Ezekiel 16:58 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 16:58 mean?

Ezekiel 16:58 means that the people have suffered the consequences of their immoral actions and detestable practices, as declared by the LORD. The verse is a statement of accountability, showing that their wrongdoing has led to real consequences that they must bear.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to Jerusalem, using strong language to confront the people with their past behavior. The context is a larger passage where Jerusalem is compared to an unfaithful spouse, and God is explaining that the city's troubles are a direct result of its choices. The verse emphasizes personal responsibility and the certainty of facing the results of one's actions.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 16:58

• "borne" (נָשָׂא, nāśā’): This word means to carry or endure, often used for bearing a burden. Here, it highlights that the people are not just accused but have actually experienced the weight of their actions.
• "lewdness" (זִמָּה, zimmāh): This term refers to shameful or immoral behavior, especially of a sexual or corrupt nature. Its use points to the specific kinds of wrongdoing being addressed.
• "abominations" (תּוֹעֵבָה, toʿēvāh): This word means things that are detestable or repugnant, often used for actions that are especially offensive to God. The verse singles out not just general sin but acts considered especially serious.
• "saith" (נְאֻם, ne’um): This is a formal declaration word, marking the statement as a direct and solemn message from God.
• "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in Hebrew, underscoring the authority and seriousness of the pronouncement.

Why Ezekiel 16:58 matters

• Ezekiel 16:58 clarifies that the suffering Jerusalem faces is not random but directly connected to its own choices, countering any idea that God is unjust or arbitrary.
• The verse highlights the seriousness with which God views both "lewdness" and "abominations," showing that not all wrongdoing is treated the same in the biblical text.
• This verse connects to the wider chapter, where God lays out a detailed case against Jerusalem, making it clear that the consequences are not just warnings but have already begun to be experienced.