Ezekiel 16:33

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

They give {H5414} gifts {H5078} to all whores {H2181}: but thou givest {H5414} thy gifts {H5083} to all thy lovers {H157}, and hirest {H7809} them, that they may come {H935} unto thee on every side {H5439} for thy whoredom {H8457}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but also instead of receiving gifts like every other prostitute, you give gifts to all your lovers, you bribe them to come to you from all over the place and have sex with you!

Berean Standard Bible

Men give gifts to all their prostitutes, but you gave gifts to all your lovers. You bribed them to come to you from everywhere for your illicit favors.

American Standard Version

They give gifts to all harlots; but thou givest thy gifts to all thy lovers, and bribest them, that they may come unto thee on every side for thy whoredoms.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:33 delivers a searing and shocking indictment of Jerusalem's profound spiritual unfaithfulness, depicting her not merely as a harlot who engages in illicit spiritual relationships but, in an abhorrent inversion, as one who aggressively pays her "lovers"—foreign nations and their gods—to do so. This unparalleled depth of spiritual degradation highlights her desperate, active pursuit of idolatry and unholy political alliances, demonstrating a complete and costly abandonment of her sacred covenant relationship with Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Ezekiel chapter 16, which stands as one of the most extended and vivid allegories in the Old Testament. The chapter meticulously details Jerusalem's journey, beginning with her depiction as a foundling infant, abandoned and helpless, whom God rescues, cleanses, adorns with splendor, and eventually enters into a covenant marriage with, as powerfully stated in [Ezekiel 16:8](/ezekiel/16-8 "Ezekiel 16:8 - God's Covenant with Jerusalem"). Despite this lavish, unconditional love and divine fidelity, Jerusalem, personified as an unfaithful bride, progressively descends into widespread spiritual prostitution. The narrative escalates from subtle unfaithfulness to increasingly brazen acts of idolatry, including sacrificing her own children, and a reliance on foreign powers. [Ezekiel 16:33](/ezekiel/16-33 "Ezekiel 16:33 - Jerusalem's Inverted Harlotry") represents the shocking nadir of this betrayal, where she not only commits whoredom but actively pays her "lovers," underscoring the extreme, self-initiated nature of her spiritual depravity within this extended allegorical framework.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, the nation of Israel, represented by Jerusalem, frequently succumbed to the temptation of adopting the idolatrous practices of surrounding pagan nations and forming strategic political alliances that compromised their unique identity as God's chosen people. The "lovers" in this allegory refer to powerful nations like Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon, with whom Israel sought treaties and military support, implicitly trusting in human power and false gods rather than relying on Yahweh's divine protection and provision. Culturally, while prostitution was a known, albeit condemned, practice, the concept of a harlot *paying* her clients was an utterly abhorrent and unheard-of inversion. This shocking imagery was deliberately chosen by God through Ezekiel to emphasize the extreme, unprecedented nature of Jerusalem's spiritual depravity. It signified not merely a passive yielding to temptation but an active, zealous, and costly pursuit of idolatry and foreign entanglements, a direct and egregious violation of the covenant which demanded exclusive loyalty to God, as articulated in the [first commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment").
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 16:33](/ezekiel/16-33 "Ezekiel 16:33 - Jerusalem's Inverted Harlotry") powerfully illuminates several critical themes. The primary theme is **Inverted Harlotry and Extreme Depravity**. Instead of receiving payment, Jerusalem lavishly gives gifts to her "lovers" (foreign nations and their deities), symbolizing her desperate, active, and costly pursuit of unholy alliances and idolatry. This demonstrates a profound and active abandonment of her reliance on God, indicating an insatiable spiritual hunger directed towards false gods and worldly security, a stark contrast to God's faithful provision described earlier in [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - The Allegory of Jerusalem's Unfaithfulness"). This leads directly to the theme of **Spiritual Adultery and Idolatry**, where her "whoredom" represents the worship of pagan gods and reliance on political alliances with gentile nations rather than on the Lord, a direct violation of the covenant. Finally, the verse powerfully underscores **Covenant Unfaithfulness**, highlighting Israel's profound betrayal of the sacred covenant God had established with them, acting in ways entirely contrary to her identity as God's chosen people who had been lavished with divine grace and provision. This unfaithfulness is a recurring motif in prophetic literature, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Broken Cisterns").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Whoredom (Hebrew, _zânâh'_):** From H2181, a primitive root meaning "to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (the Jewish people being regarded as the spouse of Jehovah)." In the context of [Ezekiel 16:33](/ezekiel/16-33 "Ezekiel 16:33 - Jerusalem's Inverted Harlotry"), this term is used metaphorically to describe Jerusalem's spiritual unfaithfulness, specifically her widespread idolatry and her pursuit of alliances with pagan nations. This is viewed by God as a profound betrayal of their covenant marriage, emphasizing the severity and moral reprehensibility of her spiritual transgression.
* **Gifts (Hebrew, _nâdân'_):** From H5083, probably from an unused root meaning "to give; a present (for prostitution)." This word is crucial because it specifically refers to a gift given *by* the harlot to her clients, rather than the typical payment received *by* the harlot. Its precise usage here is fundamental to understanding the inverted nature of Jerusalem's "whoredom," emphasizing her active, costly, and desperate pursuit of idolatry and foreign alliances, rather than being merely seduced or forced.
* **Hires (Hebrew, _shâchad'_):** From H7809, a primitive root meaning "to donate, i.e. bribe." This word powerfully reinforces the active, initiating, and even aggressive role Jerusalem takes in her spiritual unfaithfulness. She is not merely seduced or receptive to temptation; she actively "bribes" or "hires" her "lovers" to engage in their illicit relationship. This signifies her extreme eagerness and willingness to expend resources—including national wealth, honor, and spiritual integrity—to pursue these forbidden relationships, demonstrating an insatiable appetite for unfaithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They give gifts to all whores":** This opening clause establishes a stark contrast, describing the conventional behavior of harlots who *receive* gifts or payment for their services. It sets the societal norm against which Jerusalem's subsequent, shocking deviation will be measured, immediately signaling the unprecedented nature of her transgression.
* **"but thou givest thy gifts to all thy lovers":** This is the core of the indictment, directly accusing Jerusalem (represented by "thou") of an utterly unprecedented act. Instead of receiving payment as a harlot, she is the one giving "gifts" (_nâdân_), indicating her desperate, active, and costly pursuit of illicit relationships. These "lovers" represent the pagan nations and their gods, with whom Jerusalem sought alliances and worshipped, betraying her divine Husband.
* **"and hirest them":** This phrase further intensifies the emphasis on Jerusalem's initiative and zeal in her spiritual unfaithfulness. The term "hirest" (_shâchad_) implies a deliberate, calculated, and costly act of bribery or payment to secure the "services" of her "lovers." It underscores that her idolatry and foreign entanglements were not passive temptations but actively sought, paid for, and aggressively pursued.
* **"that they may come unto thee on every side for thy whoredom":** This final clause reveals the ultimate purpose and extensive scope of Jerusalem's actions. She pays her "lovers" so that they will "come unto her on every side," indicating a widespread, insatiable, and promiscuous engagement in spiritual "whoredom" (_taznûwth_). It paints a vivid picture of Jerusalem actively soliciting and attracting numerous foreign entanglements and idolatrous practices from all directions, demonstrating her utter devotion to unfaithfulness and her complete abandonment of Yahweh.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 16:33 is profoundly rich in literary devices, functioning primarily within the broader **allegory** that portrays Jerusalem as an unfaithful bride. The most prominent device is **Metaphor**, where "whoredom," "harlotry," "gifts," and "lovers" serve as powerful, visceral, and morally charged metaphors for spiritual unfaithfulness, idolatry, and the breaking of the sacred covenant with God. This metaphorical language is intensified by **Personification**, as Jerusalem is vividly portrayed as a woman engaging in these morally reprehensible acts. The verse's central shock factor and its profound theological impact derive from its masterful use of **Inversion** or **Paradox**: instead of the harlot receiving payment, Jerusalem is depicted as *giving* gifts and *hiring* her lovers. This shocking reversal underscores the extreme depth of her depravity and her desperate, aggressive, and self-initiated pursuit of idolatry and foreign alliances. Furthermore, the phrase "on every side" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the widespread, unrestrained, and insatiable nature of her spiritual promiscuity, suggesting an overwhelming appetite for unfaithfulness that permeates every aspect of her national life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 16:33 powerfully articulates the profound severity of spiritual idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness from God's perspective. It highlights His view of His relationship with His people as a sacred, exclusive covenant, akin to a marriage. When Israel turned to other gods or relied on foreign powers, it was not merely a lapse in judgment or a pragmatic political decision, but a profound act of spiritual betrayal and adultery, deeply grieving the divine Husband. This verse uniquely emphasizes that Israel's unfaithfulness was not a passive succumbing to temptation but an active, costly, and zealous pursuit of false gods and worldly security, demonstrating a heart utterly estranged from the Lord. It underscores God's righteous jealousy for His unique relationship with His people and the dire consequences of abandoning Him for empty idols, a theme consistently echoed throughout the prophetic literature.

* [Hosea 1:2](/hosea/1-2 "Hosea 1:2 - Hosea's Symbolic Marriage and Israel's Harlotry")
* [Jeremiah 3:6-9](/jeremiah/3-6-9 "Jeremiah 3:6-9 - Judah's Spiritual Adultery and Covenant Breaking")
* [Deuteronomy 31:16](/deuteronomy/31-16 "Deuteronomy 31:16 - Israel's Future Harlotry and Forsaking God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 16:33 serves as a profound and enduring warning against spiritual compromise and the pursuit of security or satisfaction outside of God. It challenges believers today to deeply examine where their ultimate trust, devotion, and resources are truly invested. Are we, like ancient Jerusalem, "giving gifts"—our precious time, vital energy, deepest affections, financial resources, and innermost desires—to worldly pursuits, modern "idols" (such as wealth, power, status, entertainment, comfort, or even self-righteousness) that subtly or overtly draw us away from our covenant relationship with God? This verse reminds us of the insidious nature of idolatry, which often manifests not as overt pagan worship but as anything that displaces God from His rightful place of supreme affection and reliance in our lives. It calls for a radical self-assessment, urging us to maintain undivided loyalty to God, recognizing that true provision, security, and eternal fulfillment come solely from Him. Our pursuit of God should be zealous, but unlike Jerusalem's twisted zeal, it should be one of faithful devotion, obedient worship, and unwavering trust in His sovereign goodness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gifts" (time, energy, resources, affections) am I giving to pursuits or desires that subtly compete with my primary devotion to God?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be actively seeking security, identity, or satisfaction outside of my intimate relationship with God?**
* **How does the concept of God's covenant love and His righteous jealousy challenge me to examine my own faithfulness and loyalty to Him in practical ways?**
* **What does it mean for me, personally, to cultivate an "undivided heart" in my relationship with Christ amidst the competing demands and allurements of today's world?**

### FAQ
**Why does God use such harsh and graphic language to describe Jerusalem's unfaithfulness?**

Answer: The graphic language, particularly the metaphor of "whoredom" and "harlotry," is employed by God to convey the extreme severity and abhorrence of Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness. In the ancient Near East, the marriage covenant was a sacred and exclusive bond, often used to describe God's relationship with His people. By portraying His relationship with Israel as a marriage and her idolatry as prostitution, God emphasizes the profound betrayal, the deep hurt, and the utter violation of trust involved. The inversion of the harlot paying her lovers, as seen in [Ezekiel 16:33](/ezekiel/16-33 "Ezekiel 16:33 - Jerusalem's Inverted Harlotry"), further intensifies the shock, highlighting Israel's unprecedented zeal in pursuing false gods and foreign alliances, rather than merely being seduced. This language is not meant to titillate or endorse, but to shock the audience into recognizing the gravity of their sin and the depth of God's righteous anger and grief over their profound betrayal. It serves as a powerful, unforgettable warning.

**Does this passage imply that God condones or focuses on literal prostitution?**

Answer: No, this passage does not condone literal prostitution in any way. Instead, it leverages the cultural understanding of prostitution as a vivid, morally reprehensible, and shameful act to serve as a powerful metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness. The "whoredom" described throughout [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - The Allegory of Jerusalem's Unfaithfulness") is primarily spiritual, referring to Israel's idolatry (worshipping other gods) and her reliance on political alliances with pagan nations instead of trusting in Yahweh, her divine Husband. The shock value comes from applying a highly immoral human act to describe an equally, if not more, offensive spiritual transgression against a holy God. The focus is entirely on the spiritual betrayal and its devastating consequences, not on the literal act of prostitution itself, which the Mosaic Law strictly condemned (e.g., [Deuteronomy 23:17-18](/deuteronomy/23-17-18 "Deuteronomy 23:17-18 - Prohibition of Prostitution")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 16:33, with its stark portrayal of Israel's profound spiritual harlotry and covenant unfaithfulness, finds its ultimate resolution and redemptive fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Israel, as God's chosen bride, repeatedly betrayed her covenant vows, actively pursuing "lovers" (idols and foreign alliances) and even paying them for their illicit relationships. This desperate, self-initiated pursuit highlights humanity's innate tendency towards idolatry and self-reliance, a condition from which we are utterly incapable of freeing ourselves. Christ, however, embodies the perfectly faithful Bridegroom. Unlike Israel, who gave her "gifts" to false lovers and empty promises, Christ gave *Himself* as the ultimate, unparalleled "gift"—the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross—to redeem His unfaithful bride, the Church ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Sacrificial Love for the Church")). He did not demand payment from us for our spiritual whoredom or idolatry; instead, He paid the ultimate price, bearing our sin and shame, to cleanse us from our idolatry and reconcile us to God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Through His new covenant, established in His precious blood, Christ offers a relationship of unwavering faithfulness, transforming hearts that once chased after idols into devoted worshippers of the one true God ([Hebrews 8:10-12](/hebrews/8-10-12 "Hebrews 8:10-12 - The New Covenant Promises")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, including the sin of spiritual adultery, inviting His redeemed bride to an eternal, pure, and unbreakable union with Him, culminating in the glorious marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

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

Hosea 8:9

For they are gone up to Assyria, a wild ass alone by himself: Ephraim hath hired lovers.

Hosea 8:10

Yea, though they have hired among the nations, now will I gather them, and they shall sorrow a little for the burden of the king of princes.

Isaiah 57:9

And thou wentest to the king with ointment, and didst increase thy perfumes, and didst send thy messengers far off, and didst debase [thyself even] unto hell.

Isaiah 30:6

The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence [come] the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the bunches of camels, to a people [that] shall not profit [them].

Isaiah 30:7

For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength [is] to sit still.

Deuteronomy 23:17

There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel.

Deuteronomy 23:18

Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these [are] abomination unto the LORD thy God.