Definition: And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek [them] not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the LORD: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 45:5. It’s a really powerful and unsettling passage about God’s plan for the future. Here's a simplified explanation: What it says: “And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek [them] not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the LORD: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And seekest thou great things for thyself?” - This is a question to someone who's focused on their own desires and ambitions. It suggests they might be seeking something that will make them powerful or successful, but it’s framed as a potentially foolish pursuit. “seek [them] not: for…” - This is a crucial part. God isn’t saying they are bad. He's saying you shouldn't seek these things. It's a warning against focusing on selfish goals. “for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh…” – This is the core of the verse. "Behold" means "see" or "notice." God is saying that he (God) will cause widespread devastation and suffering. “All flesh” means everyone - humans, animals, and even plants. “saith the LORD:” - This is a way of speaking that emphasizes the seriousness of what’s being said. It's like a formal command or declaration from God. “but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest.” - This is the most disturbing part. God isn't just causing destruction; He’s giving something to someone – your life. He’s saying that your life will be vulnerable and at risk, across every place you travel. It suggests a deliberate targeting of individuals. Overall Meaning & Context: This verse paints a picture of a catastrophic future where God is actively working against humanity. It's often interpreted as a premonition of the destruction of the Israelite nation during the Babylonian exile (around 609 BCE). It’s a message of judgment and a warning about the dangers of pursuing selfish ambitions and focusing on things that are ultimately meaningless in the face of God’s plan. Important Note: The Bible often uses symbolic language to describe future events. This verse is a dramatic expression of God's power, but it's important to remember it’s not necessarily a literal prediction of a specific event. It speaks to a deeper truth about God’s sovereignty and the ultimate outcome of all things. Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/bible/Jeremiah/45](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/bible/Jeremiah/45) Wikipedia - Jeremiah 45: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah_45] --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the theological significance of this passage? Explore how this verse relates to other biblical stories or prophecies?