Definition: We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us: for we have sinned against the LORD our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 3:25. It’s a really important and sobering passage about humanity's relationship with God. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that we – all of us – are deeply flawed and have made mistakes, and those mistakes have led to shame and confusion. It acknowledges our sinfulness and its impact on everything. Let's unpack the parts: “We lie down in our shame…” : This means we’re feeling ashamed and embarrassed. It suggests a sense of guilt or discomfort because we know we’ve done something wrong. “…and our confusion covers us…” : Confusion is a big part of this. It’s not just simple misunderstandings; it's a deeper state where we don’t know how to do the right thing, or what’s truly important. It’s like being lost and unsure. “For we have sinned against the LORD our God…” : This is the core of the verse. “Sin” means breaking God's rules or laws. Jeremiah is saying that we have broken God's rules, and that's a serious thing. He’s pointing out that we are responsible for disobeying His commands. “we and our fathers…” : This highlights that this isn’t just about me doing something wrong. It's about the entire family line – our ancestors who have also disobeyed God. It emphasizes that sin is a pattern, passed down through generations. “…from our youth even unto this day…” : This is incredibly important. It means we’ve been making mistakes since the beginning of time! We haven't always been perfect. It speaks to a long history of disobedience. “and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.” : This is the most critical part. "Obey" means to follow what God tells us. Jeremiah is saying that we haven’t listened to God's guidance, his instructions, and his commands. We've ignored His voice and made choices that go against His will. What does this mean for us? It means we all have a responsibility to turn back to God and listen to Him. It’s a call to repentance – to acknowledge our mistakes and make amends. It suggests that true peace and happiness come from obeying God. In essence, the verse is a warning about the consequences of disobedience and a plea for forgiveness and return to God. --- Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a historical account of Israel’s rebellion against God. However, it's also seen as a universal message – all humans are capable of sin and need to seek reconciliation with God. Would you like me to: Explain any of these concepts in more detail? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of Jeremiah? Connect this passage to other parts of the Bible?