Ezekiel 16:35

KJV

¶ Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of the LORD:

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore, O harlot {H2181}, hear {H8085} the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"'All right, you whore, listen to the word of ADONAI!'

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, O prostitute, hear the word of the LORD!

American Standard Version

Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of Jehovah:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:35 marks a critical pivot in God's extended prophetic allegory against Jerusalem, portraying her as a foundling child raised by God who then becomes a beautiful woman, only to betray Him through spiritual harlotry. This verse transitions from a detailed indictment of her egregious unfaithfulness—manifested in idolatry and illicit foreign alliances—to a solemn pronouncement of impending judgment. It is a direct and confrontational address, demanding attention to the divine decree that follows, underscoring the severity of her covenant betrayal and the inevitability of divine justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 16 is one of the most vivid and disturbing allegories in the prophetic corpus, spanning the entire chapter. It meticulously details Jerusalem's (representing Judah/Israel) spiritual journey from an abandoned infant, rescued and adorned by Yahweh, to a beautiful woman who then shamefully prostitutes herself. Verses 1-14 recount God's gracious adoption and lavish provision for Jerusalem, establishing a covenant relationship. Verses 15-34 then graphically describe her descent into spiritual adultery, engaging in idolatry with foreign gods and forming unholy alliances with surrounding nations, even sacrificing her own children. This particular verse, [Ezekiel 16:35](/ezekiel/16-35 "Ezekiel 16:35 - The Harlot's Judgment Announced"), serves as a stark transition, moving from the detailed exposition of her crimes to the declaration of the divine judgment that her actions necessitate. It is a direct, confrontational address that sets the stage for the severe consequences outlined in the subsequent verses, particularly [Ezekiel 16:36-43](/ezekiel/16-36 "Ezekiel 16:36-43 - God's Judgment on Jerusalem's Harlotry").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel delivered his messages to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, following the first wave of deportations in 597 BC. Jerusalem, though not yet destroyed, was under Babylonian siege, and its ultimate fall was imminent. The allegory of the harlot would have resonated deeply with the exiles, who understood the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel as analogous to a marriage (cf. [Hosea 1-3](/hosea/1 "Hosea 1-3 - God's Unfaithful Wife")). Idolatry, the primary "spiritual harlotry," was rampant in Judah, involving the worship of Canaanite deities like Baal and Asherah, and even the horrific practice of child sacrifice (e.g., [2 Kings 16:3](/2_kings/16-3 "2 Kings 16:3 - Ahaz's Idolatry and Child Sacrifice")). Furthermore, Judah's political alliances with Egypt and Assyria, rather than trusting in Yahweh, were seen as acts of infidelity, akin to seeking lovers instead of remaining faithful to her divine husband. The cultural context of the ancient Near East, where prostitution was a known social ill and a metaphor for betrayal, made this imagery particularly potent and humiliating for the audience.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major themes prevalent in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Indictment and Confrontation**, as God directly addresses Jerusalem with a deeply shaming epithet, underscoring His righteous anger and the severity of her betrayal. Secondly, the theme of **Spiritual Harlotry** is central, portraying Israel's abandonment of Yahweh for idols and foreign powers as a heinous breach of covenant, a concept seen throughout prophetic books like [Jeremiah 3](/jeremiah/3 "Jeremiah 3 - Israel's Spiritual Adultery"). Thirdly, the phrase "hear the word of the LORD" emphasizes the **Authority and Inevitability of God's Word**. Despite the harshness of the accusation, the command to "hear" signifies that what follows is not mere accusation but a binding divine decree, demanding attention and acknowledgment of God's sovereign will and the truth of His pronouncements, leading to the theme of **Divine Judgment** for covenant unfaithfulness, a recurring motif throughout [the book of Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - The Prophet's Vision").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **harlot (Hebrew, _zânâh'_):** From H2181, this primitive root describes someone "highly-fed and therefore wanton." While it literally refers to committing adultery or simple fornication (usually of the female), its figurative use here, as often in prophetic literature, is profound: "to commit idolatry (the Jewish people being regarded as the spouse of Jehovah)." Its application to Jerusalem signifies her scandalous and debased spiritual infidelity, portraying her as having willingly prostituted herself to false gods and foreign powers, in stark contrast to the sacred covenant she had with Yahweh. This word emphasizes the deliberate and egregious nature of her betrayal.
* **hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** From H8085, this primitive root means "to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)." The imperative "hear" is not merely a request for auditory reception but a demand for attentive listening, comprehension, and, crucially, obedience. In this context, it underscores the authoritative nature of the divine message about to be delivered, implying that Jerusalem is being called to account and must acknowledge the truth and weight of God's pronouncement, whether she likes it or not.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term refers to "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing." When paired with "of the LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh'_), it forms a powerful prophetic formula, "the word of the LORD." This phrase signifies that the message is not Ezekiel's own, but a direct, authoritative, and binding decree from the self-existent, eternal God, Jehovah. It carries the weight of divine revelation, judgment, and ultimate truth, demanding absolute attention and submission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore, O harlot,"**: This opening phrase is a direct, confrontational, and deeply shaming address from God to Jerusalem. "Wherefore" (or "Therefore") indicates that what follows is a logical consequence or conclusion drawn from the extensive list of Jerusalem's spiritual harlotry detailed in the preceding verses. The epithet "O harlot" is a stark, public accusation, stripping Jerusalem of any pretense of faithfulness and exposing her spiritual infidelity in its most debased form. It underscores the severity of her covenant breach and God's righteous indignation.
* **"hear the word of the LORD:"**: Despite the harsh accusation, this command is crucial. It is an imperative, demanding Jerusalem's full attention to the divine message that is about to be delivered. "The word of the LORD" signifies that the subsequent pronouncement of judgment is not a human opinion or a mere threat, but an authoritative, unalterable decree from Yahweh, the covenant God. It highlights God's sovereignty and the certainty of His justice, compelling the unfaithful city to acknowledge the truth of its impending doom.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 16:35 is rich in literary devices that amplify its dramatic impact and theological weight. The most prominent is **Allegory**, as the entire chapter, culminating in this verse's direct address, uses the extended metaphor of a foundling-turned-harlot to represent Jerusalem's spiritual journey and betrayal. This verse specifically employs **Apostrophe**, a direct address to an absent or personified entity ("O harlot"), making the accusation intensely personal and confrontational. The term "harlot" itself is a powerful **Metaphor** for spiritual unfaithfulness, equating Israel's idolatry and foreign alliances with sexual promiscuity, thereby emphasizing the scandalous and debased nature of her actions. Furthermore, Jerusalem is presented through **Personification** as a woman who has betrayed her husband (Yahweh), allowing for the emotional and moral dimensions of a broken marriage covenant to be applied to the theological relationship. The phrase "the word of the LORD" functions as a **Prophetic Formula**, signaling the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message, imbuing it with irrefutable truth and the weight of God's sovereign decree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 16:35 powerfully articulates the theological principle that covenant unfaithfulness inevitably leads to divine judgment. God's direct and harsh address to Jerusalem as a "harlot" underscores the profound offense of spiritual idolatry, which is viewed as a betrayal of the most intimate covenant relationship, akin to marital infidelity. This verse highlights God's holiness and justice, demonstrating that while He is merciful and long-suffering, He will ultimately hold His people accountable for their rebellion and rejection of His exclusive claim on their worship and loyalty. It reveals the seriousness with which God views His covenant and the devastating consequences of breaking it, setting the stage for the just retribution that is to follow.

* [Jeremiah 3:8-9](/jeremiah/3-8 "Jeremiah 3:8-9 - Israel's Spiritual Adultery and Divorce")
* [Hosea 1:2](/hosea/1-2 "Hosea 1:2 - God Commands Hosea to Marry a Harlot")
* [Revelation 17:1-5](/revelation/17-1 "Revelation 17:1-5 - The Great Harlot and Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 16:35 serves as a profound mirror for self-examination, calling believers in every age to scrutinize their own loyalties and devotion. The "harlotry" of Jerusalem was not merely overt idol worship, but a turning away from God's provision and covenant for perceived security or pleasure in worldly alliances and false gods. For us today, this translates into identifying and repenting of anything that competes for God's rightful place as supreme in our hearts—be it wealth, career, relationships, comfort, or even self-righteousness. This verse reminds us that God demands exclusive devotion, and any deviation, however subtle, constitutes spiritual infidelity. Furthermore, the command to "hear the word of the LORD" is a timeless call to attentive and obedient listening, even when God's truth is uncomfortable or convicting. It urges us to yield to His authority, recognizing that His word, though sometimes harsh, is always for our ultimate purification and restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" or competing loyalties might be subtly drawing my heart away from exclusive devotion to God in my life today?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to seek security or satisfaction outside of God's provision and covenant faithfulness?**
* **Am I truly "hearing" the word of the LORD, not just listening, but actively seeking to obey and align my life with its truths, especially when it challenges my comfort or desires?**
* **How does understanding God's righteous anger against spiritual harlotry deepen my appreciation for His mercy and grace towards me?**

### FAQ
**What does "O harlot" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 16:35, the term "O harlot" is a severe and direct accusation from God to Jerusalem (representing Judah/Israel). It is a powerful **metaphor** for spiritual unfaithfulness, equating Jerusalem's abandonment of Yahweh for idolatry and illicit political alliances with the act of sexual prostitution. This imagery emphasizes the scandalous, shameful, and utterly debased nature of her covenant betrayal, portraying her as having willingly prostituted herself to false gods and foreign powers, despite being lavished with blessings by her divine "husband," Yahweh. It highlights the profound depth of her betrayal of the exclusive covenant relationship.

**Why does God use such strong and graphic language in Ezekiel 16?**

Answer: God uses strong and graphic language in Ezekiel 16, including the term "harlot," to convey the extreme severity and abhorrent nature of Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness. The vivid imagery serves to shock the audience, the exiles in Babylon, into a full realization of their sin and the righteousness of God's impending judgment. It underscores that their idolatry and reliance on foreign nations were not minor transgressions but a profound betrayal of the intimate, covenantal "marriage" relationship with Yahweh. This graphic language is a prophetic device to evoke deep shame, repentance, and an understanding of the gravity of breaking faith with the holy God (cf. [Hosea 1:2](/hosea/1-2 "Hosea 1:2 - God Commands Hosea to Marry a Harlot") for similar prophetic imagery).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 16:35, with its stark indictment of Israel as a "harlot" for her spiritual unfaithfulness, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in the condemnation of humanity, but in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Israel, as God's chosen people and covenant bride, repeatedly failed in her fidelity, demonstrating humanity's inherent inability to maintain perfect devotion to God. Jesus, however, stands as the true and faithful Israel, the obedient Son who perfectly fulfilled the covenant where humanity failed. He is the ultimate "word of the LORD" (cf. [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")), the one who perfectly "heard" and obeyed the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Through His sacrifice, Christ takes upon Himself the judgment due to the unfaithful "harlot" (humanity), cleansing and redeeming a new people—the Church—to be His spotless bride (cf. [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church as His Bride")). Thus, while Ezekiel 16:35 pronounces judgment on Israel's harlotry, it ultimately foreshadows the need for a perfect Bridegroom who would secure a faithful bride, a reality gloriously realized in Christ's atoning work and the establishment of His 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 13:2

Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD;

Hosea 4:1

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because [there is] no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.

Isaiah 1:21

¶ How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers.

Ezekiel 20:47

And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.

Ezekiel 34:7

¶ Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;

Hosea 2:5

For their mother hath played the harlot: she that conceived them hath done shamefully: for she said, I will go after my lovers, that give [me] my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, mine oil and my drink.

Nahum 3:4

Because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the wellfavoured harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that selleth nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts.