Ezekiel 16:31 Meaning and Explanation
“In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jerusalem builds idolatrous shrines everywhere but diverges from typical harlotry by spurning payment—she pursues false gods from desire, not economic necessity.
The Context of Ezekiel 16:31
Jerusalem's shrines are everywhere, and she scorns payment for her infidelity.
What Does Ezekiel 16:31 Mean?
Jerusalem constructs shrines at every major intersection and street. Unlike a typical harlot who accepts payment for her services, Jerusalem has not demanded hire for her unfaithfulness. She pursues idolatry purely from desire, not from economic pressure or coercion.
This distinction makes her unfaithfulness even more condemning. She cannot claim that poverty or desperation drove her to idolatry. Instead, she actively scorns the very concept of payment, suggesting she worships false gods out of love for them rather than need. Her infidelity stems from genuine preference for gods other than the true God, making it a more profound betrayal than mercenary motives would represent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 16:31
What does Ezekiel 16:31 mean?
Jerusalem builds idolatrous shrines everywhere but diverges from typical harlotry by spurning payment—she pursues false gods from desire, not economic necessity.
What is the context of Ezekiel 16:31?
Jerusalem's shrines are everywhere, and she scorns payment for her infidelity.