Ezekiel 16:20

KJV

Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. [Is this] of thy whoredoms a small matter,

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover thou hast taken {H3947} thy sons {H1121} and thy daughters {H1323}, whom thou hast borne {H3205} unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed {H2076} unto them to be devoured {H398}. Is this of thy whoredoms {H8457} a small matter {H4592},

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Moreover, your sons and daughters, whom you bore me, you took and sacrificed for them to devour. Were these fornications of yours a casual matter? -

Berean Standard Bible

You even took the sons and daughters you bore to Me and sacrificed them as food to idols. Was your prostitution not enough?

American Standard Version

Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. Were thy whoredoms a small matter,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:20 stands as a stark and horrifying indictment within God's extended allegory of Jerusalem as an unfaithful bride. This verse vividly portrays the pinnacle of Israel's spiritual adultery: the offering of their own children, whom God explicitly claims as "borne unto me," as sacrifices to pagan deities. It underscores the profound depth of their betrayal of the covenant relationship, culminating in an act of abomination that God declares is far from a "small matter" in the context of their pervasive spiritual "whoredoms."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel chapter 16 is a sustained and graphic allegory describing Jerusalem's history as an abandoned infant rescued and raised by God, only to become His unfaithful bride. The narrative begins with Jerusalem's humble origins ([Ezekiel 16:1-5](/ezekiel/16-1-5 "Ezekiel 16:1-5 - Jerusalem's Humble Beginnings")), God's compassionate adoption and covenant with her ([Ezekiel 16:6-14](/ezekiel/16-6-14 "Ezekiel 16:6-14 - God's Covenant with Jerusalem")), and her subsequent descent into spiritual prostitution and idolatry ([Ezekiel 16:15-19](/ezekiel/16-15-19 "Ezekiel 16:15-19 - Jerusalem's Spiritual Adultery")). Verse 20 marks a horrifying escalation in this spiritual infidelity, moving beyond mere worship of other gods to the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice, which is presented as the ultimate act of betrayal against the divine husband, Yahweh. This verse sets the stage for the severe judgment that God pronounces upon Jerusalem for her abominable acts.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of child sacrifice was a horrific but documented aspect of ancient Near Eastern pagan religions, particularly associated with the worship of Molech (or Milcom) among the Ammonites and Canaanites. This involved burning children alive as offerings, often in places like the Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna) outside Jerusalem, as referenced in [Jeremiah 32:35](/jeremiah/32-35 "Jeremiah 32:35 - Child Sacrifice in the Valley of Hinnom"). The Mosaic Law explicitly and repeatedly condemned this practice as an abomination, punishable by death ([Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice"), [Leviticus 20:2-5](/leviticus/20-2-5 "Leviticus 20:2-5 - Punishment for Child Sacrifice"), [Deuteronomy 18:10](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10 - Abominable Practices")). For Israel, a nation covenanted to Yahweh, engaging in such practices was not merely a foreign custom but a direct and egregious violation of their unique relationship with God, representing the ultimate spiritual and moral degradation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Ezekiel 16 and the broader prophetic message. Foremost is the theme of **Israel's Extreme Idolatry and Abomination**, demonstrating the depths to which the nation had fallen in its rejection of Yahweh. The act of sacrificing children, whom God claims as His own, highlights the profound **Covenant Betrayal** and the breaking of the sacred marital bond between God and Israel. It underscores God's absolute **Holiness and Jealousy**, revealing His righteous indignation against any rival deity or practice that defiles His name and His people. Furthermore, the rhetorical question, "Is this of thy whoredoms a small matter," emphasizes the **Gravity of Sin** and the magnitude of Israel's offenses in God's eyes, foreshadowing the inevitable **Divine Judgment** that will follow such unspeakable acts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **taken (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** From H3947, this primitive root means "to take (in the widest variety of applications)." In Ezekiel 16:20, it signifies an active, deliberate appropriation by Jerusalem of what rightfully belongs to God—her own children. This "taking" is not merely an act of possession but one of perverse misdirection, seizing the very lives entrusted to her by God for an abhorrent purpose.
* **sacrificed (Hebrew, _zâbach'_):** From H2076, this primitive root means "to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)." Here, it is applied to human beings, emphasizing the horrific perversion of the sacrificial system. Instead of offering animals to Yahweh, Israel offered their own offspring to pagan deities, transforming an act intended for worship and atonement into one of ultimate defilement and rebellion. The term highlights the ritualistic, deliberate nature of the abomination.
* **whoredoms (Hebrew, _taznûwth'_):** From H8457, this noun derives from the root meaning "to commit fornication" and refers to "harlotry, i.e. (figuratively) idolatry." Throughout Ezekiel 16, this term is central to the allegory, depicting Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness as a profound act of prostitution and betrayal of the divine marriage covenant with Yahweh. In this verse, the child sacrifice is presented as the culmination and most egregious manifestation of these "whoredoms," demonstrating the depth of Israel's spiritual depravity and her abandonment of her divine husband.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters,"**: This clause immediately confronts Jerusalem (representing Israel) with her direct action. The use of "thy sons and thy daughters" emphasizes the intimate and personal nature of the betrayal—these are not strangers but her own offspring. The verb "taken" (H3947, _lâqach_) implies a deliberate, active appropriation, highlighting the agency and responsibility of Jerusalem in this abhorrent act.
* **"whom thou hast borne unto me,"**: This crucial phrase underscores the profound theological offense. God asserts His ownership and claim over these children. They were not merely Jerusalem's biological offspring but were "borne unto me" (H3205, _yâlad_), meaning they were part of the covenant community, belonging to Yahweh, given by Him, and intended for His service and glory. This highlights the sacred trust that was violated and the personal affront to God's fatherhood and proprietorship.
* **"and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured."**: This clause reveals the horrific fate of the children and the nature of the "whoredoms." "Sacrificed" (H2076, _zâbach_) indicates a ritualistic offering, while "unto them" points to the pagan deities (e.g., Molech) to whom these abominations were made. The chilling phrase "to be devoured" (H398, _ʼâkal_) vividly describes the method—consumption by fire—emphasizing the brutal and inhumane nature of the act, a direct contradiction to the sanctity of life commanded by Yahweh.
* **"[Is this] of thy whoredoms a small matter,"**: This rhetorical question expresses God's utter revulsion, indignation, and incredulity. It is a powerful declaration that this act of child sacrifice is not a minor transgression (H4592, _mᵉʻaṭ_) but an appalling, monstrous culmination of Jerusalem's spiritual "whoredoms" (H8457, _taznûwth_). The question demands a resounding "No!" from the listener, emphasizing the immense gravity and unspeakable horror of the sin in God's eyes.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 16:20 is rich in literary devices that amplify its impact. The entire chapter is an extended **Allegory**, where Jerusalem is personified as an unfaithful wife, and God as her betrayed husband. This verse specifically uses **Personification** by attributing human actions and moral failings (taking, bearing, sacrificing children) to the city of Jerusalem, making the abstract concept of national sin concrete and visceral. The phrase "whom thou hast borne unto me" employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing to God a sense of parental claim and injury, making His pain and indignation more relatable. The vivid imagery of children being "devoured" creates a powerful, disturbing **Visual Imagery**, designed to shock the audience and convey the extreme horror of the act. Finally, the concluding phrase, "Is this of thy whoredoms a small matter," is a potent **Rhetorical Question**. It is not meant to elicit an answer, but to emphasize the undeniable magnitude and heinousness of Jerusalem's sin, leaving no doubt about God's judgment and righteous anger.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 16:20 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of idolatry and covenant faithfulness. It reveals that idolatry is not merely a deviation in worship but a deep spiritual betrayal, akin to adultery against the divine husband. The act of child sacrifice, in particular, highlights the ultimate degradation that results from abandoning the one true God, leading to practices that violate the most fundamental human and divine laws, including the sanctity of innocent life. God's claim "whom thou hast borne unto me" underscores His sovereign ownership and the sacredness of human life, especially within the covenant community. This verse serves as a stark warning that spiritual unfaithfulness inevitably leads to moral depravity, demonstrating God's righteous anger against sin and His unwavering commitment to justice.

* [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice")
* [Deuteronomy 18:10](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10 - Abomination of Child Sacrifice")
* [Jeremiah 32:35](/jeremiah/32-35 "Jeremiah 32:35 - Child Sacrifice in the Valley of Hinnom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 16:20, while describing a horrific ancient practice, carries profound contemporary relevance. It challenges us to examine what we "sacrifice" on the altars of our modern "idols." While literal child sacrifice is abhorrent, the principle of placing anything—career, wealth, pleasure, personal ambition, or even self-image—above our devotion to God can become a form of spiritual "whoredom." When we dedicate our time, resources, and even our children (in terms of their upbringing and values) to pursuits that are antithetical to God's will, we are, in a spiritual sense, offering them to false gods. This verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our priorities, reminding us that all we have, including our families, are gifts "borne unto" God. It compels us to live lives of uncompromising faithfulness, ensuring that our deepest allegiances and the stewardship of our most precious possessions are solely directed towards the one true God, affirming the sanctity of all life and the purity of our worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be "sacrificing" my time, energy, or relationships to modern "idols" rather than dedicating them to God?**
* **What are the "children" (i.e., the precious gifts, talents, or responsibilities) that God has "borne unto me," and how am I stewarding them for His glory?**
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of the gravity of spiritual compromise and the importance of undivided devotion to God?**

### FAQ
**What does "whom thou hast borne unto me" signify about God's relationship with Israel and her children?**

Answer: This phrase is profoundly significant. It emphasizes God's unique and intimate relationship with Israel, viewing her as His covenanted bride and her children as His own offspring, born into His covenant family. It highlights that these children were not merely biological descendants but were part of God's chosen people, consecrated to Him. Therefore, sacrificing them to pagan gods was not just an act of murder or idolatry, but a direct and deeply personal affront to God's ownership and fatherly claim over His people and their lineage. It underscores the profound betrayal of the covenant relationship described throughout [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - The Allegory of the Unfaithful Wife").

**What was the practice of child sacrifice, particularly to Molech, and why was it so abhorrent to God?**

Answer: Child sacrifice, often associated with the Ammonite deity Molech, involved the ritualistic burning alive of infants or young children as offerings. This practice was a central feature of some Canaanite religions and was considered an ultimate act of devotion to these gods. It was abhorrent to God for multiple reasons: it violated the sanctity of human life, which is made in God's image ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")); it was a direct challenge to God's exclusive claim to worship, representing the pinnacle of idolatry and spiritual adultery; and it corrupted the land and defiled the covenant people ([Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice")). God repeatedly condemned it as an "abomination" ([Deuteronomy 18:10](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10 - Abominable Practices")) because it inverted divine order, demanding the most precious gift (life) for false deities, rather than offering true worship to the Giver of life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 16:20, with its horrifying depiction of Israel's spiritual adultery culminating in child sacrifice, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between human depravity and divine faithfulness. Israel, as God's bride, proved utterly unfaithful, offering what was "borne unto God" to idols. Yet, in Christ, we see the perfect Son, the true Israel, who perfectly fulfilled the covenant. Instead of demanding human sacrifice, God Himself provided the ultimate, perfect sacrifice in His own Son, Jesus Christ. The innocent Lamb of God, who was truly "borne unto" the Father, willingly offered Himself on the cross, not to pagan deities, but to God, as a propitiation for the "whoredoms" and sins of humanity ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), [Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once for All Sacrifice")). His sacrifice cleanses us from the spiritual idolatry that defiles us, establishing a new covenant where true devotion is possible through the Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")). Through Christ, believers are redeemed from the bondage of sin and idolatry, becoming part of a new spiritual lineage, now truly "borne unto" God, called to offer themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Him ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). The church, as Christ's bride, is called to a faithfulness that Israel failed to maintain, purified and sanctified by His blood, awaiting His return as a glorious bride without blemish ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")).

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 23:37

That they have committed adultery, and blood [is] in their hands, and with their idols have they committed adultery, and have also caused their sons, whom they bare unto me, to pass for them through [the fire], to devour [them].

Jeremiah 7:31

And they have built the high places of Tophet, which [is] in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded [them] not, neither came it into my heart.

Psalms 106:37

Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,

Psalms 106:38

And shed innocent blood, [even] the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.

Ezekiel 20:31

For when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, even unto this day: and shall I be enquired of by you, O house of Israel? [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you.

Exodus 13:2

Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, [both] of man and of beast: it [is] mine.

Ezekiel 20:26

And I polluted them in their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through [the fire] all that openeth the womb, that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might know that I [am] the LORD.