Old Testament
Ezekiel 16:28
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Still not satisfied, you prostituted yourself with the Assyrians too. Even after that, you still weren't satisfied.
Compare translations
Thou hast played the whore also with the Assyrians, because thou wast unsatiable; yea, thou hast played the harlot with them, and yet couldest not be satisfied.
What Ezekiel 16:28 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is expressing disappointment with His people for their unending desire for more, symbolized by their relationships with other nations like the Assyrians. Despite being given so much, they still sought fulfillment outside of their covenant with God. This behavior is likened to infidelity, where they turned to others instead of being satisfied with what they had. The imagery of prostitution highlights their betrayal and lack of contentment. It shows a pattern of seeking satisfaction in places that ultimately do not fulfill. This verse serves as a reminder of the dangers of chasing after things that cannot truly satisfy our deepest needs. It challenges us to reflect on where we seek our fulfillment and whether those pursuits lead to lasting joy or emptiness. God desires a faithful relationship with us, one that brings true satisfaction and peace. Recognizing our own tendencies to look elsewhere can help us realign our hearts towards what truly matters.
How to apply Ezekiel 16:28 to your life
Consider where you seek fulfillment in your life. Are there areas where you chase after things that leave you feeling empty? Reflect on your relationship with God and how it can provide the satisfaction you truly seek. Prioritize faithfulness and contentment in your daily choices. Trust that true fulfillment comes from a deep connection with Him, not from external sources that disappoint us over time.
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 16:28
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 16:28
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 16:28 mean?
Ezekiel 16:28 conveys God's disappointment with His people for their insatiable desire for more, symbolized by their alliances with nations like the Assyrians. It highlights their unfaithfulness and the emptiness of seeking fulfillment outside of their relationship with God.
What is the meaning of 'prostituted yourself' in Ezekiel 16:28?
In Ezekiel 16:28, 'prostituted yourself' refers to the unfaithfulness of God's people, who sought satisfaction and alliances with other nations instead of remaining loyal to God. This imagery illustrates their betrayal and desire for more, which ultimately left them unfulfilled.
How does Ezekiel 16:28 relate to seeking fulfillment?
Ezekiel 16:28 illustrates the dangers of seeking fulfillment outside of a relationship with God. It emphasizes that chasing after external sources of satisfaction can lead to disappointment and emptiness.
What themes are present in Ezekiel 16:28?
Key themes in Ezekiel 16:28 include unfaithfulness, desire, satisfaction, covenant, and betrayal. The verse highlights the consequences of turning away from God in search of fulfillment.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.