Ezekiel 16:8

KJV

Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time [was] the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now when I passed {H5674} by thee, and looked {H7200} upon thee, behold, thy time {H6256} was the time {H6256} of love {H1730}; and I spread {H6566} my skirt {H3671} over thee, and covered {H3680} thy nakedness {H6172}: yea, I sware {H7650} unto thee, and entered {H935} into a covenant {H1285} with thee, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}, and thou becamest mine.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Again I passed by you, looked at you and saw that your time had come, the time for love. So I spread my cloak over you to cover your private parts and entered into a covenant with you,' says Adonai ELOHIM, 'and you became mine.

Berean Standard Bible

Then I passed by and saw you, and you were indeed old enough for love. So I spread My cloak over you and covered your nakedness. I pledged Myself to you, entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine, declares the Lord GOD.

American Standard Version

Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord Jehovah, and thou becamest mine.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:8 marks a profound turning point in the extended allegory of Jerusalem's history, depicting God's compassionate and decisive intervention in the desolate state of Israel. This verse portrays the Lord's unmerited love and initiative, as He finds His people in their utter helplessness, extends His protective care over them, and solemnly enters into a binding covenant relationship, thereby claiming them as His own cherished possession. It is the foundational moment of divine grace that establishes the intimate bond between God and His chosen nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 16 is a powerful and extended allegory where God uses the vivid imagery of an abandoned, naked newborn girl to represent the city of Jerusalem, and by extension, the nation of Israel. Verses 1-7 graphically detail Israel's wretched and hopeless origins, emphasizing her complete lack of inherent worth or ability to save herself. Verse 8 dramatically shifts the narrative from this state of desolation to God's gracious and redemptive intervention. It is the pivotal moment where the divine "passing by" transforms into a deliberate act of love, protection, and covenant-making, setting the stage for Israel's subsequent adornment and elevation, as described in the verses that follow [Ezekiel 16:9-14](/ezekiel/16-9 "Ezekiel 16:9-14 - God's Adornment of Israel"). This verse is the turning point, establishing the foundation of their relationship before detailing Israel's later infidelity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The allegory in Ezekiel 16:8 draws heavily on ancient Near Eastern cultural practices and historical realities. The imagery of an abandoned infant likely alludes to Israel's humble and oppressed beginnings in Egypt, where they were a vulnerable and despised people before God's miraculous deliverance through the [Exodus](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Deliverance from Egypt"). The act of "spreading my skirt over thee" is a deeply significant cultural gesture, often associated with marriage proposals or the assumption of protective responsibility, as seen in [Ruth's plea to Boaz](/ruth/3-9 "Ruth 3:9 - Ruth's Request to Boaz"). It signifies a public declaration of intent to take someone under one's care and to enter into a binding relationship. "Covering thy nakedness" speaks to providing dignity, honor, and security in a society where exposure was a source of profound shame. The "covenant" is a formal, legally binding agreement, often sealed with an oath, establishing mutual obligations and a lasting relationship between parties, here between the sovereign Lord and His chosen people.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several profound theological and narrative themes central to the book of Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Initiative and Unmerited Grace**. God acts first, not in response to Israel's worthiness, but out of His sovereign love and compassion for the helpless. This highlights God's character as a compassionate rescuer who seeks out the vulnerable, a theme echoed throughout the prophets and the Psalms [Psalm 103:8-14](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8-14 - The Lord's Compassion"). Secondly, it establishes the **Covenant Relationship** as the bedrock of Israel's identity. God's actions—spreading His skirt, covering nakedness, swearing an oath—are all symbolic of a solemn, binding agreement, akin to a divine marriage proposal and commitment. Israel, once an outcast, becomes God's beloved spouse, underscoring the intimate and exclusive nature of their relationship [Jeremiah 2:2](/jeremiah/2-2 "Jeremiah 2:2 - Israel as God's Bride"). Finally, the declaration "and thou becamest mine" signifies **Divine Ownership and Belonging**. Israel's transformation from a desolate orphan to God's cherished possession emphasizes their unique status as His chosen people [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, a Holy People to the Lord"), called to live in exclusive devotion to Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **love (Hebrew, _dôwd'_):** H1730, from an unused root meaning properly, to boil, i.e.; (figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend. In this context, `dôwd` signifies a passionate, affectionate love, indicating that God's intervention was not merely an act of duty or pity, but one driven by profound emotional attachment and desire for relationship. It highlights the tender and intimate nature of God's disposition towards Israel at this crucial moment.
* **skirt (Hebrew, _kânâph'_):** H3671, from כָּנָף; an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap. Here, `kânâph` refers to the corner or flap of a garment, typically a cloak. The act of "spreading one's skirt" over another person was a symbolic gesture in ancient Israel, signifying protection, taking possession, and often, a proposal of marriage or the assumption of marital rights and responsibilities. It denotes God's commitment to provide shelter, security, and a formal relationship.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** H1285, from בָּרָה (in the sense of cutting (like בָּרָא)); a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh); confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. `Bᵉrîyth` denotes a solemn, binding agreement or treaty, often ratified by an oath and sacrifice (the "cutting" of a covenant). When God enters into a `bᵉrîyth`, it signifies an unbreakable, self-imposed obligation on His part, establishing a legal and spiritual bond that defines the relationship between Him and His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time [was] the time of love;":** This clause describes God's sovereign initiative. He is the one who "passes by" and "looks," indicating His active observation and compassionate awareness of Israel's desperate state. The phrase "time of love" (Hebrew: `‘êth ‘ahavah`) denotes a divinely appointed, opportune moment for affection and relationship, signifying that God's intervention was perfectly timed and motivated by His deep affection.
* **"and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness:":** These actions are highly symbolic of God's protective and redemptive care. "Spreading my skirt" signifies God's public claim over Israel, offering protection, security, and the initiation of a marital-like covenant. "Covered thy nakedness" means God provided dignity, honor, and a new identity where there was previously shame, vulnerability, and exposure.
* **"yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD,":** This emphasizes the solemnity and binding nature of God's commitment. God's oath (`shâba‘`) reinforces the unbreakable character of the covenant (`bᵉrîyth`). The declaration "saith the Lord GOD" (Adonai YHWH) underscores the divine authority and unwavering faithfulness behind this sacred agreement.
* **"and thou becamest mine.":** This climactic declaration signifies the culmination of God's gracious acts. Through His initiative, protection, and covenant, Israel transitions from a desolate outcast to God's cherished possession. This establishes their unique identity and relationship as the Lord's own people, under His care and authority.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 16:8 is rich in **Symbolism** and functions as a crucial moment within the overarching **Allegory** of the chapter. The entire chapter employs an extended **Allegory** where Jerusalem (Israel) is personified as a female figure, allowing for a vivid and emotionally charged narrative of God's relationship with His people. Within this, the "spreading of the skirt" is a powerful **Symbol** of protection, ownership, and a marriage proposal, drawing on ancient Near Eastern customs. Similarly, "covering thy nakedness" **Symbolizes** the provision of dignity, honor, and security, transforming shame into acceptance. The "covenant" itself is a central **Symbol** of the binding, intimate relationship God initiates. Furthermore, the verse employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human actions and emotions (passing by, looking, spreading a skirt, swearing) to God, making His divine initiative and compassion relatable and impactful to the human audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 16:8 profoundly illustrates the doctrine of God's electing grace and His unwavering faithfulness. It reveals that the foundation of Israel's relationship with God was not based on their merit or inherent worth, but solely on His unmerited love and sovereign choice. This divine initiative, expressed through a solemn covenant, establishes a model for understanding God's redemptive work throughout salvation history. It underscores that God actively seeks out the helpless and vulnerable, bringing them into a relationship of intimacy and belonging. This passage resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God choosing a people for Himself, setting them apart, and committing to them despite their future unfaithfulness, demonstrating His steadfast love (hesed) even when met with human rebellion.

* [Deuteronomy 7:7-8](/deuteronomy/7-7 "Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - God's Love for Israel")
* [Hosea 2:19-20](/hosea/2-19 "Hosea 2:19-20 - God's Betrothal to Israel")
* [Isaiah 62:4-5](/isaiah/62-4 "Isaiah 62:4-5 - Zion as God's Delight")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 16:8 serves as a powerful reminder of the unilateral nature of God's grace in salvation. Just as God found Israel in her most desolate state, utterly without hope or dignity, and initiated a relationship of profound love and covenant, so too does He extend His saving grace to us in our spiritual nakedness and helplessness. Our relationship with God is not earned but is a gift born of His compassionate initiative. This verse calls us to profound gratitude for God's unmerited favor, recognizing that we "became His" not by our own doing, but by His sovereign choice and sacrificial commitment. It encourages us to live in the security of His covenant faithfulness, trusting that the God who swore an oath to His people will never abandon those He has claimed. We are to respond to this divine love with wholehearted devotion, living as those who truly belong to Him and are covered by His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's initiative in Ezekiel 16:8 deepen your appreciation for His grace in your own life?**
* **In what ways does the imagery of God "spreading His skirt" and "covering nakedness" speak to your sense of security and identity in Christ?**
* **What does "thou becamest mine" mean for your daily walk and commitment to God?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God "spreading His skirt" over Israel?**

Answer: The act of God "spreading His skirt" (or cloak) over Israel in Ezekiel 16:8 is a highly symbolic and culturally significant gesture in the ancient Near East, particularly in the context of marriage. As seen in the book of Ruth, when [Boaz spreads his cloak over Ruth](/ruth/3-9 "Ruth 3:9 - Ruth's Request to Boaz"), it signifies a public declaration of his intent to take her under his protection, to provide for her, and to enter into a binding marital covenant. Therefore, when God performs this act, it symbolizes His divine proposal of marriage to Israel, His commitment to protect and provide for her, and His public claim of her as His own beloved. It establishes an intimate and exclusive covenant relationship, transforming Israel from an abandoned outcast into His cherished bride.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 16:8, with its vivid portrayal of God's redemptive love and covenant initiative, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "time of love" for humanity, when we were utterly lost in our spiritual nakedness and shame [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love"), culminated in God sending His Son. Jesus is the embodiment of God's compassionate "passing by" and "looking upon" humanity's desperate state, not merely observing, but actively intervening. He is the divine Bridegroom who "spreads His skirt" over His church, not with a literal garment, but with His own righteousness, covering our sin and shame [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church"). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus "covered our nakedness" by bearing our sin and offering us His perfect righteousness, making us presentable before God [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us"). The "covenant" sworn by the Lord GOD in Ezekiel is fulfilled and perfected in the [New Covenant established through Christ's blood](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood"), an unbreakable bond that secures our eternal relationship with God. Consequently, through faith in Christ, we truly "become His," adopted into His family and eternally united with Him as His beloved bride [Revelation 19:7](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - 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

Jeremiah 2:2

Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land [that was] not sown.

Jeremiah 2:3

Israel [was] holiness unto the LORD, [and] the firstfruits of his increase: all that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them, saith the LORD.

Ruth 3:9

And he said, Who [art] thou? And she answered, I [am] Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou [art] a near kinsman.

Romans 5:8

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Isaiah 43:4

Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.

Hosea 11:1

¶ When Israel [was] a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

Exodus 32:13

Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit [it] for ever.