Ezekiel 16:21 Meaning and Explanation
“That thou hast slain my children, and delivered them to cause them to pass through the fire for them?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jerusalem kills her children and passes them through fire as sacrifices to pagan gods.
The Context of Ezekiel 16:21
The specific method of child sacrifice—passing through fire—is described.
What Does Ezekiel 16:21 Mean?
The verse specifies the means of sacrifice: the children are slain and passed through fire—likely a reference to actual Canaanite and other ancient Near Eastern practices of child sacrifice to gods like Molech. These are referred to as 'my children'—God asserts ownership and protective claim over them.
Passing through fire was a form of human sacrifice in pagan worship meant to appease gods or gain divine favor. By doing this, Jerusalem practices the most abhorrent pagan rituals, sacrificing the most vulnerable—her own offspring—in pursuit of false gods. The phrasing emphasizes both the violence and the religious purpose of the act.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 16:21
What does Ezekiel 16:21 mean?
Jerusalem kills her children and passes them through fire as sacrifices to pagan gods.
What is the context of Ezekiel 16:21?
The specific method of child sacrifice—passing through fire—is described.