Ezekiel 16:14

KJV

And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it [was] perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord GOD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thy renown {H8034} went forth {H3318} among the heathen {H1471} for thy beauty {H3308}: for it was perfect {H3632} through my comeliness {H1926}, which I had put {H7760} upon thee, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your fame spread among the nations because of your beauty, because it was perfect, due to my having bestowed my own splendor on you' says Adonai ELOHIM.

Berean Standard Bible

Your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, for it was perfect in the splendor I bestowed on you, declares the Lord GOD.

American Standard Version

And thy renown went forth among the nations for thy beauty; for it was perfect, through my majesty which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:14 encapsulates the pinnacle of ancient Israel's glory and renown among the nations, portraying Jerusalem as a bride exquisitely adorned by God Himself. This verse emphasizes that any beauty, perfection, or fame Israel possessed was not inherent but was entirely a direct bestowal of divine grace and splendor. It highlights God's lavish care and covenant faithfulness in elevating His chosen people to an exalted status, making them a testament to His own magnificent "comeliness" in the eyes of the world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 16 is a profound and extended allegory, one of the longest in the prophetic books, where God uses the vivid imagery of a foundling child rescued, raised, and adorned by a loving benefactor, only for her to become a faithless harlot. This child represents Jerusalem, symbolizing the nation of Israel. The chapter meticulously details God's redemptive love and Israel's subsequent spiritual adultery. Verses 1-14 describe God's gracious acts, from finding Jerusalem as an abandoned infant (verses 3-7) to washing, clothing, and adorning her with precious jewels and fine garments, elevating her to the status of a queenly bride (verses 8-13). Verse 14 serves as the climax of this divine beautification, portraying Jerusalem at the zenith of her divinely bestowed glory before the narrative pivots to her tragic unfaithfulness in the subsequent verses (e.g., [Ezekiel 16:15](/ezekiel/16-15 "Ezekiel 16:15 - Jerusalem's Unfaithfulness")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The allegory in Ezekiel 16 traces Israel's history from its humble, pagan origins (alluding to Abraham's Mesopotamian background, as mentioned in [Ezekiel 16:3](/ezekiel/16-3 "Ezekiel 16:3 - Jerusalem's Origins")) to its establishment as a prominent nation. The period described in verse 14, where Jerusalem's "renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty," most likely refers to the golden age of the united monarchy under David and Solomon. During their reigns, Israel achieved significant political power, economic prosperity, and cultural influence, becoming a respected entity among surrounding nations. The imagery of adorning a bride with rich garments and jewels reflects ancient Near Eastern customs where a bride's splendor was a direct reflection of her husband's wealth and status, emphasizing God's role as the divine Husband and Provider.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Grace and Initiative**, demonstrating that Israel's exalted status and all her blessings were entirely a result of God's unmerited favor and active intervention, not her own merit or inherent beauty. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Covenant Relationship**, portraying God as the faithful covenant partner who lavished His love and resources upon Israel, preparing her for a unique relationship. Thirdly, it sets the stage for the tragic theme of **Israel's Unfaithfulness and Idolatry**, as the very beauty and renown bestowed by God would later be prostituted for unholy purposes (e.g., [Ezekiel 16:15-19](/ezekiel/16-15 "Ezekiel 16:15-19 - Jerusalem's Spiritual Adultery")). Finally, it touches on the theme of **God's Glory Reflected Through His People**, where Israel's splendor was intended to be a testimony to the nations of the greatness of the Lord GOD. This aligns with the broader prophetic vision of Israel being a "light to the nations" (e.g., [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Nations")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Renown (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** From H8034, this word signifies an appellation, a mark or memorial of individuality, implying honor, authority, and character. In this context, Jerusalem's "renown" refers to her widespread fame, reputation, and recognition among the Gentile nations. It suggests that her elevated status and public perception were directly linked to the unique identity and character God had bestowed upon her.
* **Perfect (Hebrew, _kâlîyl'_):** From H3632, meaning complete, the whole, or fully. Here, it describes the absolute completeness and flawlessness of Jerusalem's beauty. This "perfection" is not an intrinsic quality but is explicitly stated to be "through my comeliness," indicating that its wholeness and ideal state derived solely from God's impartation.
* **Comeliness (Hebrew, _hâdâr'_):** From H1926, this word denotes magnificence, ornament, splendor, beauty, excellency, glory, honor, or majesty. It is often used to describe God's own majesty and glory (e.g., [Psalm 104:1](/psalms/104-1 "Psalm 104:1 - God's Majestic Glory")). The use of _hâdâr_ here is crucial, as it signifies that God did not merely make Jerusalem beautiful in a worldly sense but imparted a measure of His own divine splendor and glory upon her, making her beauty truly perfect and unique.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty":** This clause describes the widespread recognition and fame that Jerusalem, representing Israel, achieved among the surrounding Gentile nations. Her "beauty" here refers to her outward splendor, prosperity, and perhaps even her unique moral and spiritual distinctiveness as God's chosen people. This renown was a visible manifestation of God's blessing and presence.
* **"for it was perfect through my comeliness":** This crucial phrase clarifies the source and nature of Jerusalem's beauty and renown. The "perfection" of her beauty was not inherent but was entirely derived from God's "comeliness" or divine splendor. It explicitly attributes all of Israel's glory and success to God's own magnificent character and His gracious act of adorning her.
* **"which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord GOD":** This concluding declaration powerfully affirms God's sole agency in bestowing this splendor. The phrase "which I had put upon thee" emphasizes God's deliberate and sovereign act of investing Israel with His own glory. The authoritative declaration, "saith the Lord GOD," underscores the divine origin and certainty of this truth, leaving no doubt that Israel's exalted status was a direct gift from the Almighty, the Sovereign Lord (H136, _ʼĂdônây_) and the covenant-keeping God (H3069, _Yᵉhôvih_).

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 16:14 is rich in literary devices that enhance its theological impact. The most prominent is **Allegory**, as the entire chapter, and this verse within it, uses the extended metaphor of Jerusalem as a foundling child turned adorned bride to represent the nation of Israel and her relationship with God. This allows for a vivid and emotionally charged portrayal of divine grace and human unfaithfulness. **Personification** is also evident, as Jerusalem is treated as a literal person, capable of being adorned and having "renown" spread. The phrase "my comeliness, which I had put upon thee" employs **Divine Discourse**, highlighting God's direct speech and personal involvement in the narrative, emphasizing His active role as the beautifier. The description of Jerusalem's beauty as "perfect" through God's comeliness uses **Hyperbole** to underscore the extraordinary and divinely-sourced nature of her splendor, setting the stage for the dramatic contrast with her subsequent fall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 16:14 profoundly illustrates the theological principle that all true glory, beauty, and renown for God's people originate solely from Him. Israel's splendor was not a product of her own merit, strength, or wisdom, but a direct reflection of God's unmerited grace and His covenant faithfulness. This concept resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing divine initiative in salvation and blessing. Just as God adorned Israel, He continually adorns His people with spiritual blessings, righteousness, and a unique identity that sets them apart, all for His own glory. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that any honor or influence we possess as believers is a stewardship of God's grace, intended to point back to Him as the ultimate source of all good.

* [Deuteronomy 7:6-8](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6-8 - Israel Chosen by Grace")
* [Psalm 104:1](/psalms/104-1 "Psalm 104:1 - God's Majesty and Splendor")
* [Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation and Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 16:14 offers a profound mirror for self-reflection and a call to humility and gratitude. It challenges us to consider the source of any "beauty," "renown," or "perfection" we might perceive in our lives, whether it be talent, success, spiritual gifts, or moral character. The verse unequivocally states that Israel's glory was "through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord GOD." This truth should deeply humble us, reminding us that anything truly good, lasting, or praiseworthy within us is a divine impartation, a gift of God's grace. It calls us to resist the temptation to take credit for what God has given, to boast in ourselves, or to forget the Giver of all good things. Instead, our lives should become a living testament to His glory, reflecting His beauty back to a watching world. When we are adorned by His grace, our purpose is not self-exaltation but to magnify the One who beautifies us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to take credit for what God has provided or enabled?**
* **How does understanding that my "beauty" or "perfection" comes entirely from God's "comeliness" impact my view of myself and my accomplishments?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that any "renown" or influence I gain points back to God's glory, rather than my own?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for God's adornment in my life, both spiritually and materially?**

### FAQ
**What is the "beauty" mentioned in Ezekiel 16:14?**

Answer: The "beauty" (Hebrew, _yŏphîy_, H3308) mentioned in Ezekiel 16:14 refers to the outward splendor, prosperity, and elevated status that Jerusalem (representing Israel) achieved among the nations. This was not an inherent beauty but a divinely bestowed one, made "perfect through my comeliness," meaning God's own magnificence and glory were imparted to her. This "beauty" encompassed not only material wealth and architectural grandeur (like the Temple) but also the unique moral and spiritual distinctiveness that came from being the chosen people of God, set apart by His covenant. It was a visible sign of God's favor and presence, intended to reflect His glory to the world, as seen in the promises to Israel in [Deuteronomy 28:1](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1 - Blessings for Obedience").

**How does God "put" His comeliness upon Jerusalem?**

Answer: God "put" His comeliness upon Jerusalem through a series of gracious acts and covenant blessings. The allegory in Ezekiel 16 describes this process vividly: He found her abandoned, washed her, clothed her with fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth, adorned her with jewels, bracelets, necklaces, and a crown (e.g., [Ezekiel 16:9-12](/ezekiel/16-9 "Ezekiel 16:9-12 - God's Adornment of Jerusalem")). Historically, this refers to God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt, His establishment of the Mosaic Covenant, His guidance through the wilderness, and ultimately, His bringing them into the Promised Land. It culminated in the establishment of the Davidic kingdom and the building of the Temple in Jerusalem, which brought immense wealth, power, and international recognition during the reigns of David and Solomon. All these acts were expressions of God's "comeliness" or divine splendor, which He graciously bestowed upon His chosen people, making their renown spread among the "heathen" (H1471, _gôwy_, foreign nations).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 16:14, with its depiction of God adorning Israel with His own "comeliness" to make her "perfect" and renowned, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His work in establishing the Church. Just as ancient Israel was chosen and beautified by divine grace, the Church, the new covenant people of God, is made beautiful and glorious through her union with Christ. We, who were spiritually dead and "naked" in our sin (paralleling Jerusalem's abandoned state), are clothed in the perfect righteousness of Christ (e.g., [Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness from God")). He is the true source of our "comeliness," imparting His own holiness, purity, and glory to His bride, the Church (e.g., [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ not only cleanses us but also adorns us with spiritual gifts, the fruit of the Spirit, and the very image of God, making us a "perfect" and radiant witness to the world. Our renown, our true beauty, and our ultimate perfection are not inherent but are entirely "through His comeliness, which He has put upon us," ensuring that all glory redounds to Him, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (e.g., [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Lamentations 2:15

All that pass by clap [their] hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, [saying, Is] this the city that [men] call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?

1 Kings 10:24

And all the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.

1 Corinthians 4:7

¶ For who maketh thee to differ [from another]? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive [it], why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received [it]?

Deuteronomy 4:6

Keep therefore and do [them]; for this [is] your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation [is] a wise and understanding people.

Deuteronomy 4:8

And what nation [is there so] great, that hath statutes and judgments [so] righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

Joshua 9:6

And they went to Joshua unto the camp at Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us.

Joshua 9:9

And they said unto him, From a very far country thy servants are come because of the name of the LORD thy God: for we have heard the fame of him, and all that he did in Egypt,