Old Testament
Ezekiel 16:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I made you grow and flourish like a plant in the field. You grew up and matured, and you came to have fine ornaments. Your breasts were formed, and your hair grew long, but you were still naked and bare.
Compare translations
I have caused thee to multiply as the bud of the field, and thou hast increased and waxen great, and thou art come to excellent ornaments: thy breasts are fashioned, and thine hair is grown, whereas thou wast naked and bare.
What Ezekiel 16:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God describes how He nurtured a young woman, helping her grow and develop beautifully, much like a plant in a field. She matured and became adorned with fine features, symbolizing her growth and potential. However, despite her beauty and maturity, she remained vulnerable and exposed, lacking true protection and covering. This imagery highlights the contrast between outward appearance and inner reality. It serves as a reminder that while we may achieve success and beauty, we must also seek deeper fulfillment and security. The verse invites us to reflect on our own growth and the importance of being fully clothed in strength and dignity, rather than just relying on external appearances. Ultimately, it emphasizes the need for a deeper connection and covering that goes beyond what is visible to the eye, urging us to seek true identity and worth in a more profound way. This message resonates with anyone who has ever felt incomplete despite outward success.
How to apply Ezekiel 16:7 to your life
Consider areas in your life where you may appear successful but feel exposed or vulnerable. Reflect on what true security means for you. Seek deeper connections and support that nurture your inner self, not just your outward appearance. Remember, true beauty comes from within and is complemented by genuine relationships and self-acceptance. Embrace your journey of growth holistically, inside and out. “,”chapter_summary_teaser”: “This chapter explores themes of growth and vulnerability through the metaphor of a
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 16:7
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 16:7
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 16:7 mean?
Ezekiel 16:7 describes God's nurturing of a young woman, illustrating her growth and beauty like a flourishing plant. Despite her outward adornment, she remains vulnerable and exposed, highlighting the contrast between external appearances and inner reality.
What is the significance of growth in Ezekiel 16:7?
The growth mentioned in Ezekiel 16:7 symbolizes the development of potential and beauty, reflecting how God nurtures individuals. It emphasizes that while one may achieve outward success, true fulfillment requires deeper connections and inner strength.
What does the phrase 'naked and bare' mean in Ezekiel 16:7?
The phrase 'naked and bare' in Ezekiel 16:7 signifies vulnerability and lack of true protection, despite the woman's beauty. It serves as a reminder that external appearances do not equate to inner security or completeness.
How does Ezekiel 16:7 relate to personal identity?
Ezekiel 16:7 invites reflection on personal identity by contrasting outward beauty with inner vulnerability. It encourages individuals to seek deeper fulfillment and security beyond mere appearances, highlighting the importance of self-acceptance and genuine relationships.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.