pretty powerful and complex statement about God’s relationship with his people. Here’s a simplified explanation: Essentially, it means: “I am with you, and I will save you, even if it takes all of the world. But I won’t completely destroy you – I’ll correct you and not leave you without consequence.” Let's unpack that a little further: "I [am] with thee..." : This is God speaking directly to the people he has chosen to save. He’s offering his presence and protection. "...says the LORD..." : This indicates it's a direct message from God, not just an interpretation of something else. "...to save thee..." : He wants to help you out of a difficult situation. "though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee…" : This is the part that’s a bit confusing at first. “Make a full end” means to completely destroy everything. God was scattering his people across many lands, and he's saying he will not completely destroy them. He's trying to preserve them. "...yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure…" : This is the crucial part. He’s not going to wipe you out entirely. Instead, he intends to “correct” you – to teach you and guide you toward righteousness – but he’ll also hold you accountable for your mistakes. He's saying he will address your wrongdoings, but not condemn you completely. "...and will not leave thee altogether unpunished." : This emphasizes that God will not ignore your sins or consequences. He expects you to answer for what you do. The overall message: God is offering a path of correction and redemption, even though he's facing a massive challenge – scattering his people. It’s a promise of both help and responsibility. Why is this verse important? It speaks to the idea that God’s love isn’t just about forgiving us; He also demands accountability and will hold us responsible for our choices. It's a reminder that we are not abandoned, but rather, gently guided towards righteousness. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Compare it to another Bible passage? Discuss the context of this verse within the Old Testament?