Ezekiel 16:36

KJV

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy abominations, and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them;

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Because thy filthiness {H5178} was poured out {H8210}, and thy nakedness {H6172} discovered {H1540} through thy whoredoms {H8457} with thy lovers {H157}, and with all the idols {H1544} of thy abominations {H8441}, and by the blood {H1818} of thy children {H1121}, which thou didst give {H5414} unto them;

Complete Jewish Bible

Adonai ELOHIM says: 'Because your filth has been poured out and your privates exposed through your acts of fornication with your lovers, and because of all the idols of your disgusting practices, and because of the blood of your children, which you gave them,

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says: Because you poured out your wealth and exposed your nakedness in your promiscuity with your lovers and with all your detestable idols, and because of the blood of your children which you gave to them,

American Standard Version

Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness uncovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers; and because of all the idols of thy abominations, and for the blood of thy children, that thou didst give unto them;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:36 delivers a scathing divine indictment against Jerusalem, personified as an unfaithful wife. The Lord God declares that her spiritual adultery, manifested through rampant idolatry and the horrific practice of child sacrifice, has reached a point of public exposure and utter shame. This verse underscores the profound betrayal of God's covenant love and sets the stage for the severe judgment that Jerusalem's abominable actions have justly provoked.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 16 is a powerful and extended allegory, portraying Jerusalem's history as a narrative of God's unconditional love and her persistent unfaithfulness. Beginning with Jerusalem's humble origins as an abandoned infant (Ezekiel 16:1-7), God describes how He nurtured her, adorned her with splendor, and entered into an unbreakable covenant (Ezekiel 16:8-14). However, Jerusalem, intoxicated by her beauty and prosperity, turned to spiritual prostitution, defiling herself with foreign alliances and, most egregiously, with idolatry (Ezekiel 16:15-34). Verse 36 marks a pivotal point in God's detailed accusation, explicitly listing the most heinous aspects of her betrayal—her "filthiness" and "nakedness" exposed through "whoredoms," "idols," and the "blood of thy children." This verse directly precedes the declaration of God's impending judgment and the description of the severe punishment that will befall her as a consequence of her treachery (Ezekiel 16:37-43).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel was written during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), with the prophet addressing the exiles and those remaining in Jerusalem. Jerusalem, at this time, was under siege or had recently fallen (586 BC). The historical context is one of profound national crisis and spiritual apostasy. The "whoredoms" and "lovers" refer to Judah's political alliances with pagan nations (e.g., Egypt, Assyria, Babylon) and, more importantly, her adoption of their idolatrous practices. The mention of "idols of thy abominations" points to the pervasive syncretism where foreign deities were worshipped alongside Yahweh, often involving fertility cults and abhorrent rituals. Crucially, "the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them" refers to the horrific practice of child sacrifice, particularly to Molech, which was practiced in the Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna) outside Jerusalem. This was a grave violation of the Mosaic Law and a deeply entrenched cultural abomination (cf. [2 Kings 16:3](/2_kings/16-3 "2 Kings 16:3 - Ahaz's Wickedness") and [Jeremiah 32:35](/jeremiah/32-35 "Jeremiah 32:35 - Child Sacrifice to Molech")).
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 16:36 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the chapter and the book of Ezekiel. The primary theme is **God's Covenant Faithfulness versus Israel's Spiritual Adultery**. God, as the faithful husband, recounts His unwavering commitment, contrasting it sharply with Jerusalem's profound betrayal, illustrated by her "whoredoms" and "lovers." This highlights the **gravity of idolatry**, which is not merely a ritualistic error but a profound rejection of the exclusive covenant relationship with Yahweh. The verse also emphasizes the theme of **exposure and shame**, as Jerusalem's hidden sins are "poured out" and her "nakedness discovered," foreshadowing the public humiliation of divine judgment. Furthermore, the explicit mention of child sacrifice underscores the theme of **moral depravity and the sanctity of life**, revealing the depths of Israel's rebellion and the heinous nature of practices that are an "abomination" to God, as seen in passages like [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice") and [Deuteronomy 12:31](/deuteronomy/12-31 "Deuteronomy 12:31 - Abominable Practices of Nations"). Ultimately, the verse sets the stage for the theme of **divine judgment and justice**, demonstrating that God's righteous wrath is a direct and necessary response to such egregious sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Filthiness (Hebrew, _nᵉchôsheth'_):** While primarily meaning "copper" or "brass," in this context, the KJV's "filthiness" (H5178) is a figurative translation that captures the moral impurity and base nature of Jerusalem's actions. It implies a hardened, brazen, or corrupt state, akin to the dross or base metal, contrasting sharply with the purity expected of God's covenant people. The pouring out of this "filthiness" suggests an overflowing, uncontained moral corruption.
* **Discovered (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** This word (H1540) means "to denude," "uncover," or "reveal," often in a disgraceful sense. Here, it vividly portrays the public exposure of Jerusalem's "nakedness" or shame. What was hidden or perhaps brazenly flaunted in private is now brought into the full light of divine judgment, leading to public humiliation and the stripping away of any pretense of righteousness.
* **Idols (Hebrew, _gillûwl'_):** This term (H1544) is a derogatory word for idols, literally meaning "logs" or "dung-pellets," reflecting the prophet's disdain for these false gods. It emphasizes their worthlessness and defiling nature. The phrase "idols of thy abominations" further intensifies the condemnation, linking these false gods directly to practices that are utterly detestable (H8441, _tôwʻêbah_) to the holy God of Israel.
* **Children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** This common word (H1121) for "son" or "child" here carries a particularly tragic weight. The "blood of thy children" (H1818, _dâm_) refers to the literal shedding of innocent blood. The phrase "which thou didst give unto them" (H5414, _nâthan_) underscores the active, deliberate choice Jerusalem made to offer her own offspring as sacrifices to pagan deities, a practice utterly condemned by God and a pinnacle of her spiritual apostasy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This authoritative declaration serves as a divine pronouncement, emphasizing that the following words are not human opinion but the direct, unchallengeable word of Yahweh (H3069, _Yᵉhôvih_) Himself, the sovereign Lord (H136, _ʼĂdônây_). It sets a tone of absolute certainty and impending judgment.
* **"Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered":** This clause describes the public exposure of Jerusalem's moral corruption. "Filthiness" (H5178, _nᵉchôsheth_) refers to her moral depravity and spiritual impurity, which has become so pervasive that it overflows and is openly manifested. Her "nakedness" (H6172, _ʻervâh_), symbolizing shame and disgrace, is "discovered" (H1540, _gâlâh_), meaning it has been uncovered for all to see, leaving her vulnerable and humiliated before God and the nations.
* **"through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy abominations,":** This specifies the means by which Jerusalem's shame was exposed. "Whoredoms" (H8457, _taznûwth_) is a powerful metaphor for spiritual adultery, representing Israel's unfaithfulness to God through pursuing illicit alliances. "Thy lovers" (H157, _ʼâhab_) refer to the foreign nations and their gods with whom Jerusalem sought security and spiritual gratification outside of her covenant with Yahweh. The "idols of thy abominations" (H1544, _gillûwl_ and H8441, _tôwʻêbah_) directly points to the detestable pagan worship practices she adopted, which were an affront to God's holiness.
* **"and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them;":** This final clause highlights the most heinous of Jerusalem's sins: child sacrifice. The "blood of thy children" (H1818, _dâm_ and H1121, _bên_) refers to the literal shedding of innocent blood. The phrase "which thou didst give unto them" (H5414, _nâthan_) underscores the active, deliberate choice Jerusalem made to offer her own offspring as sacrifices to pagan deities, a practice utterly condemned by God and a pinnacle of her spiritual apostasy.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 16:36 is rich in **allegory** and **metaphor**, continuing the extended portrayal of Jerusalem as an unfaithful wife. The central **metaphor** of "whoredoms" and "lovers" powerfully conveys the spiritual adultery of Israel, likening their idolatry and foreign alliances to marital infidelity against their divine Husband. The imagery of "filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered" employs vivid **sensory language** and **personification** to emphasize the public exposure and profound shame of Jerusalem's sin. This is a form of **divine judgment** where the consequences of sin are made visible. The phrase "idols of thy abominations" uses **hyperbole** and **strong negative connotation** to underscore the detestable nature of pagan worship in God's eyes. Finally, the explicit mention of "the blood of thy children" is a stark and shocking **literal detail** that grounds the metaphorical language in the horrific reality of their practices, serving as a powerful **indictment** and a testament to the depth of their moral depravity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 16:36 profoundly reveals God's righteous indignation against spiritual unfaithfulness and the abhorrent practices that stem from it. The verse underscores the exclusivity of God's covenant love and His demand for singular devotion from His people. It highlights that idolatry is not a minor transgression but a deep betrayal, likened to spiritual adultery, which defiles both the worshipper and the land. The horrific act of child sacrifice, explicitly mentioned, serves as the ultimate demonstration of Israel's moral corruption and their complete disregard for the sanctity of life and the holiness of God. This passage reminds us that God's justice is a necessary response to persistent rebellion and that sin, left unrepented, inevitably leads to public exposure and severe consequences.

* [Deuteronomy 32:16](/deuteronomy/32-16 "Deuteronomy 32:16 - Provoking God with Abominations")
* [Jeremiah 3:8](/jeremiah/3-8 "Jeremiah 3:8 - Israel's Unfaithfulness")
* [Jeremiah 3:9](/jeremiah/3-9 "Jeremiah 3:9 - Israel's Unfaithfulness")
* [Hosea 4:12](/hosea/4-12 "Hosea 4:12 - Spiritual Harlotry")
* [Hosea 4:13](/hosea/4-13 "Hosea 4:13 - Spiritual Harlotry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Ezekiel 16:36 is a historical indictment against ancient Jerusalem, its spiritual principles resonate powerfully with believers today. The passage challenges us to examine our own hearts for any "filthiness" or "nakedness" that might be exposed before God. Modern idolatry rarely involves physical statues but can manifest as anything that usurps God's rightful place in our lives—be it career, wealth, relationships, comfort, or even self-image. We are called to an exclusive and unreserved devotion to Christ, recognizing that any divided loyalty is a form of spiritual "whoredom." The condemnation of child sacrifice, though extreme, reinforces the profound sanctity of human life, from conception to natural end, and calls us to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable. This verse serves as a sober reminder that sin, especially unconfessed and unrepented, leads to spiritual exposure and separation from God, urging us towards genuine repentance, a life of purity, and unwavering faithfulness to the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "lovers" or "idols" might be competing for my ultimate devotion to God in my life today?**
* **In what ways might my "filthiness" or "nakedness" (unconfessed sin, hidden compromises) be manifesting, or at risk of being "discovered," in my spiritual walk?**
* **How does the severity of God's condemnation of child sacrifice in this verse inform my understanding of the sanctity of life in contemporary ethical issues?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more exclusive and unwavering faithfulness to the Lord, guarding against spiritual adultery in all its forms?**

### FAQ
**What does "filthiness was poured out" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 16:36, "filthiness was poured out" signifies the overflowing and public manifestation of Jerusalem's moral and spiritual corruption. The Hebrew word for "filthiness" (H5178, _nᵉchôsheth_) can refer to bronze or copper, which might imply a brazenness or hardness in sin, or it could metaphorically represent the dross or impurity that is exposed when a metal is refined. The imagery of "pouring out" suggests that Jerusalem's depravity had become so pervasive and uncontained that it was openly displayed for all to see, leading to her utter disgrace and shame, rather than being hidden or contained. This public exposure is a part of God's judgment, revealing the true nature of her rebellion.

**How does "whoredoms with thy lovers" relate to Jerusalem's relationship with God?**

Answer: The phrase "whoredoms with thy lovers" is a powerful metaphor used throughout Ezekiel 16 to describe Jerusalem's spiritual adultery against God. God had entered into a covenant relationship with Israel, likening it to a marriage (cf. [Ezekiel 16:8](/ezekiel/16-8 "Ezekiel 16:8 - God's Covenant with Jerusalem")). Just as a wife's infidelity breaks the marriage covenant, Israel's pursuit of "lovers"—which refers to forming political alliances with pagan nations (e.g., Egypt, Assyria) for security and prosperity, and, more significantly, adopting their idolatrous worship practices—was a profound betrayal of her exclusive covenant with Yahweh. This spiritual "whoredom" was an act of disloyalty and a direct affront to God's holiness and His demand for singular devotion, as highlighted in passages like [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment").

**What is the significance of "the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them"?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the horrific practice of child sacrifice, which was a deeply condemned abomination in ancient Israel. It was often associated with the worship of pagan deities like Molech, where children were offered as burnt offerings (cf. [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice")). The inclusion of this detail in Ezekiel 16:36 underscores the extreme moral depravity and spiritual apostasy into which Jerusalem had fallen. It represents the ultimate violation of God's covenant and His commands, demonstrating a complete disregard for human life, which God values supremely, and a profound insult to His holiness. This act was a pinnacle of their rebellion and a primary reason for God's severe judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 16:36, with its graphic portrayal of Jerusalem's spiritual adultery and the shedding of innocent blood, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between humanity's sin and God's redemptive love in Jesus Christ. While Israel's "filthiness was poured out" and her "nakedness discovered" through her "whoredoms" and child sacrifice, Christ's perfect righteousness and sacrificial blood provide the covering for our shame. He is the faithful Bridegroom who remains true even when His people are unfaithful (cf. [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God Remains Faithful")). The "blood of thy children" offered to idols foreshadows the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Unlike the defiling blood offered to false gods, Christ's blood cleanses us from all sin (cf. [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")) and establishes a new, unbreakable covenant (cf. [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Purifies Conscience")). Through His death, Jesus not only exposes the depth of human depravity but also provides the means for reconciliation, transforming those who were spiritually naked and defiled into a pure and spotless bride, adorned for Him (cf. [Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ Sanctifies the Church")). He is the one who delivers us from the "idols of our abominations" and calls us to an exclusive, life-giving relationship, fulfilling the true covenant faithfulness that Israel failed to uphold.

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 23:10

These discovered her nakedness: they took her sons and her daughters, and slew her with the sword: and she became famous among women; for they had executed judgment upon her.

Ezekiel 22:15

And I will scatter thee among the heathen, and disperse thee in the countries, and will consume thy filthiness out of thee.

Revelation 3:18

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Lamentations 1:9

Her filthiness [is] in her skirts; she remembereth not her last end; therefore she came down wonderfully: she had no comforter. O LORD, behold my affliction: for the enemy hath magnified [himself].

Ezekiel 24:13

In thy filthiness [is] lewdness: because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee.

Ezekiel 16:15

¶ But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by; his it was.

Ezekiel 16:22

And in all thine abominations and thy whoredoms thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth, when thou wast naked and bare, [and] wast polluted in thy blood.