Definition: For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Lamentations 4:6. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible. Here's my explanation, aiming for clarity without getting bogged down in complex theological jargon: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s intense anger at Sodom and Gomorrah – two cities that were destroyed because of wickedness. It suggests that God feels deeply hurt by their destruction and doesn't just want to punish them lightly. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Lamentations 4:6” : This is the verse itself – a lament, or a sorrowful expression of grief. It’s a way for God to express his pain. “For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people” : This means that God is holding someone accountable for the terrible actions of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. "Iniquity" means sin – wrongdoing, moral failings. “The daughter of my people” refers to the Jewish community who lived in those cities. “is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom…” : This is the key part. The punishment of Sodom was a quick, dramatic destruction. But God’s punishment is significantly bigger and more profound. It's like saying that a single act of terrible wrongdoing can have a much larger impact than a series of smaller ones. “that was overthrown as in a moment” : This emphasizes how quickly the destruction happened. It wasn’t a slow, gradual process; it was almost instantaneous. It felt like God simply stopped the destruction. “and no hands stayed on her” : This is the unsettling part. It suggests that God didn't just stop the destruction – he completely extinguished it. He didn't allow anything to remain, showing the full extent of his wrath and the consequence of their wickedness. What does this mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to several important themes: God’s Justice: It highlights God’s unwavering commitment to justice – punishing wrongdoing with severe consequences. The Consequences of Wickedness: It shows that sin has a lasting impact, and even the most devastating actions can be met with immense punishment. God's Sovereignty & Wrath: It portrays God as powerful and completely in control, not just reacting to events, but actively punishing those who have strayed from righteousness. In short, this verse is a powerful statement about God’s deep sorrow and his complete judgment on those who have chosen to commit evil. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes?