Definition: And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly dense passage from Revelation 10:10. It's a really poetic and symbolic description of a significant shift in how believers understand God. Here’s the explanation, aiming for clarity without getting lost in complex theology: The Core Idea: This verse describes a moment of intense spiritual disappointment and disillusionment within John (the author of Revelation). It’s essentially saying that after experiencing a lot of revelation and understanding of God's plan, John felt utterly disgusted with himself. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand…” : This refers to the “little book” being the Book of Revelation – a prophecy about the end times and the coming of Christ. The angel is representing God’s guiding hand, or perhaps the influence of divine revelation. “…and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey.” : This is metaphorical. “Sweet as honey” suggests a feeling of intense pleasure, satisfaction, and even joy – a sense of being blessed. It's a powerful emotional response. “And as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.” : This is the crucial part. The sweetness quickly turns sour. The “belly” represents the believer’s soul, their heart, or inner spirit. The bitterness signifies a deep sense of disappointment, shame, and perhaps even despair – a feeling that everything God has promised isn't actually happening or that God’s plan is flawed. What does this mean in practical terms? This verse speaks to several important points about faith: The Importance of Experience: It highlights that true faith isn't just about believing something; it's about experiencing it – feeling the truth of God’s will. You need to be challenged and moved by God's word before you can truly trust him. Disappointment as a Catalyst: The verse suggests that disappointment is often a necessary step toward deeper understanding. It’s not just a negative emotion; it can lead us to recognize where we need to grow spiritually. It forces us to confront our shortcomings and seek God's grace. The Need for Renewal: John’s experience was a turning point. He realized that his initial faith might not be fully aligned with the truth of God – leading him to desire renewal and a renewed relationship with Him. In short, this verse describes a moment of profound disillusionment when our initial faith feels inadequate, prompting us to seek deeper understanding and a more authentic connection with God. --- Disclaimer: I’ve provided an explanation based on the generally accepted interpretation of this passage within Christian theology. Different interpretations exist. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example, would you like: A more detailed explanation of a particular symbol in the verse (like the "little book")? An exploration of how this passage relates to other biblical passages?