Old Testament
Ezekiel 16:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God is expressing deep sorrow and anger over the actions of His people.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
On top of all that, you took your sons and daughters — the children you bore to me — and sacrificed them to these idols to be consumed. Wasn't your prostitution bad enough?
Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. Is this of thy whoredoms a small matter,
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is expressing deep sorrow and anger over the actions of His people. They have taken the very children He gave them and sacrificed them to false gods, showing a complete disregard for their lives. This act of sacrificing their own children is seen as a betrayal of the relationship they had with God. It highlights the severity of their unfaithfulness, as they turned away from Him to worship idols. The term 'prostitution' here symbolizes their infidelity, not just in a physical sense but in their spiritual commitment. God is asking if this act of sacrificing their children is not a serious matter, emphasizing the gravity of their choices. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from what is truly good and right, and the pain it causes to those who love us. It calls for reflection on our own priorities and the value we place on our relationships and commitments, especially to those we love most dearly. It’s a wake-up call to recognize the impact of our choices.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 16:20 to your life
Consider what you value most in your life. Are there things or influences that distract you from your true commitments? Reflect on how your choices affect those you love. Make a conscious effort to prioritize meaningful relationships and stay true to your values. Your decisions matter more than you think, so choose wisely every day.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 16:20 mean?
Ezekiel 16:20 expresses God's sorrow over His people sacrificing their children to idols, highlighting their betrayal and unfaithfulness. It emphasizes the seriousness of turning away from God and the consequences of such actions.
What is the significance of sacrificing children in Ezekiel 16:20?
The act of sacrificing children in Ezekiel 16:20 symbolizes the extreme betrayal of God's trust and the severity of idolatry. It illustrates how far the people have strayed from their commitment to God by prioritizing false gods over their own children.
What does 'prostitution' refer to in Ezekiel 16:20?
In Ezekiel 16:20, 'prostitution' refers to the spiritual infidelity of God's people, indicating their unfaithfulness in worshiping idols instead of remaining loyal to God. It signifies a deep betrayal of their covenant relationship with Him.
What themes are present in Ezekiel 16:20?
Ezekiel 16:20 encompasses themes of sacrifice, betrayal, idolatry, faithfulness, and the consequences of turning away from God. These themes highlight the gravity of the people's choices and their impact on their relationship with God.
The Book of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1: Visions of God
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the river Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans. He sees visions of God as the heavens open. A great cloud comes from the north with a fire flashing continually and brightness around it, and from the midst appears something like glowing metal. From the fire emerge four living creatures, each with the likeness of a man. Each has four faces and four wings, and their legs are straight with feet like a calf's foot, shining like polished brass. Their faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, and their wings are joined one to another as they move straight forward without turning.
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