King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 16:36 Mean?

Ezekiel 16:36 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy abominations, and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them;”

Ezekiel 16:36 · King James Version

Context

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:

36

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy abominations, and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them;

37

Behold, therefore I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all them that thou hast loved, with all them that thou hast hated; I will even gather them round about against thee, and will discover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness.

38

And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy. as: Heb. with judgments of

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy abominations, and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them; The divine speech formula "Thus saith the Lord GOD" (Adonai YHWH) introduces covenant lawsuit charges. "Filthiness" (nechosheth, נְחֹשֶׁת) literally means bronze/copper but idiomatically refers to menstrual impurity or shameful exposure—what should remain private was publicly displayed.

"Thy nakedness discovered" (גָּלָה עֶרְוָתֵךְ) uses the verb galah (to uncover/reveal) with ervah (nakedness/shame), terminology from Leviticus 18 prohibiting sexual exposure. Jerusalem's idolatrous alliances exposed her shame publicly before the nations. The charge escalates: "and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them" refers to child sacrifice to Molech in the Valley of Hinnom (2 Kings 16:3, 21:6, Jeremiah 7:31, 19:5).

Three specific indictments emerge: (1) political prostitution with foreign powers ("whoredoms with thy lovers"), (2) religious idolatry ("all the idols of thy abominations"), and (3) the murder of covenant children through pagan sacrifice. This triple indictment—political, religious, and moral—demonstrates comprehensive covenant violation deserving comprehensive judgment. The blood of innocent children crying from the ground demanded divine justice (Genesis 4:10).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Archaeological excavations at Hinnom Valley (Tophet) south of Jerusalem have uncovered evidence consistent with child sacrifice—urns containing cremated infant remains. Biblical testimony confirms kings Ahaz and Manasseh practiced this abomination (2 Kings 16:3, 21:6). Jeremiah prophesied judgment specifically for this sin (Jeremiah 7:30-34, 19:1-13).

The practice combined political desperation (appeasing foreign gods to secure alliances), religious syncretism (adopting Canaanite/Phoenician worship), and moral depravity (sacrificing children for perceived national security). Josiah's reform (621 BC) defiled these sites (2 Kings 23:10), but the practice resumed afterward. By Ezekiel's time (593-571 BC), God's patience had expired. The blood of sacrificed children sealed Jerusalem's fate—divine justice would not overlook such heinous covenant violation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern forms of 'child sacrifice' exist—abortion for convenience, exploiting children economically, sacrificing family for career ambition?
  2. How does God's fierce response to child sacrifice inform Christian engagement with contemporary culture's devaluation of children?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
כֹּֽה1 of 21
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֞ר2 of 21

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י3 of 21

“the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִֹ֗ה4 of 21

“GOD”

H3069

god

יַ֣עַן5 of 21
H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

הִשָּׁפֵ֤ךְ6 of 21

“was poured out”

H8210

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

נְחֻשְׁתֵּךְ֙7 of 21

“Because thy filthiness”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

וַתִּגָּלֶ֣ה8 of 21

“discovered”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

עֶרְוָתֵ֔ךְ9 of 21

“and thy nakedness”

H6172

nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)

בְּתַזְנוּתַ֖יִךְ10 of 21

“through thy whoredoms”

H8457

harlotry, i.e., (figuratively) idolatry

עַל11 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מְאַהֲבָ֑יִךְ12 of 21

“with thy lovers”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

וְעַל֙13 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל14 of 21
H3605

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

גִּלּוּלֵ֣י15 of 21

“and with all the idols”

H1544

properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol

תוֹעֲבוֹתַ֔יִךְ16 of 21

“of thy abominations”

H8441

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

וְכִדְמֵ֣י17 of 21

“and by the 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

בָנַ֔יִךְ18 of 21

“of thy children”

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר19 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נָתַ֖תְּ20 of 21

“which thou didst give”

H5414

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

לָהֶֽם׃21 of 21
H0

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 16:36 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 16:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 23:10Genesis 3:7Genesis 3:10-11Ezekiel 22:15Jeremiah 19:5Ezekiel 24:13

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