Ezekiel 16:31

KJV

In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire;

KJV (with Strong's)

In that thou buildest {H1129} thine eminent place {H1354} in the head {H7218} of every way {H1870}, and makest {H6213} thine high place {H7413} in every street {H7339}; and hast not been as an harlot {H2181}, in that thou scornest {H7046} hire {H868};

Complete Jewish Bible

building your platforms on every streetcorner, making your high places in every open space - and yet you aren't like a whore, because you scorn getting paid.

Berean Standard Bible

But when you built your mounds at the head of every street and made your lofty shrines in every public square, you were not even like a prostitute, because you scorned payment.

American Standard Version

in that thou buildest thy vaulted place at the head of every way, and makest thy lofty place in every street, and hast not been as a harlot, in that thou scornest hire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:31 powerfully depicts Jerusalem's extreme spiritual depravity, employing the shocking metaphor of a harlot who not only constructs public shrines for widespread idolatry but does so with such an insatiable, perverse desire that she actively "scorns hire." This verse underscores the unprecedented, public, and pervasive nature of Judah's unfaithfulness, revealing a nation so consumed by spiritual adultery that it surpasses even the typical motivations of a prostitute, demonstrating an unparalleled eagerness for sin and a profound betrayal of her covenant relationship with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 16 unfolds as a profound and extended allegory, where God recounts Jerusalem's entire history, from her desolate origins as an abandoned infant to her elevation as a glorious city, all framed within the intimate imagery of a marriage covenant. God found Jerusalem (personified as a female child) utterly destitute, nurtured her, adorned her with splendor, and entered into an exclusive covenant with her, making her His cherished bride, as detailed in [Ezekiel 16:8](/ezekiel/16-8 "Ezekiel 16:8 - God's Covenant with Jerusalem"). However, she subsequently misused His lavish gifts—her beauty, wealth, and prominence—to engage in rampant spiritual harlotry with foreign nations and their gods. Verse 31 specifically highlights the brazen and public nature of this profound unfaithfulness, setting the stage for the severe divine judgment that dominates the latter half of the chapter and indeed, the entire book of Ezekiel, which serves to explain to the exiled people of Judah the just necessity of God's judgment, culminating in the devastating destruction of Jerusalem and its sacred Temple.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the early 6th century BCE, following the initial deportation of Judah's elite. His prophetic message frequently elucidated the reasons for God's judgment upon Jerusalem. The "eminent place" and "high place" referenced in this verse denote pagan altars, cultic shrines, or illicit meeting places. In the ancient Near East, such sites were commonly erected on elevated ground or at prominent crossroads, ensuring their visibility and accessibility. For Israel, however, these practices constituted a direct and grievous violation of the Mosaic Covenant, particularly the foundational First and Second Commandments, which unequivocally forbade the worship of other gods and the creation of idols, as commanded in [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments"). Jerusalem's deliberate choice to construct these public shrines "in the head of every way, and in every street" signifies a widespread, unashamed, and deeply integrated embrace of idolatry, weaving it into the very fabric of public life rather than confining it to secret acts.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several critical themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic corpus. Foremost is **Flagrant Idolatry**, emphasizing the brazen and pervasive nature of Jerusalem's spiritual rebellion, which was not concealed but openly displayed in public spaces. This leads directly to the theme of **Extreme Unfaithfulness**, dramatically underscored by the shocking comparison to a harlot who "scorns hire." This vivid imagery suggests an unparalleled and perverse eagerness for illicit spiritual relations, where Jerusalem not only did not seek payment for her "services" (idolatry and foreign alliances) but actively paid others, making her more depraved than a typical prostitute, as further elaborated in [Ezekiel 16:34](/ezekiel/16-34 "Ezekiel 16:34 - Jerusalem Pays Her Lovers"). Underlying these actions is the profound theme of **Covenant Violation**, as Jerusalem's actions represent a direct and egregious betrayal of her exclusive marriage covenant with Yahweh, the very God who had redeemed, nurtured, and chosen her, as encapsulated in the foundational command to love God with all one's being in [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema and Love for God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **eminent place (Hebrew, _gab_):** From an unused root meaning "to hollow or curve," this term, by analogy, refers to the top or rim, a boss, a vault, or an arch. In this context, it denotes a prominent, possibly arched or vaulted structure, often interpreted as a brothel or a cultic shrine for illicit acts. Its usage here emphasizes the public, dedicated, and highly visible nature of Jerusalem's spiritual harlotry, suggesting a deliberate construction for her idolatrous practices.
* **harlot (Hebrew, _zânâh_):** A primitive root meaning "to commit adultery," typically of the female, or simple fornication. Crucially, it is used figuratively to mean "to commit idolatry," reflecting the understanding that the Jewish people were regarded as the spouse of Jehovah. This word is central to Ezekiel 16's extended allegory, directly equating Israel's worship of other gods with sexual infidelity, thereby highlighting the profound betrayal of their exclusive covenant relationship with God. The root implies a "wanton" nature, suggesting a deliberate and unrestrained pursuit of illicit spiritual relations.
* **scornest (Hebrew, _qâlaç_):** A primitive root meaning "to disparage," "ridicule," "mock," or "scoff." This term powerfully conveys Jerusalem's active rejection of the typical harlot's motive for financial gain. Instead of receiving payment, she actively disdains it, indicating an insatiable, self-motivated, and perverse desire to pursue idolatry and foreign alliances for their own sake, or for perceived benefits that were ultimately destructive. This makes her spiritual harlotry uniquely perverse and deeply offensive to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way":** This clause describes Jerusalem's active construction of prominent, perhaps arched or vaulted, structures dedicated to idolatry and illicit spiritual activities. The phrase "in the head of every way" signifies that these sites were erected at crossroads or major thoroughfares, making them highly visible and accessible to everyone. This emphasizes the public, pervasive, and unashamed nature of her spiritual unfaithfulness, indicating a deliberate and widespread embrace of pagan practices.
* **"and makest thine high place in every street;":** This further reinforces the previous clause, reiterating the widespread and public nature of Jerusalem's idolatry. "High place" refers to traditional pagan altars or shrines, often on elevated ground, where illicit worship or sexual rites were performed. Placing them "in every street" indicates that idolatry was not an isolated act but was integrated into the very fabric of daily life, accessible to all citizens, and openly practiced throughout the city, demonstrating a complete disregard for God's covenant.
* **"and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire;":** This is the most shocking and damning part of the verse, highlighting Jerusalem's unparalleled depravity. A common harlot typically receives payment for her services. However, Jerusalem is depicted as being so utterly consumed by her desire for illicit spiritual relations (idolatry and foreign alliances) that she not only does not seek payment but actively "scorns hire." This means she pays others (her "lovers"—foreign nations and their gods) or gives gifts to engage in these abominable acts, signifying an unparalleled eagerness, aggressive pursuit, and deep-seated perversion in her sin, making her worse and more unnatural than a common harlot.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 16:31 is profoundly shaped by **Allegory**, as the entire chapter functions as an extended narrative portraying Jerusalem's history as an unfaithful wife and harlot. This is powerfully supported by **Personification**, where Jerusalem is consistently depicted as a female character, a bride who shamelessly betrays her divine husband (God). The phrase "scornest hire" employs striking **Hyperbole**, exaggerating Jerusalem's depravity beyond that of a typical harlot to emphasize the extreme, unnatural, and insatiable eagerness with which she pursued idolatry. The entire concept of idolatry being likened to sexual infidelity is a profound **Metaphor**, drawing a clear and forceful parallel between the exclusive nature of a marriage covenant and the exclusive devotion required in the covenant with God. These literary devices collectively amplify the shock, gravity, and theological significance of Jerusalem's spiritual unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 16:31 serves as a stark theological indictment of Israel's covenant infidelity, revealing the profound depth of their spiritual harlotry. It underscores God's absolute demand for exclusive worship and the severe consequences of violating that covenant. The verse highlights the insidious nature of idolatry, showing how it can become so deeply ingrained and actively pursued that it transcends mere temptation and becomes an insatiable desire, consuming a people to their core. This passage powerfully illustrates God's righteous judgment against sin, emphasizing that while His patience is vast, His justice is certain for persistent, unrepentant rebellion. It also foreshadows the ultimate need for a new covenant, where faithfulness would be written on the heart, not merely on stone, demonstrating that human effort alone is insufficient to maintain true devotion.

* [Hosea 1:2](/hosea/1-2 "Hosea 1:2 - Hosea's Marriage as a Metaphor for Israel's Unfaithfulness")
* [Jeremiah 3:8](/jeremiah/3-8 "Jeremiah 3:8 - Judah's Treachery and Spiritual Harlotry")
* [Deuteronomy 32:16-17](/deuteronomy/32-16-17 "Deuteronomy 32:16-17 - Provoking God with Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 16:31, though rooted in ancient Israel's history, offers profound and challenging insights for contemporary believers. It compels us to examine the "high places" and "eminent places" we might be building in our own lives—anything that subtly or overtly competes for the supreme devotion due to God alone. This could manifest as an obsessive pursuit of wealth, career, relationships, comfort, or even good causes, where these things become ends in themselves rather than means to glorify God. The shocking imagery of "scorn[ing] hire" serves as a potent warning against an active, aggressive pursuit of sin or worldly desires, where we might even sacrifice our well-being or spiritual integrity for something that offers no true gain. It's a call to honest self-assessment, urging us to recognize that true spiritual health lies in an exclusive, unwavering devotion to God, free from the allure of competing idols, and to actively dismantle anything that rivals His rightful place in our hearts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "eminent places" or "high places" in my life that might be competing for God's supreme authority and devotion?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be "scorn[ing] hire," actively pursuing desires or activities that are spiritually detrimental, even at personal cost?**
* **How can I cultivate a more exclusive and pure devotion to God, ensuring that my heart's allegiance is solely His?**
* **What practical steps can I take to dismantle any "idols" I might have unknowingly erected in my daily life or priorities?**

### FAQ
**What does "eminent place" (KJV) or "vaulted chamber" (ESV) mean in Ezekiel 16:31?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated as "eminent place" (גַּב, _gab_) in the KJV, or often "vaulted chamber" in more modern translations, refers to a prominent, possibly arched or elevated structure. In the context of [Ezekiel 16:31](/ezekiel/16-31 "Ezekiel 16:31 - Jerusalem's Brazen Idolatry"), it signifies a public place specifically constructed for illicit or idolatrous activities. Coupled with "high place" (רָמָה, _râmâh_), a common term for pagan altars, these phrases emphasize that Jerusalem's spiritual harlotry—her worship of foreign gods and alliances—was not hidden but openly and brazenly practiced at major crossroads and in every street, making it a pervasive and undeniable aspect of her national life. It underscores the public and unashamed nature of her rebellion against God's covenant.

**Why is Jerusalem described as being "not as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire," and what does it imply?**

Answer: This phrase is a shocking and deeply condemnatory indictment of Jerusalem's depravity. A typical harlot engages in her trade for financial gain, receiving "hire" or payment. However, Jerusalem is portrayed as being so utterly consumed by her desire for idolatry and illicit foreign alliances that she not only does not seek payment but actively "scorns hire." This implies an unparalleled level of depravity and eagerness for sin. Instead of being paid, Jerusalem herself pays her "lovers" (as explicitly stated in [Ezekiel 16:34](/ezekiel/16-34 "Ezekiel 16:34 - Jerusalem Pays Her Lovers")), offering gifts and tribute to foreign nations and their gods. This signifies a perverse, self-motivated, and insatiable pursuit of spiritual infidelity, making her actions far more egregious and unnatural than those of a common prostitute. It highlights her profound betrayal of God's covenant love and her utter abandonment to idolatry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 16:31, with its graphic portrayal of Jerusalem's spiritual harlotry and covenant unfaithfulness, powerfully underscores humanity's innate propensity for idolatry and rebellion against God. This deep-seated unfaithfulness, where humanity "scorns hire" and actively pursues sin, reveals the desperate need for a radical transformation that no human effort or adherence to law could achieve. Christ perfectly fulfills this dire need by embodying the faithful "Israel" and the true "Bridegroom" that humanity, and Israel specifically, failed to be. He did not build "eminent places" for idolatry but perfectly obeyed the Father, even to the point of death on a cross, demonstrating ultimate faithfulness as described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death"). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus became the ultimate "hire" or payment, not received by us for our sin, but given by God on our behalf, taking away the sin of the world as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He establishes a New Covenant, not written on stone but on the hearts of believers, enabling them to be truly faithful and to love God exclusively, as promised in [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts"). Ultimately, Christ is preparing a pure and spotless Bride, the Church, who will be presented to Him without blemish, having been cleansed from all spiritual harlotry by His blood, as beautifully depicted in [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church"). The judgment pronounced upon unfaithful Jerusalem in Ezekiel finds its redemptive answer in the grace and faithfulness of Christ, who offers forgiveness and restoration to all who turn from their spiritual harlotry and embrace Him as their one true 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

Isaiah 52:3

For thus saith the LORD, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money.

Ezekiel 16:33

They give gifts to all whores: but thou givest thy gifts to all thy lovers, and hirest them, that they may come unto thee on every side for thy whoredom.

Ezekiel 16:34

And the contrary is in thee from [other] women in thy whoredoms, whereas none followeth thee to commit whoredoms: and in that thou givest a reward, and no reward is given unto thee, therefore thou art contrary.

Ezekiel 16:39

And I will also give thee into their hand, and they shall throw down thine eminent place, and shall break down thy high places: they shall strip thee also of thy clothes, and shall take thy fair jewels, and leave thee naked and bare.

Hosea 12:11

[Is there] iniquity [in] Gilead? surely they are vanity: they sacrifice bullocks in Gilgal; yea, their altars [are] as heaps in the furrows of the fields.

Ezekiel 16:24

[That] thou hast also built unto thee an eminent place, and hast made thee an high place in every street.

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.