Ezekiel 16:29

KJV

Thou hast moreover multiplied thy fornication in the land of Canaan unto Chaldea; and yet thou wast not satisfied herewith.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou hast moreover multiplied {H7235} thy fornication {H8457} in the land {H776} of Canaan {H3667} unto Chaldea {H3778}; and yet thou wast not satisfied {H7646} herewith {H2063}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You multiplied your acts of fornication with the land of traders, the Kasdim, and still weren't satisfied.

Berean Standard Bible

So you extended your promiscuity to Chaldea, the land of merchants—but even with this you were not satisfied!

American Standard Version

Thou hast moreover multiplied thy whoredom unto the land of traffic, unto Chaldea; and yet thou wast not satisfied herewith.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:29 delivers a searing indictment within God's extended allegory of Jerusalem as an unfaithful bride. This verse powerfully depicts the city's spiritual harlotry, detailing how Judah, despite being lavished with divine grace and covenant blessings, relentlessly pursued idolatrous alliances and practices. It underscores the insatiable and boundless nature of her apostasy, extending her "fornication" from the familiar paganism of Canaan to the sophisticated idolatry of distant Chaldea, yet never finding true contentment or satisfaction in her rebellion against the covenant Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 16 unfolds as a profound and extended prophetic allegory, portraying Jerusalem's entire history as a narrative of God's lavish, unmerited grace met with profound and persistent unfaithfulness. The chapter begins with God recounting how He found Jerusalem as a helpless, abandoned infant, adopted her, cleansed her, adorned her with splendor, and entered into a covenant marriage with her, making her beautiful and prosperous (see [Ezekiel 16:1-14](/ezekiel/16-1-14 "Ezekiel 16:1-14 - God's Unmerited Grace to Jerusalem")). However, Jerusalem then shamefully prostituted herself, using God's very gifts to engage in idolatry and forge illicit political alliances with pagan nations (see [Ezekiel 16:15-28](/ezekiel/16-15-28 "Ezekiel 16:15-28 - Jerusalem's Spiritual Harlotry and Betrayal")). Verse 29 specifically intensifies this indictment, demonstrating the boundless extent of her spiritual infidelity, moving beyond local temptations to embrace the abominations of distant, powerful empires, all while remaining unfulfilled.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "land of Canaan" refers to the indigenous pagan cultures and their abhorrent deities (e.g., Baal, Asherah, Molech) that Israel encountered upon entering the Promised Land. God had explicitly commanded Israel to dispossess these nations and avoid their idolatrous practices, which often involved child sacrifice and ritual prostitution (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:29-31](/deuteronomy/12-29-31 "Deuteronomy 12:29-31 - Warning Against Canaanite Abominations")). Yet, Israel repeatedly succumbed to their idolatry, incorporating these practices into their worship. "Chaldea" (Babylon) represents a powerful, distant Mesopotamian empire known for its advanced civilization, astrology, and sophisticated polytheistic worship. Historically, Judah, in its desperate attempts to secure political stability, sought alliances with both regional powers like Egypt and Assyria, and later Babylon. These political pacts were viewed by God as a form of "spiritual harlotry" because they often involved adopting foreign gods, trusting in human power and treaties rather than Yahweh, and compromising their covenantal distinctiveness. This verse highlights the geographical and cultural breadth of Judah's spiritual corruption, from the immediate, familiar paganism of Canaan to the distant, powerful idolatry of Chaldea.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 16:29 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it vividly illustrates the theme of **Spiritual Idolatry**, where Israel's pursuit of foreign gods and political alliances is depicted as a profound betrayal of her covenant with Yahweh, akin to a wife's infidelity (cf. [Hosea 1:2](/hosea/1-2 "Hosea 1:2 - Hosea's Marriage Allegory Illustrating Israel's Harlotry")). Secondly, the phrase "and yet thou wast not satisfied herewith" underscores the **Insatiability of Sin and Rebellion**. Like an addict, Jerusalem's spiritual craving for illicit relationships and false gods knew no bounds; each new act of betrayal only fueled a deeper desire for more, never bringing true satisfaction. This highlights the inherent emptiness and futility of seeking fulfillment apart from God, a poignant truth echoed in wisdom literature (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 1:8](/ecclesiastes/1-8 "Ecclesiastes 1:8 - The Futility of Worldly Pursuits")). Lastly, the verse reinforces the critical theme of **Covenant Breach**, as Jerusalem's actions are a direct and egregious violation of the exclusive devotion promised to God in the Mosaic Covenant, particularly the First Commandment (e.g., [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment: No Other Gods")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **multiplied (Hebrew, _râbâh'_):** From H7235, this verb signifies "to increase (in whatever respect); (bring in) abundance, excel, exceeding(-ly), make great, grow up, heap, increase, make many, multiply." In this context, it powerfully conveys the escalating and unrestrained nature of Jerusalem's spiritual unfaithfulness. Her apostasy was not a singular, isolated lapse but a continuous, growing pattern of transgression, demonstrating a deep-seated and ever-deepening rebellion rather than a momentary deviation. It implies an exponential growth in her illicit spiritual acts.
* **fornication (Hebrew, _taznûwth'_):** From H8457, meaning "harlotry, i.e. (figuratively) idolatry; fornication, whoredom." In the prophetic literature, this term is almost exclusively used metaphorically to describe Israel's spiritual infidelity to God. It underscores the intimate, covenantal relationship between God and His people, likening it to a marriage. Therefore, turning to other gods or seeking security through foreign political alliances is seen as a profound act of betrayal, akin to a wife's sexual unfaithfulness, violating the exclusive devotion owed to Yahweh.
* **satisfied (Hebrew, _sâbaʻ'_):** From H7646, meaning "to sate, i.e. fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively); have enough, fill (full, self, with), be (to the) full (of), have plenty of, be satiate, satisfy (with), suffice, be weary of." The crucial negation "not satisfied" (lo' sâba') reveals the inherent emptiness, futility, and perpetual restlessness of Jerusalem's pursuit of idolatry and worldly alliances. No matter how many gods she worshipped or how many nations she sought help from, her spiritual hunger remained unquenched, perpetually seeking more illicit connections and never finding true contentment or peace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou hast moreover multiplied thy fornication":** This opening clause emphasizes the persistent and escalating nature of Jerusalem's spiritual unfaithfulness. It was not a one-time error but a continuous, growing pattern of idolatry and covenant betrayal, indicating a deep-seated and ever-worsening rebellion against God. The use of "multiplied" suggests an exponential increase in her illicit spiritual acts, highlighting the pervasive and unrestrained character of her sin.
* **"in the land of Canaan unto Chaldea":** This phrase powerfully illustrates the vast geographical and cultural scope of Jerusalem's apostasy. "Canaan" represents the immediate, indigenous pagan influences and deities that Israel was commanded to resist and dispossess. "Chaldea" (Babylon) signifies the adoption of more distant, sophisticated, and powerful idolatrous systems and political alliances. This demonstrates that Jerusalem's unfaithfulness was not limited to local temptations but extended to eagerly embracing the abominations of major world powers, showcasing a comprehensive and unreserved rejection of Yahweh.
* **"and yet thou wast not satisfied herewith":** This final clause profoundly conveys the inherent futility and insatiability of sin. Despite her extensive and varied acts of spiritual harlotry, Jerusalem found no true fulfillment, contentment, or lasting peace. Each new act of rebellion, each new god or alliance, only left her craving more, illustrating the restless, unfulfilling, and ultimately self-destructive nature of a life lived apart from exclusive devotion to God. This highlights the tragic irony of sin's deceptive promises.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 16:29 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful and emotionally charged message. The most prominent is **Allegory**, where the entire chapter, including this verse, functions as an extended metaphor. Jerusalem is personified as an unfaithful wife, and her idolatry and foreign alliances are vividly depicted as "fornication" or "harlotry." This allegorical framework allows for a deeply emotive and morally charged portrayal of Israel's covenant breach, making the spiritual betrayal tangible and reprehensible. **Personification** is central to this allegory, as Jerusalem is given human attributes and actions, such as "multiplying fornication" and being "not satisfied," which makes her spiritual rebellion more relatable and morally accountable. Furthermore, the phrase "in the land of Canaan unto Chaldea" combined with "multiplied thy fornication" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration**, emphasizing the extreme and boundless nature of Jerusalem's unfaithfulness. It suggests that her depravity knew no limits, extending beyond local temptations to embrace the most distant and powerful forms of idolatry. This rhetorical excess serves to underscore the profound depth and comprehensive scope of her spiritual betrayal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 16:29 profoundly illustrates the depth of human depravity and the insatiable nature of sin when a people turn away from their covenant with God. It reveals that spiritual idolatry is not merely a deviation but a profound betrayal, akin to marital infidelity, that leaves the soul perpetually restless and unfulfilled. This verse underscores God's righteous judgment against such unfaithfulness, yet it also implicitly highlights His enduring patience and the severity of the covenant breach that necessitated such harsh prophetic language. The theological implication is clear: true satisfaction, security, and spiritual peace can only be found in exclusive devotion to the one true God, as any pursuit of worldly alliances or false gods inevitably leads to spiritual emptiness, further transgression, and ultimately, divine judgment. It is a stark reminder that sin's promises of fulfillment are always a lie.

* [Hosea 4:12](/hosea/4-12 "Hosea 4:12 - Israel's Spiritual Harlotry and Pursuit of Idols")
* [Jeremiah 3:6-9](/jeremiah/3-6-9 "Jeremiah 3:6-9 - Israel and Judah's Unfaithfulness as Harlotry")
* [Revelation 17:1-6](/revelation/17-1-6 "Revelation 17:1-6 - The Great Prostitute and Her Abominations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 16:29 serves as a timeless and potent warning to believers today, reminding us that spiritual idolatry is not confined to ancient practices of bowing before statues. It manifests whenever we place our ultimate trust, affection, security, or identity in anything other than God—be it careers, wealth, relationships, political ideologies, social media validation, or even self-fulfillment. The "multiplied fornication" speaks to the insidious nature of sin, which, if unchecked, grows exponentially, drawing us further away from God's truth and leading to a restless, unfulfilled existence. Just as Jerusalem was "not satisfied," worldly pursuits and sinful desires promise fulfillment but ultimately leave us empty, perpetually craving more, trapped in a cycle of dissatisfaction. True satisfaction, enduring peace, and genuine security are found only in an exclusive, devoted relationship with Jesus Christ, who alone can quench our spiritual thirst and provide lasting contentment. This verse calls us to vigilant self-examination, to identify and repent of any subtle or overt forms of idolatry in our lives, and to continually re-center our hearts and allegiances on God, ensuring He remains the sole object of our ultimate affection and trust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "multiplying fornication" by placing my ultimate trust or seeking my deepest satisfaction outside of God?**
* **What "Canaanite" or "Chaldean" influences (cultural norms, ideologies, pursuits, or even anxieties) might be subtly drawing my devotion away from Christ?**
* **How does the "and yet thou wast not satisfied herewith" aspect of this verse resonate with my own experiences of seeking fulfillment in worldly things, only to find them lacking?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more exclusive and devoted relationship with God, ensuring He is the sole object of my ultimate affection, trust, and worship?**

### FAQ
**What does "fornication" mean in Ezekiel 16:29?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 16:29, "fornication" (Hebrew: _taznûwth_) is used metaphorically to describe Jerusalem's (representing Judah/Israel) profound spiritual unfaithfulness to God. It does not refer to literal sexual immorality in this context, but rather to the nation's idolatry and their illicit political alliances with pagan nations. God had entered into a sacred covenant relationship with Israel, likening it to a marriage. Therefore, turning away from Yahweh to worship false gods or to rely on foreign powers for security was considered an act of spiritual adultery, a profound betrayal of their sacred covenant vows. This powerful imagery is common in prophetic books to emphasize the depth of Israel's betrayal and the intimacy of their relationship with God, as seen in [Jeremiah 3:8-9](/jeremiah/3-8-9 "Jeremiah 3:8-9 - Israel's Unfaithfulness and Its Consequences") and [Hosea 1:2](/hosea/1-2 "Hosea 1:2 - Hosea's Marriage Allegory").

**Why does the verse mention "Canaan unto Chaldea"?**

Answer: The phrase "Canaan unto Chaldea" signifies the vast geographical and cultural extent of Jerusalem's spiritual corruption and unfaithfulness. "Canaan" represents the immediate, indigenous pagan practices and deities of the peoples surrounding Israel, which they were repeatedly warned against adopting (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:29-31](/deuteronomy/12-29-31 "Deuteronomy 12:29-31 - Warning Against Canaanite Practices")). "Chaldea" refers to Babylon, a powerful and distant empire known for its sophisticated idolatry, astrological practices, and military might. By mentioning both, Ezekiel emphasizes that Judah's apostasy was not limited to local, familiar temptations but extended to eagerly embracing the abominations of major world powers, seeking their gods and their alliances. It illustrates the comprehensive, boundless, and unreserved nature of their spiritual harlotry, demonstrating a complete and tragic departure from their covenant with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 16:29, with its stark portrayal of Israel's insatiable spiritual harlotry and unfaithfulness, powerfully sets the stage for the necessity of Christ. The nation's inability to be "satisfied" by endless acts of rebellion highlights humanity's inherent restlessness and spiritual hunger that cannot be quenched by anything apart from God. This profound dissatisfaction points directly to Jesus Christ, who declares, "[I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")" (John 6:35). Where Israel, the unfaithful bride, continually broke covenant and sought satisfaction in false gods and worldly alliances, Christ embodies the perfectly faithful Bridegroom (cf. [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church, His Bride")). He is the true Israel, the one who perfectly obeyed God's covenant, fulfilling all righteousness where His people failed. Furthermore, the "fornication" of Israel, representing humanity's pervasive sin, necessitated a perfect and atoning sacrifice. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself as the ultimate atonement for this spiritual harlotry, enabling a new covenant where forgiveness, reconciliation, and true satisfaction are found. Through His death and resurrection, He establishes a new, faithful relationship with His people, satisfying their deepest spiritual longings and bringing an end to the restless, unfulfilling pursuit of false gods (cf. [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice and Cleansing")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of all that Israel failed to be, offering true life and lasting contentment.

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 23:14

And [that] she increased her whoredoms: for when she saw men pourtrayed upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans pourtrayed with vermilion,

Ezekiel 23:21

Thus thou calledst to remembrance the lewdness of thy youth, in bruising thy teats by the Egyptians for the paps of thy youth.

Judges 2:12

And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that [were] round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.

Judges 2:19

And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, [that] they returned, and corrupted [themselves] more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way.

Ezekiel 13:14

So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered [morter], and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Ezekiel 13:23

Therefore ye shall see no more vanity, nor divine divinations: for I will deliver my people out of your hand: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

2 Kings 21:9

But they hearkened not: and Manasseh seduced them to do more evil than did the nations whom the LORD destroyed before the children of Israel.