Old Testament
Ezekiel 16:34
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 addressing a city, using the metaphor of a prostitute to illustrate its behavior.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
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."
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.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.
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.