King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 16:22 Mean?

Ezekiel 16:22 in the King James Version says “And in all thine abominations and thy whoredoms thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth, when thou wast naked and... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And in all thine abominations and thy whoredoms thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth, when thou wast naked and bare, and wast polluted in thy blood.

Ezekiel 16:22 · KJV


Context

20

Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. Is this of thy whoredoms a small matter, to be: Heb. to devour

21

That thou hast slain my children, and delivered them to cause them to pass through the fire for them?

22

And in all thine abominations and thy whoredoms thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth, when thou wast naked and bare, and wast polluted in thy blood.

23

And it came to pass after all thy wickedness, (woe, woe unto thee! saith the Lord GOD;)

24

That thou hast also built unto thee an eminent place, and hast made thee an high place in every street. eminent: or, brothel house


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth—The Hebrew zakar (זָכַר, to remember) means more than mental recall; it implies covenant faithfulness and obedient response. Jerusalem forgot her origins: when thou wast naked and bare, and wast polluted in thy blood (verse 6)—exposed at birth, helpless, without status or beauty. God's covenant love (hesed) rescued her.

In all thine abominations and thy whoredomsto'evoth (תּוֹעֵבוֹת, abominations) and taznuth (תַּזְנוּת, whoredoms) form a devastating pair: detestable acts combined with covenant betrayal. Amnesia of grace produces arrogance and ingratitude. Jesus rebuked the forgiven debtor who forgot his own debt (Matthew 18:23-35). Covenant keeping requires remembering redemption—Israel's failure and ours.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse climaxes the indictment begun in verse 1, where Ezekiel was commanded to 'cause Jerusalem to know her abominations.' The prophet's audience—exiles in Babylon (593-571 BC)—needed to understand that Jerusalem's fall wasn't divine failure but covenant judgment for sustained rebellion spanning generations.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you regularly remember your spiritual 'nakedness and pollution' before God saved you, or has grace become presumption?
  2. How does forgetting God's past faithfulness lead to present unfaithfulness in your walk with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְאֵ֤ת1 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל2 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

תּוֹעֲבֹתַ֙יִךְ֙3 of 15

And in all thine abominations

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

וְתַזְנֻתַ֔יִךְ4 of 15

and thy whoredoms

H8457

harlotry, i.e., (figuratively) idolatry

לֹ֥א5 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

זָכַ֖רְתְּי6 of 15

thou hast not remembered

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

אֶת7 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְמֵ֣י8 of 15

the days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

נְעוּרָ֑יִךְ9 of 15

of thy youth

H5271

(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)

בִּֽהְיוֹתֵךְ֙10 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עֵירֹ֣ם11 of 15

when thou wast naked

H5903

nudity

וְעֶרְיָ֔ה12 of 15

and bare

H6181

nudity

מִתְבּוֹסֶ֥סֶת13 of 15

and wast polluted

H947

to trample (literally or figuratively)

בְּדָמֵ֖ךְ14 of 15

in thy blood

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

הָיִֽית׃15 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)


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 16:22 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 16:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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