King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 16:33 Mean?

Ezekiel 16:33 in the King James Version says “They give gifts to all whores: but thou givest thy gifts to all thy lovers, and hirest them, that they may come unto the...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They give gifts to all whores: but thou givest thy gifts to all thy lovers, and hirest them, that they may come unto thee on every side for thy whoredom. hirest: Heb. bribest”

Ezekiel 16:33 · KJV

Context

31

In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire; In that thou buildest: or, In thy daughters is thine, etc

32

But as a wife that committeth adultery, which taketh strangers instead of her husband!

33

They give gifts to all whores: but thou givest thy gifts to all thy lovers, and hirest them, that they may come unto thee on every side for thy whoredom. hirest: Heb. bribest

34

And the contrary is in thee from other women in thy whoredoms, whereas none followeth thee to commit whoredoms: and in that thou givest a reward, and no reward is given unto thee, therefore thou art contrary.

35

Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of the LORD:

Read Ezekiel 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They give gifts to all whores: but thou givest thy gifts to all thy lovers, and hirest them, that they may come unto thee on every side for thy whoredom. This devastating indictment reveals Jerusalem's unprecedented depravity. Normal prostitutes (zonah, זוֹנָה) receive payment; Jerusalem reversed the transaction, bribing nations to accept her advances. The Hebrew shachad (שָׁחַד, "hirest") means to bribe or offer inducements—Jerusalem paid tribute to Assyria, Egypt, and Babylon for political alliances that amounted to spiritual adultery.

"On every side" (מִסָּבִיב) indicates comprehensive unfaithfulness—Jerusalem prostituted herself to every available power. Historically, this refers to King Ahaz's tribute to Assyria (2 Kings 16:7-9), alliances with Egypt (Isaiah 30:1-7), and later appeals to Babylon. Jerusalem spent her God-given wealth to purchase idolatrous relationships, inverting the economic logic of prostitution and revealing desperation for validation from pagan powers.

The theological principle transcends historical Judah. When we use God's gifts (wealth, talents, influence) to purchase worldly approval or security apart from Him, we commit the same inversion. We bribe the world to accept us rather than resting in God's acceptance. This passage exposes the frantic, degrading nature of idolatry—it never satisfies but always demands more payment for diminishing returns.

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Historical & Cultural Context

From the divided monarchy onward, Judah pursued foreign alliances rather than trusting Yahweh. Isaiah condemned King Ahaz for sending temple treasury to Assyria (Isaiah 7:1-13, 2 Kings 16:7-9). Later kings sought Egyptian protection against Babylon (Jeremiah 37:5-10), draining national resources for unreliable allies.

Tribute payments documented in Assyrian and Babylonian records confirm massive wealth transfers. The Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III depicts King Jehu bringing tribute. Judah literally paid to be dominated by foreign powers—economic and spiritual prostitution combined. This policy culminated in Jerusalem's destruction (586 BC), proving the bankruptcy of trusting nations over God.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas are you 'bribing' the world's acceptance by compromising convictions or spending resources?
  2. How does Jerusalem's reversed prostitution illustrate the degrading, expensive nature of seeking identity apart from God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
לְכָל1 of 16
H3605

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

זֹנ֖וֹת2 of 16

“to all whores”

H2181

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

נָתַ֤תְּ3 of 16

“They give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

נֵ֑דֶה4 of 16

“gifts”

H5078

a bounty (for prostitution)

וְאַ֨תְּ5 of 16
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

נָתַ֤תְּ6 of 16

“They give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת7 of 16
H853

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

נְדָנַ֙יִךְ֙8 of 16

“thy gifts”

H5083

a present (for prostitution)

לְכָל9 of 16
H3605

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

מְאַֽהֲבַ֔יִךְ10 of 16

“to all thy lovers”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

וַתִּשְׁחֳדִ֣י11 of 16

“and hirest”

H7809

to donate, i.e., bribe

אוֹתָ֗ם12 of 16
H853

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

לָב֥וֹא13 of 16

“them that they may come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלַ֛יִךְ14 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִסָּבִ֖יב15 of 16

“unto thee on every side”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

בְּתַזְנוּתָֽיִךְ׃16 of 16

“for thy whoredom”

H8457

harlotry, i.e., (figuratively) idolatry

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 16:33 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 16:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 57:9Hosea 8:9-10Hosea 2:12Micah 1:7Luke 15:30Isaiah 30:6-7

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