Definition: And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart [is] not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength [lieth].
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse. It’s a really powerful and important passage from the Book of Judges. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: The Accused: A woman named “She” is being accused of deliberately provoking and mocking the judges (leaders) of Israel. The Mockery: She has repeatedly mocked the judges, telling them where her strength lies – meaning she’s been defiant and challenging their authority. She's essentially saying, "I'm not loving you; I'm being disrespectful." Three Times: This isn’t a one-time thing. She’s been doing this three times! What it Means - A Bit More Deeply: This verse is about betrayal and disrespect. It’s a harsh rebuke of someone who intentionally causes harm and defiance. It's a clear message that the woman is not being honest or trustworthy. "How canst thou say, I love thee?" – This is the core question. The verse implies she's suggesting she can love someone, but her actions prove otherwise. It’s like saying “I can love you” when you’re secretly hating her. “When thine heart [is] not with me?” – This is a crucial part. It means her heart isn’t aligned with the judgment and the actions of the judges. Her thoughts and feelings aren't supportive of the situation. The Significance: This verse is often seen as a warning to the Israelites – and it’s still relevant today! It highlights that trust and loyalty are essential. It tells us that if someone isn't loving and supporting you, it means something is seriously wrong. In short, this verse emphasizes that disrespect and defiance can be a serious problem and that honesty and faithfulness are vital for a healthy relationship. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Give you a more detailed explanation of the context it's in? Discuss the meaning of the word "heart" in this verse?