Ezekiel 16:5

KJV

None eye pitied thee, to do any of these unto thee, to have compassion upon thee; but thou wast cast out in the open field, to the lothing of thy person, in the day that thou wast born.

KJV (with Strong's)

None eye {H5869} pitied {H2347} thee, to do {H6213} any {H259} of these unto thee, to have compassion {H2550} upon thee; but thou wast cast out {H7993} in the open {H6440} field {H7704}, to the lothing {H1604} of thy person {H5315}, in the day {H3117} that thou wast born {H3205}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No one seeing you had enough pity on you to do any of these things for you - no one had any compassion on you. Instead, you were thrown into an open field in your own filth on the day you were born.

Berean Standard Bible

No one cared enough for you to do even one of these things out of compassion for you. Instead, you were thrown out into the open field, because you were despised on the day of your birth.

American Standard Version

No eye pitied thee, to do any of these things unto thee, to have compassion upon thee; but thou wast cast out in the open field, for that thy person was abhorred, in the day that thou wast born.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:5 vividly portrays the desperate and utterly helpless state of Jerusalem, personified as an abandoned newborn infant. This verse describes a foundling cast out into the open field, devoid of any care, pity, or compassion from human eyes, and in a condition so repulsive that it evoked only loathing. It sets the stage for the profound revelation of God's unmerited grace and sovereign love, which alone intervened to rescue and transform this despised and perishing entity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 16 unfolds as an extended and powerful allegory, one of the most elaborate in the prophetic books, where God addresses Jerusalem as an abandoned female infant. The chapter begins by commanding Ezekiel to "cause Jerusalem to know her abominations" (Ezekiel 16:2). Verses 3-5 establish Jerusalem's ignoble origins, describing her birth and utter neglect, emphasizing that she had no inherent claim to favor or assistance. This foundational description of abandonment and repulsion in verse 5 serves as a stark contrast to the subsequent verses where God discovers the infant, cleanses her, clothes her, and enters into a covenant of marriage with her (cf. [Ezekiel 16:6-14](/ezekiel/16-6 "Ezekiel 16:6-14 - God's Covenant with Jerusalem")). The initial state of utter helplessness and unworthiness is crucial for understanding the magnitude of God's unsolicited grace and the subsequent indictment of Jerusalem's unfaithfulness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of an abandoned newborn resonated deeply within ancient Near Eastern cultures, where the exposure of unwanted infants, though not universally practiced, was a known tragedy. Such infants were typically left to die or be picked up by strangers, often for slavery. In this context, the description of Jerusalem as a foundling highlights her lack of a glorious or privileged origin story among the nations. She was not born of noble lineage, nor did she possess inherent strength or beauty. Instead, she was like a child left to perish, utterly dependent on external intervention. This cultural backdrop underscores the shocking nature of God's compassionate intervention, as no human would typically show such care to an infant in this condition. The "open field" (Hebrew: _sadeh_) suggests a place of exposure and danger, far from the warmth and protection of a home.

* **Key Themes:** This verse is foundational to several key themes in Ezekiel 16 and the broader book. Firstly, it powerfully establishes the theme of **God's Unilateral Grace and Sovereign Choice**. Israel (represented by Jerusalem) was not chosen because of any merit, beauty, or strength, but purely out of God's compassionate initiative. This theme is echoed elsewhere, such as in [Deuteronomy 7:7-8](/deuteronomy/7-7 "Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - Israel Chosen by Love") where Moses reminds Israel that God chose them not because they were more numerous, but because of His love. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Humanity's Utter Helplessness and Unworthiness** before divine intervention. The infant's state of being "cast out" and "to the lothing of thy person" underscores a complete absence of self-sufficiency or inherent appeal. This sets up the dramatic reversal and transformation that only God could accomplish. Finally, it introduces the theme of **Covenant Betrayal**, as the subsequent narrative in [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Adultery and Punishment") details how Jerusalem, despite God's lavish care, turned to idolatry and harlotry, making her sin all the more egregious given her humble and desperate beginnings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pitied (Hebrew, _chûwç'_):** This primitive root means "to cover," but figuratively, "to compassionate," "pity," or "spare." Its negation in the verse ("None eye pitied thee") emphasizes the absolute absence of any protective, caring, or merciful gaze. No one was moved to "cover" or protect this exposed infant from the elements or from death.
* **cast out (Hebrew, _shâlak'_):** This strong verb signifies "to throw out, down, or away." It conveys a deliberate, forceful act of abandonment, not merely passive neglect. The infant was actively discarded, reinforcing the intentional nature of her rejection and the severity of her plight, left utterly exposed and vulnerable.
* **lothing (Hebrew, _gôʻal'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to abhor," this noun denotes "abhorrence" or "loathing." It describes a state that evokes profound disgust or revulsion. This is not merely a pitiable condition but one that actively repelled any potential caregiver, making the infant's situation even more dire and emphasizing her complete lack of natural appeal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"None eye pitied thee, to do any of these unto thee, to have compassion upon thee;"**: This opening clause establishes the complete and utter absence of human care. The repetition of "pitied" and "compassion" (using two distinct Hebrew words, _chûwç_ and _châmal_, both meaning to show pity or spare) intensifies the message: not a single person, not even a casual passerby, was moved to offer the slightest act of kindness, cleansing, or protection to the newborn. The phrase "to do any of these unto thee" implies the basic acts of care due to a newborn, such as cutting the umbilical cord, washing, rubbing with salt, or swaddling, as detailed in the preceding verse (Ezekiel 16:4).
* **"but thou wast cast out in the open field,"**: In stark contrast to the expected care, the infant was actively "cast out" or thrown away. The "open field" signifies a place of extreme vulnerability, exposure to the elements, wild animals, and certain death, far from the safety and warmth of human habitation. This highlights the intentional and brutal nature of the abandonment.
* **"to the lothing of thy person,"**: This phrase emphasizes the repulsive and disgusting state of the abandoned infant. Her unwashed, unkempt, and perhaps bloodied condition (as implied by Ezekiel 16:4) was not merely pitiful but actively abhorrent to human sight. There was nothing about her that would naturally invite care; rather, she evoked revulsion. The word "person" (Hebrew: _nephesh_) here refers to the very being or vitality of the infant, indicating that her entire existence was in a state of loathing.
* **"in the day that thou wast born."**: This final clause underscores the immediacy and totality of the abandonment. From the very moment of birth, the infant was rejected and left to die. There was no period of initial care, no moment of tenderness; her life began with absolute neglect and repulsion, highlighting her inherent lack of merit or appeal from her very inception.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 16:5 is rich in **Allegory** and **Extended Metaphor**, where Jerusalem is personified as an abandoned newborn, allowing for a visceral depiction of her origins and God's relationship with her. The language employs powerful **Pathos**, evoking intense feelings of pity and horror at the infant's desperate state, which serves to heighten the impact of God's later compassionate intervention. The repetition of ideas regarding the lack of pity and compassion, combined with the vivid imagery of being "cast out" and "to the lothing of thy person," creates a strong sense of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and absolute nature of the abandonment. This stark portrayal also functions as a dramatic **Contrast**, setting the stage for the profound and unexpected grace of God, who alone saw and cared for this despised and perishing entity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 16:5 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's grace and humanity's inherent spiritual condition. It illustrates that salvation and divine favor are never earned or merited by human worthiness, but flow solely from God's sovereign, unmerited love and compassion. Just as the infant Jerusalem possessed nothing appealing or deserving of rescue, so too is humanity in its natural state, spiritually helpless, alienated from God, and utterly incapable of saving itself. This verse underscores the radical initiative of God in salvation, reaching out to those who are not only undeserving but actively repulsive in their sin, transforming their state from one of loathing and abandonment to one of covenant relationship and abundant life. It is a powerful reminder that our standing before God is entirely a testament to His boundless mercy, not our own merit.

* [Deuteronomy 7:7-8](/deuteronomy/7-7 "Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - God's Unmerited Love for Israel")
* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love for Sinners")
* [Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1-5 - Made Alive in Christ by Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 16:5 confronts us with the stark reality of our spiritual condition apart from God's grace. Like the abandoned infant, we are born into a state of spiritual helplessness and death, unable to save ourselves or earn God's favor. No "eye pitied" us in our lost state; indeed, our sin makes us repulsive in the sight of a holy God. This verse profoundly underscores the foundational truth that salvation is entirely a work of God's unmerited grace and compassion. It calls us to humility, recognizing that our redemption is not a reward for our goodness but a gift born of divine initiative and mercy. Just as God reached out to Israel in her most vulnerable moment, so too does He extend His saving hand to all who are spiritually "cast out," demonstrating His boundless love and willingness to make a covenant with those who have nothing to offer in return. This understanding should foster profound gratitude, inspire worship, and compel us to share this good news with others who remain in a state of spiritual abandonment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the abandoned infant challenge our understanding of human merit in salvation?**
* **In what ways might we, like ancient Jerusalem, forget our humble origins and God's unmerited grace in our lives?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the depth of God's compassion for the unlovely and the unlovable?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "thee" in Ezekiel 16:5, and why is this allegory used?**

Answer: The "thee" in Ezekiel 16:5 refers to Jerusalem, which represents the nation of Israel. This allegory is used to powerfully illustrate Israel's origins and their relationship with God. By portraying Jerusalem as an abandoned, unwashed, and repulsive newborn, God emphasizes that Israel had no inherent greatness, merit, or external help that would naturally lead to their elevation among the nations. Their existence and subsequent blessings were solely due to God's unmerited grace and compassionate intervention, as detailed in the following verses where God finds, cleanses, and establishes a covenant with her (cf. [Ezekiel 16:6-14](/ezekiel/16-6 "Ezekiel 16:6-14 - God's Covenant with Jerusalem")). This stark beginning highlights the magnitude of God's love and sets the stage for His later indictment of Jerusalem's profound unfaithfulness.

**What does "to the lothing of thy person" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "to the lothing of thy person" (Hebrew: _gôʻal nephesh_) means that the abandoned infant was in a state that evoked deep disgust, abhorrence, or revulsion. It's not just that she was pitiful; her condition was actively repulsive. This emphasizes the extreme degree of her neglect and undesirability from a human perspective. The imagery suggests an infant still covered in birth fluids, uncleaned, and left to perish, a sight that would naturally turn away any potential caregiver. This detail is crucial for highlighting the radical nature of God's love, which chose to intervene despite such a repulsive state, demonstrating that His compassion is not based on the object's attractiveness or worthiness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 16:5, with its poignant depiction of an abandoned, unpitied, and loathsome infant, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the spiritual state of humanity and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Jerusalem was "cast out" and repulsive, so too is humanity born into a state of spiritual death, alienated from God, and utterly incapable of saving itself (cf. [Ephesians 2:1](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Sins")). We are, by nature, children of wrath, our sin making us "loathsome" in the eyes of a holy God. Yet, the profound truth of the Gospel is that "when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly" ([Romans 5:6](/romans/5-6 "Romans 5:6 - Christ Died for the Ungodly")). Jesus is the divine "Eye" that pitied us, the compassionate One who saw us in our desperate, abandoned state. He did not turn away from our spiritual "loathing" but embraced it, taking on our sin and shame upon the cross. Through His sacrifice, He cleanses us from our spiritual defilement, provides us with the "garments of salvation," and brings us into a new covenant relationship, making us "new creations" (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). The "day that thou wast born" into abandonment is transformed into a spiritual new birth in Christ, where we are no longer cast out but adopted into God's family, cherished and made clean by His boundless grace (cf. [John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - Born Again")).

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

Deuteronomy 32:10

He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.

Exodus 1:22

And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.

Genesis 21:10

Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, [even] with Isaac.

Lamentations 4:3

Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people [is become] cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness.

Numbers 19:16

And whosoever toucheth one that is slain with a sword in the open fields, or a dead body, or a bone of a man, or a grave, shall be unclean seven days.

Isaiah 49:15

Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

Lamentations 2:11

Mine eyes do fail with tears, my bowels are troubled, my liver is poured upon the earth, for the destruction of the daughter of my people; because the children and the sucklings swoon in the streets of the city.