Definition: If grapegatherers come to thee, would they not leave [some] gleaning grapes? if thieves by night, they will destroy till they have enough.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jeremiah 49:9. It’s a pretty powerful and symbolic message about God’s plan for the future. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about God’s intention to punish those who exploit or take more than they need, even in the midst of a harvest. It's a warning about greed and selfishness. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “If grapegatherers come to thee…” – This refers to people from a specific region, likely Israel, who are gathering grapes (a common agricultural activity). “…would they not leave [some] gleaning grapes?” - "Gleaning" means to harvest and collect the leftover grapes after the main crop. So, this part suggests that those who come to gather grapes might choose to leave some behind. “if thieves by night…” – This is a crucial addition. It introduces the idea of danger and violence. It’s not just about people coming to harvest; it's about someone stealing from the grapes. “…they will destroy till they have enough.” - This means that if they take too much, they won't be able to keep everything they collect. They’ll run out of resources and ultimately suffer consequences. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: Jeremiah 49:9 is a prophecy about God’s judgment on those who are greedy or selfish. It’s saying that God will punish those who exploit others, take more than they need, and cause harm to those around them. It speaks to the idea of taking without giving back, leading to hardship and destruction. Why is it significant? This verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of Israel's exile and eventual destruction. It’s a message about God’s sovereignty and his desire for justice. It emphasizes that God intends to bring about a time when those who are greedy will be punished, and that this punishment will ultimately lead to the end of everything. Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on common interpretations of the text within biblical scholarship. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of the time Jeremiah wrote this in? Talk about what this verse might symbolize beyond just the literal harvest?