Old Testament
Ezekiel 16:30
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 concern about the state of the people's hearts.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
How weak is your heart," declares the LORD GOD, "that you do all these things, acting like an imperious, shameless woman!
How weak is thine heart, saith the LORD GOD, seeing thou doest all these things, the work of an imperious whorish woman;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is expressing deep concern about the state of the people's hearts. He questions how weak their hearts must be to engage in actions that are shameless and self-serving. The imagery of an 'imperious woman' suggests a lack of humility and a disregard for moral values. This reflects a broader theme of betrayal, where the people have turned away from their commitments and responsibilities. God is highlighting the emotional and spiritual weakness that leads to such behavior. It’s a call to self-reflection, urging individuals to consider the motivations behind their actions. The verse serves as a reminder that true strength comes from integrity and a sincere heart. It challenges us to examine our own lives and the choices we make, encouraging us to seek a deeper connection with our values and beliefs. Ultimately, it’s about recognizing the importance of a strong, honest heart in our relationships and actions, both with ourselves and others. This message resonates today, urging us to cultivate strength and authenticity in our lives.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 16:30 to your life
To apply this message, take time to reflect on your own motivations and actions. Are there areas in your life where you might be acting without integrity? Consider how you can strengthen your heart by aligning your actions with your values. Seek honesty in your relationships and decisions, fostering a deeper connection with yourself and others. This will lead to a more fulfilling life and stronger bonds with those around you.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 16:30 mean?
Ezekiel 16:30 expresses God's concern about the weakness of the people's hearts, highlighting their shameless actions and lack of moral integrity. It serves as a warning against betrayal and encourages self-reflection on one's motivations.
What is the significance of the 'imperious woman' in Ezekiel 16:30?
The 'imperious woman' in Ezekiel 16:30 symbolizes a lack of humility and moral disregard. This imagery illustrates how the people have turned away from their commitments, acting in self-serving ways that reflect emotional and spiritual weakness.
How can I apply the message of Ezekiel 16:30 to my life?
To apply the message of Ezekiel 16:30, reflect on your motivations and ensure your actions align with your values. Strive for honesty in your relationships and decisions, which can lead to a more fulfilling life and stronger connections with others.
What themes are present in Ezekiel 16:30?
Ezekiel 16:30 encompasses themes of heart, integrity, betrayal, self-reflection, shame, and strength. These themes encourage individuals to examine their actions and the motivations behind them.

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.
Unlock the full Ezekiel summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Ezekiel — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 48 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Ezekiel summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.