Thou hast borne thy lewdness and thine abominations, saith the LORD.

EZEKIEL 16:58KJV
Know the Bible

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.

Where else these words appear

“lewdness” Hebrew H2154 · used in 27 verses

  • Leviticus 18:17 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son's daughter, or her daughter's daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness.
  • Proverbs 10:23 It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
  • Ezekiel 23:21 Thus thou calledst to remembrance the lewdness of thy youth, in bruising thy teats by the Egyptians for the paps of thy youth.

“abominations” Hebrew H8441 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 43:32 And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.
  • Ezra 9:14 Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping?
  • Ezekiel 7:3 Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations.