Definition: Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 12:12. It’s a really interesting and slightly mysterious passage about a woman’s life! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that a woman's life was almost completely consumed by her father's (or, in this case, the mother’s) womb. It’s a really powerful image and suggests a very difficult and potentially destructive path. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Let her not be as one dead…” : This is the core of the message. It's comparing her life to a person who has been completely extinguished, like a corpse. “…of whom the flesh is half consumed…” : This means that her entire life was spent in a state of being almost empty. She wasn’t fully alive, or fully experiencing life. It suggests a lack of depth and passion. The “half consumed” part emphasizes the incomplete nature of her existence. “…when he cometh out of his mother’s womb.” : This is the crucial detail. It refers to her birth. She was born before her father (or mother). The word "cometh" here implies a very early and perhaps transformative beginning. So, what does this all mean? The verse paints a picture of a woman who: Was Primarily Focused on Her Father: Her life was almost entirely devoted to serving and pleasing her father. She wasn't allowed to have her own thoughts or desires. Lacked Personal Growth & Depth: Because she was so focused on her father, she didn’t have the opportunity to develop her own identity, passions, or understanding of the world outside of that relationship. She wasn’t fully alive in the way a person born after birth would be. It's a Warning and a Symbol: This verse is often interpreted as a warning against being overly reliant on others – especially parents – and suggesting that a life lived solely for someone else can lead to a spiritually barren existence. It’s a reminder that true fulfillment comes from developing your own character and pursuing your own path, rather than simply serving another person's needs. Important Note: The exact context of this verse is debated among scholars. It doesn't have a straightforward translation or explanation. However, it's a significant and thought-provoking passage that speaks to the importance of individual identity and spiritual growth. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its symbolic meaning in more detail? Provide a possible historical context (though it’s debated)?