Old Testament
Ezekiel 16:34
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
You are the opposite of every other prostitute. No one chased after you — you chased after them. You paid them instead of being paid. You did everything backward."
Compare translations
And the contrary is in thee from other women in thy whoredoms, whereas none followeth thee to commit whoredoms: and in that thou givest a reward, and no reward is given unto thee, therefore thou art contrary.
What Ezekiel 16:34 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is addressing a city, using the metaphor of a prostitute to illustrate its behavior. Unlike typical situations where someone is pursued, this city actively sought out relationships, even paying others for attention. This behavior is seen as completely backward and contrary to what is expected. Instead of being valued, the city devalued itself by chasing after those who did not care. The message highlights a deep sense of unworthiness and misguided priorities. It serves as a powerful reminder of how we sometimes seek validation in unhealthy ways, often leading to our own detriment. The verse challenges us to reflect on our choices and the true nature of our relationships, urging us to seek genuine connections rather than superficial ones. Ultimately, it calls for a reevaluation of what we value and how we pursue it in our lives, emphasizing the importance of self-respect and authenticity in our interactions with others. This is a poignant reminder that true worth comes from within, not from external validation.
How to apply Ezekiel 16:34 to your life
Consider how you seek validation in your life. Are you chasing after things or people that don’t truly value you? Reflect on your relationships and ensure they are built on mutual respect and genuine connection. Prioritize self-worth and authenticity over superficial pursuits. Make choices that honor your true self and values instead of seeking approval from others.
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 16:34
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 16:34
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 16:34 mean?
Ezekiel 16:34 uses the metaphor of a prostitute to describe a city that seeks validation in unhealthy ways. Instead of being pursued, it actively chases after others, even paying for attention, which highlights a misguided sense of self-worth.
What is the meaning of 'you chased after them' in Ezekiel 16:34?
The phrase 'you chased after them' indicates that the city sought out relationships and validation from others, rather than being valued or pursued. This behavior reflects a reversal of typical dynamics, emphasizing a lack of self-respect.
How does Ezekiel 16:34 relate to self-worth?
Ezekiel 16:34 illustrates how the city's actions reflect a deep sense of unworthiness, as it seeks validation from those who do not value it. This serves as a reminder to prioritize self-worth and authentic connections over superficial pursuits.
What lessons can we learn from Ezekiel 16:34?
From Ezekiel 16:34, we learn the importance of self-respect and the dangers of seeking validation from others. It encourages us to reflect on our relationships and ensure they are based on mutual respect and genuine connection.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.