Ezekiel 16:15

KJV

¶ But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by; his it was.

KJV (with Strong's)

But thou didst trust {H982} in thine own beauty {H3308}, and playedst the harlot {H2181} because of thy renown {H8034}, and pouredst out {H8210} thy fornications {H8457} on every one that passed by {H5674}; his it was.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'But you put your trust in your own beauty and began prostituting yourself because of your fame, soliciting everyone passing by and accepting all comers.

Berean Standard Bible

But because of your fame, you trusted in your beauty and played the harlot. You lavished your favors on everyone who passed by, and your beauty was theirs for the asking.

American Standard Version

But thou didst trust in thy beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouredst out thy whoredoms on every one that passed by; his it was.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:15 vividly portrays Jerusalem's profound spiritual unfaithfulness, likening her to a harlot. Despite being rescued, adorned, and elevated to renown by God, she tragically betrayed Him by trusting in her own acquired beauty and fame. This pride led her to engage in widespread and indiscriminate idolatry and illicit political alliances, effectively "pouring out her fornications" on every passing nation and false god, thereby breaking her sacred covenant with the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 16 is a lengthy and powerful allegorical chapter, presenting Jerusalem as an abandoned infant girl whom God rescues, cleanses, clothes in splendor, and enters into a marriage covenant with. The preceding verses [Ezekiel 16:1-14](/ezekiel/16-1-14 "Ezekiel 16:1-14 - God's Grace to Jerusalem") detail God's lavish grace and the magnificent transformation of Jerusalem from a desolate outcast to a renowned queen. Verse 15 marks a devastating turning point in this narrative, introducing the tragic betrayal of this covenant. It immediately precedes a detailed enumeration of Jerusalem's specific abominations and the severe judgment that will follow, setting the stage for the graphic descriptions of her spiritual adultery and the subsequent divine wrath. The verse functions as the pivotal accusation, explaining *why* judgment is necessary.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile, a period when the consequences of Judah's persistent unfaithfulness were acutely felt. Historically, both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah repeatedly engaged in idolatry, syncretism (blending Yahwism with pagan worship), and formed political alliances with powerful nations like Egypt and Assyria, rather than trusting in Yahweh. This behavior was consistently condemned by prophets as spiritual "harlotry" or "adultery," leveraging the common understanding of marriage covenants in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The imagery of a woman's beauty leading to prostitution would have been a stark and shameful indictment, reflecting the cultural understanding of purity, honor, and the severe disgrace associated with such acts. Jerusalem, as the capital and religious center, symbolized the entire nation's spiritual condition.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to several major themes in Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. The most prominent is **Spiritual Adultery and Idolatry**, where Jerusalem's turning away from God to worship false deities and rely on foreign powers is depicted as the ultimate betrayal of a marriage vow, a recurring motif throughout the prophetic books (e.g., [Hosea 1](/hosea/1 "Hosea 1 - Hosea's Marriage to Gomer"), [Jeremiah 3](/jeremiah/3 "Jeremiah 3 - Israel's Adultery")). Another key theme is **Pride and Self-Reliance**, as Jerusalem trusts in her "own beauty" and "renown"—gifts originally bestowed by God—rather than remaining dependent on Him. This pride leads to a rejection of divine grace and a pursuit of worldly security. The phrase "pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by" highlights the **Widespread and Indiscriminate Unfaithfulness** of the nation, indicating a pervasive and unashamed embrace of pagan practices and alliances. Ultimately, the verse underscores the tragic reality of **Broken Covenant**, the violation of the sacred relationship God established with Israel, which was meant to be exclusive and devoted, as detailed throughout [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - The Parable of the Unfaithful Wife").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **trust (Hebrew, _bâṭach'_):** This primitive root (H982) signifies "to hide for refuge" or, figuratively, "to be confident or sure." In this context, it highlights Jerusalem's misplaced confidence. Instead of finding refuge and security in the Lord who had elevated her, she placed her trust in her own outward appearance and status, a tragic shift from divine dependence to self-reliance.
* **playedst the harlot (Hebrew, _zânâh'_):** A primitive root (H2181) meaning "to commit adultery," primarily of the female, and often used figuratively to mean "to commit idolatry." This word is central to the chapter's allegory, directly accusing Jerusalem of spiritual infidelity. It implies a deliberate and wanton turning away from her covenant partner, Yahweh, to engage in illicit relationships with false gods and foreign nations.
* **pouredst out (Hebrew, _shâphak'_):** A primitive root (H8210) meaning "to spill forth" or "to expend." This verb intensifies the accusation, suggesting a lavish, unrestrained, and abundant offering of her "fornications." It conveys the idea that Jerusalem's idolatry was not merely occasional or hidden, but openly and profusely displayed, like a liquid poured out without reservation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But thou didst trust in thine own beauty":** This clause immediately introduces the core issue: Jerusalem's pride. The "beauty" refers to the splendor, wealth, and prominence that God Himself had bestowed upon her (as described in [Ezekiel 16:13-14](/ezekiel/16-13-14 "Ezekiel 16:13-14 - God Adorns Jerusalem")). Instead of acknowledging these as gifts from God and remaining humble, Jerusalem became arrogant, attributing her exalted status to herself or other sources, leading to a dangerous self-sufficiency that displaced God from her trust.
* **"and playedst the harlot because of thy renown":** Building on the previous thought, Jerusalem's "renown" (fame, reputation among nations, H8034 `shêm`) became a catalyst for her sin. This God-given status, meant to draw nations to Yahweh, was instead leveraged for unholy alliances and the adoption of pagan practices. The "harlotry" here is a powerful metaphor for her spiritual unfaithfulness—her idolatry and her reliance on foreign powers rather than on the Lord, effectively betraying her covenant vows.
* **"and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by; his it was.":** This final clause emphasizes the indiscriminate, pervasive, and unrestrained nature of Jerusalem's spiritual infidelity. "Fornications" (Hebrew, `taznûwth` H8457) reinforces the harlotry, specifically referring to idolatry. "Every one that passed by" (from H5674 `ʻâbar`, "to cross over," implying any passerby or foreign nation) signifies any and every pagan deity or nation with whom she could form an alliance or adopt a practice, indicating a complete lack of discernment or loyalty. The phrase "his it was" underscores that her spiritual offerings were readily available to anyone, highlighting the depth of her promiscuity and betrayal.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 16:15 is rich in literary devices, primarily serving the chapter's overarching **Allegory**. Jerusalem is personified as a woman who, after being rescued and adorned by God, becomes an unfaithful wife or **harlot**. The "harlotry" itself is a powerful **Metaphor** for the nation's spiritual idolatry and their reliance on foreign political alliances rather than on Yahweh. The phrase "pouredst out thy fornications" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme, abundant, and indiscriminate nature of Jerusalem's unfaithfulness, suggesting a lavish and unrestrained offering of her spiritual allegiance to any and all pagan influences. There is also a strong element of **Irony**, as the very "beauty" and "renown" that God graciously bestowed upon Jerusalem became the instruments and catalysts for her betrayal, turning divine blessings into means of sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the gravity of spiritual infidelity and the danger of misplaced trust. Theologically, it underscores God's absolute claim to the exclusive devotion of His people, a relationship likened to a marriage covenant. Jerusalem's "harlotry" is not merely a moral failing but a profound theological betrayal, a rejection of the one true God who had faithfully loved, redeemed, and blessed her. It reveals that pride in one's own gifts or achievements, when divorced from gratitude and dependence on the Giver, inevitably leads to a spiritual void that is often filled with idolatry—whether of tangible idols, worldly systems, or self. The indiscriminate nature of her "fornications" highlights the insatiable appetite of a heart that has turned away from God, seeking satisfaction in countless false alternatives.

* [Hosea 2:5](/hosea/2-5 "Hosea 2:5 - Israel's Pursuit of Lovers")
* [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")
* [James 4:4](/james/4-4 "James 4:4 - Friendship with the World is Enmity with God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 16:15 serves as a timeless warning against spiritual pride and the insidious nature of idolatry. For believers today, it challenges us to examine where our ultimate trust lies. Are we, like ancient Jerusalem, prone to relying on our own "beauty"—our talents, achievements, resources, or even the blessings God has given us—rather than on the Giver Himself? This verse calls us to vigilance against any form of "harlotry," which can manifest as seeking security, identity, or satisfaction in anything other than God. This includes the subtle idolatries of materialism, career success, social status, or even self-righteousness. We are prompted to cultivate a heart of unwavering devotion, recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from above, and that true fulfillment is found only in an exclusive, covenantal relationship with our faithful God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be trusting in my "own beauty" or renown (my abilities, possessions, or reputation) instead of God?**
* **What are the "fornications" or spiritual compromises I might be pouring out in my own life or culture today, subtly or overtly displacing God?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, unwavering devotion to God, recognizing all blessings as from Him and guarding against the allure of worldly allegiances?**

### FAQ
**What does "playedst the harlot" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 16:15, "playedst the harlot" is a powerful **metaphor** for spiritual unfaithfulness. It refers primarily to Israel's idolatry—her worship of false gods and adoption of pagan practices—and her reliance on foreign political alliances instead of trusting solely in Yahweh. This betrayal is likened to a wife's infidelity against her husband, emphasizing the broken covenant relationship between God and His people, which God had established with Jerusalem as a marriage (see [Ezekiel 16:8](/ezekiel/16-8 "Ezekiel 16:8 - God's Covenant with Jerusalem")).

**How did Jerusalem's "beauty" and "renown" contribute to her sin?**

Answer: God had bestowed immense blessings, splendor, and a prominent position among nations upon Jerusalem, making her exceedingly beautiful and famous (see [Ezekiel 16:13-14](/ezekiel/16-13-14 "Ezekiel 16:13-14 - God Adorns Jerusalem")). However, instead of using these gifts to glorify God and draw others to Him, Jerusalem became proud. She began to trust in her own perceived strength, attractiveness, and status, believing she no longer needed God. This pride led her to leverage her renown to form unholy alliances with pagan nations and to engage in widespread idolatry, effectively "selling herself" to other gods and nations, misusing God's blessings for unholy purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 16:15, with its stark portrayal of Jerusalem's spiritual harlotry, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Israel, as God's chosen bride, repeatedly proved unfaithful, demonstrating humanity's inherent inability to maintain a perfect covenant relationship with God. Jesus, however, is the perfectly faithful "Israel" and the true Bridegroom. He perfectly embodies the devotion and purity that Israel failed to maintain. His sacrificial death on the cross serves as the ultimate act of redemption, cleansing humanity from the spiritual "fornications" of idolatry and self-reliance that separate us from God. Through His atoning work, the Church, now the bride of Christ, is made pure and presented to Him without blemish (as seen in [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). The New Testament calls believers to a singular devotion to Christ, warning against spiritual adultery by loving the world (as articulated in [James 4:4](/james/4-4 "James 4:4 - Friendship with the World is Enmity with God")) or being led astray from "sincere and pure devotion to Christ" (as Paul warns in [2 Corinthians 11:2-3](/2_corinthians/11-2-3 "2 Corinthians 11:2-3 - Paul's Jealousy for the Church's Purity")). The ultimate hope of a perfectly faithful covenant relationship is realized in the "marriage supper of the Lamb" (foretold in [Revelation 19:7](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), where Christ's pure bride, the Church, will eternally dwell in perfect communion with her faithful Lord.

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

Ezekiel 16:25

Thou hast built thy high place at every head of the way, and hast made thy beauty to be abhorred, and hast opened thy feet to every one that passed by, and multiplied thy whoredoms.

Isaiah 57:8

Behind the doors also and the posts hast thou set up thy remembrance: for thou hast discovered [thyself to another] than me, and art gone up; thou hast enlarged thy bed, and made thee [a covenant] with them; thou lovedst their bed where thou sawest [it].

Jeremiah 2:20

¶ For of old time I have broken thy yoke, [and] burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot.

Ezekiel 23:3

And they committed whoredoms in Egypt; they committed whoredoms in their youth: there were their breasts pressed, and there they bruised the teats of their virginity.

Jeremiah 7:4

Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, [are] these.

Isaiah 1:21

¶ How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers.

Ezekiel 23:8

Neither left she her whoredoms [brought] from Egypt: for in her youth they lay with her, and they bruised the breasts of her virginity, and poured their whoredom upon her.