Definition: Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon [my] thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Jeremiah 31:19. It's a really powerful and complex verse, so we’ll go through it step-by-step to make sense of it. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Imagine you’re about to give a huge, important gift – maybe a house or land – to someone who will live in it for generations. You're feeling anxious and worried about the future. Jeremiah is saying that he feels exactly that way. Here’s a breakdown of what he's experiencing: “Surely after that I was turned…” : This means he already felt bad or troubled before this moment. He wasn't just reacting to something; he already had a sense of unease, perhaps because of the weight of responsibility or a difficult situation. “…I repented.” : This is a key part. Repentance means feeling sorry for your wrongdoings and wanting to change them. Jeremiah is saying that he regretted his actions – he was ashamed of what he’d done. “And after that I was instructed…” : He received instructions from God about how to do this gift, but he felt unprepared or anxious about it. “…I smote upon [my] thigh:” : This is the most intense part. He's feeling incredibly overwhelmed and terrified. He’s saying that he was so ashamed and frightened that he physically trembled with fear. It’s like a huge wave of emotion washing over him. “I was ashamed, yea, even confounded…” : This is a strong expression of shame – he felt deeply humiliated and horrified. "Yea" emphasizes the intensity of his feeling. “Confounded” suggests utter bewilderment - he couldn't understand why he was experiencing this level of distress. Putting it all together: Jeremiah is describing a moment where he feels deeply remorseful, terrified, and overwhelmed by the consequences of his actions. He’s acknowledging that his feelings were so intense they physically shook him to his core. It wasn't just sadness; it was a profound sense of shame and fear about what he had done. What does this mean in a broader context? This passage is often interpreted as a reflection on the potential for human fallibility and the consequences of our actions. It speaks to the idea that even when we feel remorse, the weight of our choices can be overwhelming. It's a reminder that we are responsible for what we do, and that our feelings can have significant impact. Important Note: The exact meaning of this passage is debated among theologians. Some see it as a lament about the prophet’s own struggles, while others interpret it as a symbolic representation of humanity's potential for shame and fear. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific story or theme in the Bible? Discuss what the verse might mean in terms of our own lives?