Ezekiel 16:17 Meaning and Explanation
“Thou hast also taken thy fair jewels of my gold and of my silver, which I had given thee, and madest to thyself images of men, and didst commit whoredom with them,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jerusalem takes God's precious metals and creates idolatrous images, then worships and commits unfaithfulness with these false gods.
The Context of Ezekiel 16:17
Jerusalem fashions idols from God's gifts and worships them.
What Does Ezekiel 16:17 Mean?
Jerusalem has taken the very gold and silver God gave her as marks of honor and beauty, and fashioned them into images of men—idols representing false gods. She has inverted God's gifts, transforming blessing into instruments of unfaithfulness.
The phrase 'commit whoredom with them' means she worships these idols with the kind of devotion and intimacy that should be reserved for God alone. She has taken what God lavished upon her and redirected that same appreciation and devotion toward false gods. This represents the ultimate ingratitude and betrayal of the covenant relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 16:17
What does Ezekiel 16:17 mean?
Jerusalem takes God's precious metals and creates idolatrous images, then worships and commits unfaithfulness with these false gods.
What is the context of Ezekiel 16:17?
Jerusalem fashions idols from God's gifts and worships them.