Ezekiel 16:58

KJV

Thou hast borne thy lewdness and thine abominations, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou hast borne {H5375} thy lewdness {H2154} and thine abominations {H8441}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You have brought it all on yourself with your depravities and disgusting practices,' says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

You will bear the consequences of your lewdness and your abominations, declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

Thou hast borne thy lewdness and thine abominations, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:58 serves as a climactic and definitive declaration of divine judgment against Jerusalem, personified as an unfaithful bride. The verse powerfully asserts that the city, representing the nation of Israel, has fully incurred and must now bear the devastating consequences of her profound spiritual infidelity, persistent idolatry, and detestable practices. It underscores the unwavering principle of divine justice, emphasizing that the nation's prolonged rebellion and covenant-breaking have directly led to the catastrophic judgment of exile, making it clear that their suffering is a direct, deserved, and unavoidable outcome of their own actions and deep moral depravity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 16 is a remarkable and extended **allegory** that dominates the chapter, portraying Jerusalem as a foundling infant rescued, nurtured, and ultimately betrothed by God, only to become a spiritual harlot. The chapter begins with God's compassionate act of choosing and adorning Jerusalem, detailing His lavish provision and care for her from her humble origins ([Ezekiel 16:1-14](/ezekiel/16-1-14 "Ezekiel 16:1-14 - God's Love for Jerusalem")). However, it quickly transitions into a graphic and scathing indictment of her subsequent unfaithfulness, detailing her alliances with foreign nations and her adoption of their idolatrous practices, even to the horrific point of child sacrifice ([Ezekiel 16:15-34](/ezekiel/16-15-34 "Ezekiel 16:15-34 - Jerusalem's Spiritual Harlotry")). The latter part of the chapter pronounces the severe judgment that will befall her as a direct consequence of this spiritual adultery ([Ezekiel 16:35-52](/ezekiel/16-35-52 "Ezekiel 16:35-52 - God's Judgment on Jerusalem")). Verse 58 acts as a concluding summary statement to this long, detailed indictment, emphasizing the full weight of her guilt and the inevitability of the judgment she is experiencing. It sets the stage for the subsequent discussion of Jerusalem's future restoration, which, remarkably, will be based not on her merit but solely on God's enduring covenant faithfulness ([Ezekiel 16:59-63](/ezekiel/16-59-63 "Ezekiel 16:59-63 - God's Enduring Covenant")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel delivered his prophecies to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the early 6th century BCE, specifically after the first wave of deportations following Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Jerusalem in 597 BCE. The audience was grappling with the profound trauma of national defeat and exile, questioning God's justice and faithfulness amidst their suffering. Culturally, the ancient Near East was characterized by pervasive polytheism, with various nations worshipping their own pantheon of gods. Israel, despite its unique covenant with Yahweh, frequently succumbed to the temptation to adopt the religious practices of surrounding peoples, including Baal worship, Asherah worship, and even the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice (as seen in passages like [2 Kings 16:3](/2_kings/16-3 "2 Kings 16:3 - Ahaz's Idolatry") and [Jeremiah 32:35](/jeremiah/32-35 "Jeremiah 32:35 - Child Sacrifice in Topheth")). The imagery of a "harlot" was a common prophetic metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness to God, drawing on the covenant relationship between God and Israel as a marriage (e.g., [Hosea 1-3](/hosea/1 "Hosea 1-3 - Hosea's Marriage as a Metaphor for Israel's Unfaithfulness")). This verse, therefore, provides a divine explanation for the exiles' plight, asserting that their suffering was not arbitrary but a direct and just consequence of their historical and pervasive spiritual rebellion against the God who had redeemed and sustained them.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Justice and Accountability**, emphasizing that sin has inevitable and severe consequences, and God, as a righteous judge, holds His people accountable for their covenant violations. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Spiritual Adultery and Idolatry**, portraying Israel's turning away from Yahweh to foreign gods and illicit alliances as a profound betrayal of their marriage covenant. This is a recurring motif, particularly in the prophetic books, where Israel's unfaithfulness is often depicted as harlotry (e.g., [Jeremiah 3:6-10](/jeremiah/3-6-10 "Jeremiah 3:6-10 - Israel's Unfaithfulness")). Thirdly, the verse points to the **Burden of Sin**, illustrating that the weight and repercussions of "lewdness" and "abominations" must ultimately be borne by those who commit them. This concept of bearing one's own iniquity is central to understanding the justice of God's judgment and the necessity of repentance. Finally, by declaring "saith the LORD," it reinforces the theme of **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**, asserting that this judgment is not merely human opinion but a definitive decree from the sovereign God of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **borne (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** From H5375, this verb means "to lift, carry, bear," encompassing a wide range of applications. In this context, it signifies not merely to carry a physical burden, but to endure, suffer, or be responsible for the consequences of one's actions. Jerusalem is depicted as having to "bear" the full weight and repercussions of her own moral and spiritual corruption. It implies a direct correlation between action and consequence, where the nation itself must experience the heavy burden of its guilt and the resulting judgment.
* **lewdness (Hebrew, _zimmâh'_):** From H2154, this term denotes "a plan, especially a bad one," extending to "heinous crime, wickedness, depravity." In Ezekiel 16, _zimmâh_ specifically refers to the calculated and deliberate acts of spiritual harlotry – Israel's intentional pursuit of illicit alliances with pagan nations and her adoption of their idolatrous practices. It highlights the premeditated and deep-seated nature of their unfaithfulness, portraying it as a morally corrupt design rather than an accidental stumble.
* **abominations (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** From H8441, this word refers to "something disgusting (morally), an abhorrence," particularly in the context of idolatry or pagan rituals. It encompasses practices utterly detestable to God, such as child sacrifice, sexual perversions, and the worship of false gods. The use of the plural emphasizes the multiplicity and pervasive nature of these offensive acts, which were an affront to God's holiness and a direct violation of the covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou hast borne thy lewdness":** This clause directly addresses Jerusalem (personified as "thou"), declaring that she has brought upon herself, and must now endure, the full weight of her calculated and deliberate spiritual infidelity. The "lewdness" refers to her persistent and intentional acts of spiritual harlotry, which involved abandoning her covenant relationship with Yahweh for illicit alliances and idolatrous practices with foreign nations. The verb "borne" indicates that she is now suffering the direct and inevitable consequences of these actions, carrying the burden of her own guilt and the resulting divine judgment.
* **"and thine abominations":** This phrase expands on the nature of Jerusalem's guilt, adding the specific offenses that were utterly detestable to God. These "abominations" include the adoption of pagan rituals, the worship of idols, and even the horrific practice of child sacrifice, all of which violated the core tenets of the Mosaic Law and the covenant. The conjunction "and" emphasizes that these detestable acts are inextricably linked with her "lewdness" and contribute to the heavy burden of guilt she must bear.
* **"saith the LORD":** This concluding declaration serves as an authoritative divine pronouncement. It underscores that the preceding indictment and the impending judgment are not mere human observations or accusations but are the infallible word of Yahweh (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), the self-existent and eternal God of the covenant. This phrase lends ultimate weight and certainty to the prophecy, affirming God's justice, sovereignty, and His unwavering commitment to upholding His holy character and covenant stipulations.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 16:58, though concise, is deeply embedded within a rich tapestry of literary devices that characterize the entire chapter. The most prominent is **Allegory**, where the entire narrative of Jerusalem as a foundling, a beautiful bride, and then a harlot serves as an extended symbolic representation of God's relationship with Israel and her subsequent unfaithfulness. Within this allegory, **Personification** is central, as Jerusalem is consistently treated as a female character ("thou") with agency, capable of making moral choices and bearing consequences. The terms "lewdness" and "abominations" function as powerful **Metaphors** for spiritual infidelity and idolatry, drawing on the vivid imagery of sexual sin to describe Israel's betrayal of her covenant with God. The phrase "Thou hast borne" employs **Metonymy**, where the act of bearing refers not just to carrying a physical load but to enduring the full brunt of the consequences of one's actions. Finally, the concluding phrase, "saith the LORD," is a classic example of a **Divine Oracle Formula**, a common prophetic device that authenticates the message as originating directly from God, lending it ultimate authority and solemnity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 16:58 profoundly articulates the theological principle of divine justice and the inherent consequences of sin. It reveals that God does not arbitrarily punish but holds His people accountable for their deliberate and persistent rebellion against His covenant and His holy character. The "lewdness" and "abominations" represent a profound rejection of God's grace and a willful embrace of practices utterly detestable to Him, demonstrating that sin, especially idolatry, carries a heavy spiritual and physical burden that must ultimately be borne by the transgressor. This principle underscores God's righteousness, His commitment to His own holiness, and the seriousness with which He views covenant faithfulness. It highlights that the suffering experienced by Israel in exile was a just and direct outcome of their own choices, not an arbitrary act of divine wrath, thereby vindicating God's character before a questioning people.

* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Reaping What You Sow")
* [Proverbs 1:31](/proverbs/1-31 "Proverbs 1:31 - Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 16:58 serves as a stark and timeless reminder that our choices carry immense weight, and ultimately, we must bear the consequences of our actions, whether good or ill. For ancient Israel, this verse explained the crushing reality of their exile as a direct result of their spiritual infidelity and moral depravity. For us today, it calls for a deep introspection into our own lives. Are there areas where we have allowed "lewdness" – a spiritual turning away from God through misplaced affections or priorities – or "abominations" – practices or attitudes detestable to God – to take root? This verse challenges us to recognize that while God is infinitely merciful and gracious, His justice also ensures that sin has natural and divine repercussions. It urges believers to cultivate an undivided devotion to God, recognizing that anything that usurps His rightful place in our hearts becomes an idol, leading to spiritual "lewdness." The burden of unconfessed or unrepented sin is heavy, and this passage compels us to seek God's forgiveness and live in humble obedience, understanding that true freedom comes not from escaping consequences but from walking in alignment with His holy will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "bearing my own lewdness and abominations" by clinging to practices or attitudes that dishonor God?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's justice and His patience with sin?**
* **What "spiritual idolatry" (anything taking God's rightful place) might I need to identify and repent of in my own life?**
* **How can I cultivate a more undivided devotion to God, ensuring that my choices reflect my covenant relationship with Him?**

### FAQ
**Does "Thou hast borne thy lewdness and thine abominations" mean God is punishing Israel for past sins?**

Answer: Yes, in a profound sense, it does. This verse is a declaration of divine judgment, asserting that Jerusalem (representing Israel) is experiencing the direct and just consequences of her persistent spiritual unfaithfulness and detestable practices. The phrase "thou hast borne" signifies that the nation itself has incurred and must now endure the full weight and repercussions of its own moral and spiritual corruption. It's not an arbitrary punishment, but the natural and divinely ordained outcome of their choices, particularly their idolatry and covenant-breaking, which ultimately led to their downfall and exile. This aligns with the biblical principle that "whatever one sows, that will he also reap" ([Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Reaping What You Sow")).

**What exactly are "lewdness" and "abominations" in this context?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 16, "lewdness" (Hebrew: _zimmâh_) refers to Jerusalem's spiritual harlotry—her calculated and deliberate acts of unfaithfulness to God, particularly through forming illicit alliances with pagan nations and adopting their idolatrous practices. It signifies a deep moral depravity and premeditated wickedness in rejecting her covenant with Yahweh. "Abominations" (Hebrew: _tôwʻêbah_) are practices utterly detestable to God, often associated with pagan worship, such as idol worship, child sacrifice (explicitly mentioned in [Ezekiel 16:20-21](/ezekiel/16-20-21 "Ezekiel 16:20-21 - Child Sacrifice")), and other severe moral offenses adopted from surrounding cultures. Together, these terms comprehensively describe the depth and breadth of Israel's covenant violations and spiritual rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 16:58 sternly declares that Israel must bear the burden of her own sin, the New Testament reveals the profound truth of Christ's vicarious fulfillment, where He bore the "lewdness and abominations" of humanity. The Old Testament's emphasis on the individual or nation bearing the consequences of sin finds its ultimate resolution in the person of Jesus Christ. He, the sinless Lamb of God, willingly took upon Himself the full weight and penalty of our "lewdness" (our moral depravity and spiritual infidelity) and our "abominations" (our detestable acts against God's holiness). As [Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant") prophesied, "Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows... the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." This is powerfully echoed in the New Testament, where [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us") states, "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." Through His crucifixion, Jesus "bore our sins in his body on the tree" ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")), thereby satisfying divine justice and offering a path to forgiveness and reconciliation that Israel, by bearing her own sin, could not achieve. Thus, what Israel could only bear in judgment, Christ bore in redemptive sacrifice, offering cleansing and a new covenant of grace to all who believe ([Hebrews 9:28](/hebrews/9-28 "Hebrews 9:28 - Christ Bore the Sins of Many")).

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 23:49

And they shall recompense your lewdness upon you, and ye shall bear the sins of your idols: and ye shall know that I [am] the Lord GOD.

Genesis 4:13

¶ And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment [is] greater than I can bear.

Lamentations 5:7

Our fathers have sinned, [and are] not; and we have borne their iniquities.