Old Testament
Ezekiel 16:36
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
This is what the Lord GOD says: "Because you poured out your lust and exposed your nakedness through your prostitution with your lovers, and because of all your disgusting idols, and because of the blood of your children that you gave to them —
Compare translations
Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy abominations, and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them;
What Ezekiel 16:36 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is addressing a people who have turned away from Him and engaged in actions that are deeply hurtful and shameful. The imagery of pouring out lust and exposing nakedness symbolizes a complete disregard for dignity and purity. Their actions, described as prostitution, reflect a betrayal of trust and commitment. The mention of disgusting idols highlights their choice to worship false gods instead of the true God. Additionally, the reference to the blood of their children signifies the severe consequences of their choices, including the sacrifices made to these idols. This passage serves as a stark reminder of the impact of turning away from what is right and the pain that follows. It emphasizes the seriousness of our actions and the importance of staying true to our values and beliefs. God’s words are a call to reflect on our lives and the choices we make, urging us to seek a path that honors our true purpose and relationships with others and with Him.
How to apply Ezekiel 16:36 to your life
Consider the choices you make daily and how they align with your values. Reflect on what you prioritize in your life and whether it leads you closer to your true purpose. Strive to build relationships based on trust and integrity, avoiding distractions that pull you away from what matters most. Seek to honor your commitments and values in all areas of life, including your relationships with others and with God. Remember, your choices have lasting
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 16:36
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 16:36
Related Bible verses
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 16:36 mean about lust and nakedness?
Ezekiel 16:36 uses the imagery of pouring out lust and exposing nakedness to illustrate a complete abandonment of moral integrity and purity. It signifies how the people have disregarded their dignity and engaged in shameful acts, symbolizing betrayal of their relationship with God.
How does this verse relate to idolatry?
In this verse, the mention of disgusting idols highlights the people's choice to worship false gods instead of remaining faithful to the true God. This idolatry is seen as a form of spiritual prostitution, where they prioritize their desires and false beliefs over their commitment to God.
What are the consequences mentioned in Ezekiel 16:36?
The verse points to severe consequences resulting from the people's actions, particularly the reference to the blood of their children. This signifies the tragic outcomes of their choices, including sacrifices made to idols, which reflect the deep pain and loss that can arise from turning away from God.
How can I apply the lessons from Ezekiel 16:36 in my life?
To apply the lessons from this verse, reflect on your daily choices and how they align with your values. Focus on building relationships based on trust and integrity, and avoid distractions that lead you away from your true purpose. Commit to honoring your values in all areas of life, including your relationship with God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.