Ezekiel 16:28

KJV

Thou hast played the whore also with the Assyrians, because thou wast unsatiable; yea, thou hast played the harlot with them, and yet couldest not be satisfied.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou hast played the whore {H2181} also with the Assyrians {H1121}{H804}, because {H1115} thou wast unsatiable {H7646}; yea, thou hast played the harlot {H2181} with them, and yet couldest not be satisfied {H7654}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Still unsatisfied, you acted like a whore also with the people of Ashur; yes, you fornicated with them and were still not satisfied.

Berean Standard Bible

Then you prostituted yourself with the Assyrians, because you were not yet satisfied. Even after that, you were still not satisfied.

American Standard Version

Thou hast played the harlot also with the Assyrians, because thou wast insatiable; yea, thou hast played the harlot with them, and yet thou wast not satisfied.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:28 is a poignant verse within God's extended allegory of Jerusalem as an unfaithful wife, vividly depicting the city's spiritual harlotry. It specifically condemns Judah's insatiable pursuit of illicit political alliances and idolatrous practices with the Assyrians, portraying this persistent unfaithfulness as a deep betrayal of her covenant relationship with Yahweh, a betrayal that ultimately yielded no lasting satisfaction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel chapter 16 unfolds as a powerful and graphic prophetic allegory, where God recounts His covenant relationship with Jerusalem (representing the nation of Judah) from her humble origins as an abandoned infant to her elevation as a queenly bride. This verse falls within the section detailing Jerusalem's subsequent spiritual adultery, where she "played the harlot" with various foreign nations. The preceding verses establish a pattern of infidelity, first with Egypt in [Ezekiel 16:26](/ezekiel/16-26 "Ezekiel 16:26 - Jerusalem's Harlotry with Egypt"), then with the Philistines in [Ezekiel 16:27](/ezekiel/16-27 "Ezekiel 16:27 - Jerusalem's Harlotry with the Philistines"), setting the stage for the specific indictment against Assyria here. The repeated theme of insatiability underscores the depth of her spiritual rebellion and the futility of seeking fulfillment outside of her divine covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop of Ezekiel 16:28 is the tumultuous geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East. Judah, situated at a strategic crossroads, frequently found itself caught between powerful empires like Egypt, Assyria, and later Babylon. Rather than trusting in Yahweh for security and provision, Judah's kings and leaders repeatedly formed political alliances with these foreign powers, often adopting their idolatrous practices in the process. The mention of the Assyrians (specifically the Neo-Assyrian Empire) is highly significant, as they were a dominant force that had already conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) in 722 BC (as chronicled in [2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Fall of Samaria to Assyria")) and severely threatened Judah. These alliances, viewed by God as spiritual prostitution, were a direct violation of the covenant, which demanded exclusive loyalty and trust in Him alone.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. The primary theme is **Spiritual Adultery and Idolatry**, where Israel's unfaithfulness to God is metaphorically depicted as a wife's infidelity, emphasizing God's expectation of exclusive devotion from His covenant people. Another crucial theme is the **Insatiable Desire and Futility of Sin**, highlighted by the repeated phrase "unsatiable" and "yet couldest not be satisfied." This illustrates that seeking satisfaction outside of God, whether through illicit political alliances or idolatrous worship, leads to an endless, unquenchable craving, a stark contrast to the true and lasting fulfillment found in God, as promised by Jesus in [John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water"). Finally, the verse implicitly foreshadows the **Consequences of Disobedience**, as Jerusalem's persistent rebellion would inevitably lead to divine judgment, a consistent message throughout Ezekiel's prophecies.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **played the whore (Hebrew, _zânâh'_):** This primitive root (H2181) primarily describes physical prostitution, often implying wantonness or being "highly-fed." However, in the Old Testament, especially in prophetic books like Ezekiel, it is overwhelmingly used metaphorically to denote spiritual unfaithfulness. It signifies the act of committing idolatry or engaging in illicit political alliances that demonstrate a profound lack of trust in Yahweh, viewing the Jewish people as the spouse of Jehovah who has betrayed her covenant vows. The repetition of this term underscores the pervasive and persistent nature of Jerusalem's sin.
* **Assyrians (Hebrew, _ʼAshshûwr'_):** This term (H804) refers to Asshur, the second son of Shem, but more commonly denotes his descendants and the country they occupied, i.e., Assyria, its region, and its empire. The explicit naming of Assyria highlights a specific historical and political betrayal. For Judah to seek alliances with Assyria, a powerful and often brutal pagan empire, was a direct affront to God's sovereignty and His command for His people to rely solely on Him.
* **unsatiable (Hebrew, _biltîy sâbaʻ'_):** This phrase combines the negative particle `biltîy` (H1115), meaning "not" or "without," with `sâbaʻ` (H7646), a primitive root meaning "to sate" or "fill to satisfaction." The combination thus means "not satisfied" or "unable to be satisfied." The related noun `sobʻâh` (H7654), meaning "satiety," is used in the latter part of the verse to reinforce this concept. This powerful descriptor emphasizes the endless, futile, and ultimately unfulfilling nature of Jerusalem's pursuit of worldly alliances and idolatrous practices. It speaks to a spiritual void that no amount of external gratification could ever fill.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou hast played the whore also with the Assyrians":** This clause directly accuses Jerusalem of spiritual infidelity, extending her harlotry beyond previous alliances (Egypt, Philistines) to include the powerful Assyrian Empire. "Playing the whore" is a potent metaphor for seeking security and satisfaction in foreign political treaties and adopting their idolatrous practices, rather than remaining loyal to her covenant with Yahweh.
* **"because thou wast unsatiable":** This phrase provides the motivation for Jerusalem's persistent harlotry. Her spiritual appetite was boundless, an endless craving that could not be satisfied by any single illicit alliance or idolatrous act. It highlights a deep-seated spiritual emptiness and a restless pursuit of fulfillment in all the wrong places.
* **"yea, thou hast played the harlot with them":** This clause reiterates the accusation, emphasizing the persistence and deliberate nature of Jerusalem's unfaithfulness with the Assyrians. The repetition underscores the severity and pervasiveness of her sin, leaving no doubt about the extent of her spiritual betrayal.
* **"and yet couldest not be satisfied":** This final clause serves as a powerful indictment and a tragic commentary on the futility of Jerusalem's actions. Despite her relentless and widespread spiritual harlotry, she never found the satisfaction, security, or fulfillment she desperately sought. This reveals the inherent emptiness of sin and idolatry, which promises much but delivers only a deeper void.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 16:28 is rich in literary devices that amplify its prophetic message. The primary device is **Allegory**, as the entire chapter, including this verse, uses the extended metaphor of Jerusalem as an unfaithful wife to convey God's relationship with His covenant people. This allegory vividly portrays the depth of Judah's spiritual adultery and political apostasy. **Metaphor** is also prominently used, with "playing the whore" and "playing the harlot" serving as powerful figures of speech for spiritual infidelity, idolatry, and illicit foreign alliances. The **Repetition** of "played the whore/harlot" and the concept of being "unsatiable/not satisfied" serves to emphasize the persistent, pervasive, and ultimately futile nature of Jerusalem's sin. This rhetorical device underscores the relentless pursuit of false gods and worldly security, highlighting the tragic cycle of unfulfillment. The language also contains elements of **Hyperbole** in describing Jerusalem's "unsatiable" nature, exaggerating her spiritual appetite to underscore the profound depth of her rebellion and the endless void that sin creates.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 16:28 profoundly illustrates the nature of spiritual idolatry as an act of profound unfaithfulness to God, who is depicted as a loving and faithful husband. It reveals that humanity's inherent desire for satisfaction, when misdirected away from God, becomes an insatiable craving that can never be truly fulfilled by worldly pursuits or false gods. This spiritual harlotry is not merely a moral failing but a covenant breach, a rejection of the exclusive devotion God rightfully demands from His people. The verse serves as a timeless warning that seeking security, identity, or fulfillment in anything other than the Creator inevitably leads to emptiness and a deeper spiritual void, highlighting the futility of human efforts to find lasting peace apart from divine grace.

* [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")
* [Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 16:28 serves as a profound mirror for contemporary believers, urging us to examine the allegiances of our hearts. Just as ancient Jerusalem sought satisfaction and security in foreign powers and their gods, we too can fall into spiritual harlotry by placing our ultimate trust, hope, and devotion in anything other than God—be it wealth, career, relationships, social status, political ideologies, or even our own abilities. The "unsatiable" nature described in the verse is a stark reminder that these worldly pursuits, no matter how vigorously chased, will never truly satisfy the deep spiritual longings of the human soul. True contentment and peace are found only in an exclusive and devoted relationship with God, who alone is the source of living water and lasting fulfillment. This verse calls us to repentance from any form of idolatry, whether overt or subtle, and to return to a posture of complete reliance and worship of our faithful God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Assyrians" or worldly alliances do I tend to rely on for security or satisfaction instead of God?**
* **In what areas of my life do I experience an "unsatiable" craving, suggesting I am seeking fulfillment outside of God?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate my exclusive devotion to God, or where might I be engaging in spiritual "harlotry"?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more satisfying relationship with God, finding my contentment in Him alone?**

### FAQ
**Why does God use such strong and graphic language like "played the whore" and "harlot" to describe Jerusalem's actions?**

Answer: The graphic language, while shocking, is intentionally chosen to convey the gravity of Jerusalem's sin from God's perspective. In the Old Testament, the covenant between God and Israel is often depicted as a marriage (e.g., [Hosea 1-3](/hosea/1 "Hosea 1 - Hosea's Marriage and God's Faithfulness") or [Jeremiah 3:1-10](/jeremiah/3 "Jeremiah 3 - Israel's Unfaithfulness and God's Call to Repentance")). Therefore, Israel's turning away from Yahweh to worship other gods or to seek alliances with pagan nations was considered spiritual adultery—a profound betrayal of the most intimate and sacred relationship. The terms "whore" and "harlot" powerfully communicate the shame, degradation, and covenant infidelity involved, underscoring the depth of God's hurt and righteous anger over His people's betrayal. It emphasizes that idolatry is not merely a mistake but a profound act of unfaithfulness that breaks the heart of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 16:28, with its stark portrayal of spiritual harlotry and insatiable desire, finds its ultimate resolution and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "unsatiable" craving of Jerusalem, which could never find true satisfaction in illicit alliances or false gods, points to humanity's inherent spiritual emptiness apart from God. Jesus, however, declares Himself to be the "bread of life" and the "living water," promising that those who come to Him will "never hunger" and "never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and [John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Jesus, the Living Water")). He is the true source of satisfaction that the world cannot offer. Furthermore, while Israel, the bride, proved unfaithful, Christ is the faithful Bridegroom who gives His life for His church ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). He came not to condemn the harlotrous bride, but to redeem her, taking upon Himself the judgment for her spiritual adultery. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He cleanses and purifies His people, making them a spotless bride, thus fulfilling the covenant that Israel continually broke ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness") and [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). In Christ, the insatiable longing is met, and the broken covenant is eternally restored.

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

2 Kings 16:7

So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I [am] thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me.

Jeremiah 2:36

Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria.

Hosea 10:6

It shall be also carried unto Assyria [for] a present to king Jareb: Ephraim shall receive shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel.

2 Kings 16:10

¶ And king Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and saw an altar that [was] at Damascus: and king Ahaz sent to Urijah the priest the fashion of the altar, and the pattern of it, according to all the workmanship thereof.

2 Kings 16:18

And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria.

Jeremiah 2:18

And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? or what hast thou to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river?

2 Chronicles 28:23

For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, [therefore] will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel.