King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 16:6 Mean?

Ezekiel 16:6 in the King James Version says “And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live;...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live. polluted: or, trodden under foot”

Ezekiel 16:6 · KJV

Context

4

And as for thy nativity, in the day thou wast born thy navel was not cut, neither wast thou washed in water to supple thee; thou wast not salted at all, nor swaddled at all. to supple: or, when I looked upon thee

5

None eye pitied thee, to do any of these unto thee, to have compassion upon thee; but thou wast cast out in the open field, to the lothing of thy person, in the day that thou wast born.

6

And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live. polluted: or, trodden under foot

7

I have caused thee to multiply as the bud of the field, and thou hast increased and waxen great, and thou art come to excellent ornaments: thy breasts are fashioned, and thine hair is grown, whereas thou wast naked and bare. caused: Heb. made thee a million excellent: Heb. ornament of ornaments

8

Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.

Read Ezekiel 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In God's extended allegory of Jerusalem as abandoned infant, He declares: 'And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live.' The repetition of 'in thy blood' and the double command 'Live' emphasize God's sovereign, life-giving intervention. The Hebrew 'chayiy' (חֲיִי, 'Live!') is an imperative that both commands and creates life. This isn't mere permission but powerful declaration—God's word brings life where there was death. The imagery recalls Israel's origins as enslaved, oppressed people in Egypt whom God redeemed and made into a nation. The blood represents both the degradation of their condition and the covenant blood that would mark their redemption (Exodus 12:13). God's initiative, not Israel's merit, explains their existence and election.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This allegory addresses Jerusalem's origins, likely referencing both Israel's Egyptian slavery and Jerusalem's pre-Israelite status as a Canaanite city (Jebus) inhabited by mixed peoples. The phrase 'thy birth and thy nativity is of the land of Canaan; thy father was an Amorite, and thy mother an Hittite' (16:3) reminds Jerusalem that they have no intrinsic superiority—only God's grace explains their election. Archaeological evidence confirms Jerusalem's pre-Israelite history and Israel's cultural connections to Canaanite peoples. The abandoned infant imagery would resonate with ancient audiences familiar with the practice of exposing unwanted newborns. God's tender care transforms worthless, dying infant into beautiful bride (16:8-14), illustrating grace transforming what was naturally destined for death.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing that God's 'Live!' command created you spiritually shape your understanding of salvation?
  2. In what ways does this passage challenge any sense of spiritual entitlement or superiority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וָאֶעֱבֹ֤ר1 of 13

“And when I passed”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

עָלַ֙יִךְ֙2 of 13
H5921

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

וָֽאֶרְאֵ֔ךְ3 of 13

“by thee and saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

מִתְבּוֹסֶ֖סֶת4 of 13

“thee polluted”

H947

to trample (literally or figuratively)

בְּדָמַ֥יִךְ5 of 13

“in thine own 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

וָאֹ֥מַר6 of 13

“I said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָךְ֙7 of 13
H0
בְּדָמַ֥יִךְ8 of 13

“in thine own 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

חֲיִֽי׃9 of 13

“Live”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

וָאֹ֥מַר10 of 13

“I said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָ֖ךְ11 of 13
H0
בְּדָמַ֥יִךְ12 of 13

“in thine own 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

חֲיִֽי׃13 of 13

“Live”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

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 16:6 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 16:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 2:4-5Titus 3:3-7John 5:25Acts 7:34Matthew 5:13Exodus 19:4-6

Test Your Knowledge

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

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