King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 16:58 Mean?

Ezekiel 16:58 in the King James Version says “Thou hast borne thy lewdness and thine abominations, saith the LORD. borne: Heb. borne them” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou hast borne thy lewdness and thine abominations, saith the LORD. borne: Heb. borne them”

Ezekiel 16:58 · KJV

Context

56

For thy sister Sodom was not mentioned by thy mouth in the day of thy pride, mentioned: Heb. for a report, or, hearing pride: Heb. prides, or, excellencies

57

Before thy wickedness was discovered, as at the time of thy reproach of the daughters of Syria, and all that are round about her, the daughters of the Philistines, which despise thee round about. Syria: Heb. Aram despise: or, spoil

58

Thou hast borne thy lewdness and thine abominations, saith the LORD. borne: Heb. borne them

59

For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even deal with thee as thou hast done, which hast despised the oath in breaking the covenant.

60

Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant.

Read Ezekiel 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou hast borne thy lewdness and thine abominations, saith the LORD. The Hebrew nāśā (נָשָׂא, "borne") means to carry, bear the weight or consequences. Thy lewdness translates zimmâ (זִמָּה), referring to sexual depravity, planned wickedness, especially cult prostitution. Thine abominations (toebôtayik, תּוֹעֲבוֹתַיִךְ) denotes detestable practices, particularly idolatry. The phrase neum Yahweh ("saith the LORD") stamps divine authority on the verdict.

This terse verse pronounces personal accountability. Jerusalem cannot escape consequence by blaming ancestors, circumstances, or foreign influence. You bear your own sin. The principle anticipates Ezekiel 18's teaching on individual responsibility: "The soul that sinneth, it shall die" (18:4). While corporate judgment falls on the nation, each person bears personal guilt. This contradicts victim mentality that externalizes blame. Sin's consequences are inescapable apart from substitutionary atonement—which Ezekiel foreshadows through the suffering servant theology Isaiah develops, ultimately fulfilled in Christ bearing our sin (Isaiah 53:6, 1 Peter 2:24).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The exiles blamed previous generations for their predicament, citing the proverb, "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge" (Ezekiel 18:2). Both Jeremiah (31:29-30) and Ezekiel (18:1-4) refuted this fatalism. While exile resulted from generational sin, each person bore responsibility for their own response. Ezekiel 16:58 concludes the indictment section before transitioning to restoration promises (vv. 59-63). The verse teaches that acknowledgment of guilt precedes restoration. Only when we stop deflecting and bear responsibility for our "lewdness and abominations" can grace break through.

Reflection Questions

  1. What sins are you tempted to blame on upbringing, circumstances, or others rather than taking personal responsibility?
  2. How does bearing your own sin (acknowledging guilt) prepare your heart to receive Christ's bearing your sin (substitutionary atonement)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אֶת1 of 8
H853

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

זִמָּתֵ֥ךְ2 of 8

“thy lewdness”

H2154

a plan, especially a bad one

וְאֶת3 of 8
H853

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

תּוֹעֲבוֹתַ֖יִךְ4 of 8

“and thine abominations”

H8441

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

אַ֣תְּ5 of 8
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

נְשָׂאתִ֑ים6 of 8

“Thou hast borne”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

נְאֻ֖ם7 of 8

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָֽה׃8 of 8

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 16:58 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 16:58 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 23:49Lamentations 5:7Genesis 4:13

Test Your Knowledge

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

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