King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 16:26 Mean?

Ezekiel 16:26 in the King James Version says “Thou hast also committed fornication with the Egyptians thy neighbours, great of flesh; and hast increased thy whoredoms...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou hast also committed fornication with the Egyptians thy neighbours, great of flesh; and hast increased thy whoredoms, to provoke me to anger.”

Ezekiel 16:26 · KJV

Context

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

25

Thou hast built thy high place at every head of the way, and hast made thy beauty to be abhorred, and hast opened thy feet to every one that passed by, and multiplied thy whoredoms.

26

Thou hast also committed fornication with the Egyptians thy neighbours, great of flesh; and hast increased thy whoredoms, to provoke me to anger.

27

Behold, therefore I have stretched out my hand over thee, and have diminished thine ordinary food, and delivered thee unto the will of them that hate thee, the daughters of the Philistines, which are ashamed of thy lewd way. daughters: or, cities

28

Thou hast played the whore also with the Assyrians , because thou wast unsatiable; yea, thou hast played the harlot with them, and yet couldest not be satisfied.

Read Ezekiel 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou hast also committed fornication with the Egyptians thy neighbours, great of flesh—The phrase gedolei vasar (גִּדְלֵי בָשָׂר, great of flesh) likely refers to Egyptian military power and cultural influence, though some interpret it as vulgar sexual imagery emphasizing Jerusalem's lustful pursuit. Historically, Judah repeatedly sought Egyptian alliances against Assyria and Babylon (Isaiah 30:1-3, 31:1-3, Jeremiah 37:5-7), trusting horses and chariots rather than YHWH.

To provoke me to anger (lehakh'iseni, לְהַכְעִיסֵנִי)—the causative form emphasizes intentional provocation. Jerusalem's political alliances were theological adultery; trusting Egypt meant distrusting God. Isaiah condemned this exact sin: 'Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help' (Isaiah 31:1). Spiritual adultery always involves transferring ultimate trust from God to created things—whether nations, wealth, or human relationships.

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Historical & Cultural Context

During Hezekiah's reign, Judah sought Egyptian help against Assyria (2 Kings 18:21). Later, Jehoiakim and Zedekiah looked to Egypt against Babylon (Jeremiah 37:5-11). Egypt's 'great flesh' refers to its reputation as a military superpower, yet God called it a 'bruised reed' (2 Kings 18:21) that would pierce the hand of those trusting it.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'Egypts' do you turn to in crisis instead of trusting God—wealth, human relationships, political power, insurance policies?
  2. How can legitimate secondary means of provision (work, medicine, planning) become idolatrous if they replace trust in God's sovereignty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַתִּזְנִ֧י1 of 11

“Thou hast also committed fornication”

H2181

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

אֶל2 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵֽי3 of 11

“with the Egyptians”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מִצְרַ֛יִם4 of 11
H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

שְׁכֵנַ֖יִךְ5 of 11

“thy neighbours”

H7934

a resident; by extension, a fellow-citizen

גִּדְלֵ֣י6 of 11

“great”

H1432

large (literally or figuratively)

בָשָׂ֑ר7 of 11

“of flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

וַתַּרְבִּ֥י8 of 11

“and hast increased”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

אֶת9 of 11
H853

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

תַּזְנֻתֵ֖ךְ10 of 11

“thy whoredoms”

H8457

harlotry, i.e., (figuratively) idolatry

לְהַכְעִיסֵֽנִי׃11 of 11

“to provoke me to anger”

H3707

to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

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 16:26 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 16:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 23:19-21Ezekiel 20:7-8Joshua 24:14Isaiah 30:21Ezekiel 23:3Ezekiel 23:8

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Ezekiel 16 →

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