King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 16:10 Mean?

Ezekiel 16:10 in the King James Version says “I clothed thee also with broidered work, and shod thee with badgers' skin, and I girded thee about with fine linen, and ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I clothed thee also with broidered work, and shod thee with badgers' skin, and I girded thee about with fine linen, and I covered thee with silk.”

Ezekiel 16:10 · KJV

Context

8

Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.

9

Then washed I thee with water; yea, I throughly washed away thy blood from thee, and I anointed thee with oil. blood: Heb. bloods

10

I clothed thee also with broidered work, and shod thee with badgers' skin, and I girded thee about with fine linen, and I covered thee with silk.

11

I decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck.

12

And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head. forehead: Heb. nose

Read Ezekiel 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse presents Clothed thee with embroidered work in Ezekiel's extended allegory of Jerusalem as God's bride. God's lavish provision and adornment, illustrating God's grace in choosing, rescuing, and elevating Israel from nothing to covenant partnership. The imagery depicts the foundational gospel pattern—God's initiative in salvation, not human merit or initiative. Israel contributed nothing to her election; God chose, rescued, cleansed, and covenanted with her purely from grace.

The allegory's power lies in contrasting God's gracious actions with Israel's subsequent unfaithfulness (developed later in the chapter). This establishes that Israel's judgment isn't arbitrary but betrayal of extraordinary grace. God lavished love on her, making her betrayal through idolatry (spiritual adultery) particularly heinous. The metaphor of marriage communicates covenant intimacy and the personal nature of sin against God.

From a Reformed perspective, this passage illustrates the doctrines of election and sovereign grace. God chose Israel not because of her attractiveness or merit but purely from divine love (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). Similarly, believers' salvation originates entirely in God's gracious choice and initiative (Ephesians 1:4-5, 2:1-5), not human worthiness or decision. This humbles pride and grounds assurance in God's character rather than our performance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The chapter 16 allegory addresses Jerusalem's history from Canaanite origins (v. 3—'thy father was an Amorite, thy mother a Hittite') through David's conquest, Solomon's glory, and eventual spiritual prostitution through idolatry and alliances with pagan nations. God's lavish provision and adornment within this historical retrospective explaining how a nation so blessed fell so far. The imagery would resonate with Ezekiel's audience, conveying both the magnitude of God's grace and the enormity of Jerusalem's ingratitude. Archaeological evidence confirms Jerusalem's Canaanite origins (the Jebusites) before David's conquest, supporting the allegory's historical foundation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Clothed thee with embroidered work illustrate God's initiative in salvation versus human contribution?
  2. What does this allegory teach about the seriousness of spiritual unfaithfulness after experiencing God's grace?
  3. In what ways does understanding salvation's origin in divine grace shape Christian humility and assurance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וָאַלְבִּישֵׁ֣ךְ1 of 8

“I clothed”

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

רִקְמָ֔ה2 of 8

“thee also with broidered work”

H7553

variegation of color; specifically, embroidery

וָאֶנְעֲלֵ֖ךְ3 of 8

“and shod”

H5274

properly, to fasten up, i.e., with a bar or cord; hence, to sandal, i.e., furnish with slippers

תָּ֑חַשׁ4 of 8

“thee with badgers' skin”

H8476

a (clean) animal with fur, probably a species of antelope

וָאֶחְבְּשֵׁ֣ךְ5 of 8

“and I girded”

H2280

to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule

בַּשֵּׁ֔שׁ6 of 8

“thee about with fine linen”

H8336

bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble

וַאֲכַסֵּ֖ךְ7 of 8

“and I covered”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

מֶֽשִׁי׃8 of 8

“thee with silk”

H4897

silk (as drawn from the cocoon)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 16:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 16:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 16:18Ezekiel 16:13Isaiah 61:10Exodus 26:36Psalms 45:13-14Exodus 26:14

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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