Sirach 18:11 - For this cause the Lord was longsuffering over them, And poured out his mercy upon them.

Generated Verse: Sirach 18:11

What does "Sirach 18:11" mean?


Sirach 18:11, "For this cause the Lord was longsuffering over them, And poured out his mercy upon them," speaks to God's patience and compassion towards humanity despite our imperfections and transgressions. Let's break down the meaning:

"For this cause...": This phrase typically refers back to something previously discussed, or a general characteristic of humanity. Considering the broader context of Sirach 18, "this cause" likely refers to humanity's inherent frailty, tendency to sin, and mortality (as discussed in verses before and after).

"the Lord was longsuffering over them...": "Longsuffering" is a key concept. It means patient, tolerant, and slow to anger. God doesn't immediately punish humanity for its flaws or sins. He allows time for repentance and correction. "Over them" indicates this patience is directed towards all of humanity, not just specific individuals.

"And poured out his mercy upon them.": "Mercy" is compassion and forgiveness shown towards someone who deserves punishment. The verb "poured out" emphasizes the abundance and generosity of God's mercy. It's not a begrudging or limited mercy, but an overflowing, abundant, and freely given compassion.

In summary, Sirach 18:11 means that because humanity is inherently flawed and prone to sin, God demonstrates immense patience (longsuffering) and abundant mercy towards us, giving us time to turn away from our errors and receive His forgiveness.

Key takeaways:

Human Frailty: The verse acknowledges humanity's imperfect nature as a reason for God's actions.
Divine Patience: God's "longsuffering" is a central theme, demonstrating His unwillingness to immediately punish.
Abundant Mercy: God's mercy is not limited or stingy, but an overflowing gift to humanity.

This verse is a testament to God's forgiving and compassionate nature. It offers a message of hope and reassurance, reminding us that even in our imperfections, God extends His mercy and gives us opportunities for redemption.

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