Old Testament
Ezekiel 16:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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?
Compare translations
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,
What Ezekiel 16:20 means
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.
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
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ezekiel 16:20
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ezekiel 16:20
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Ezekiel
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.