Ezekiel 16:33 Meaning and Explanation
“They give gifts to all whores: but thou givest thy gifts to all thy lovers, and hirest them, that they may come unto thee on every side for thy whoredom.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Reversing the normal pattern, Jerusalem pays her lovers rather than receiving payment, actively hiring them to come to her.
The Context of Ezekiel 16:33
Jerusalem pays her lovers to come participate in her idolatry.
What Does Ezekiel 16:33 Mean?
Typically, men give gifts to harlots for their services. Jerusalem inverts this pattern: instead of receiving gifts, she gives gifts to her lovers (false gods and their worshippers) and actively hires them to come to her. She is aggressively purchasing their attention and participation in her idolatry.
This inversion emphasizes Jerusalem's active pursuit of infidelity. She is not a passive victim but an aggressive buyer of false worship. She purchases the presence and participation of false gods, paying for the privilege of committing spiritual adultery. Her eagerness and willingness to pay highlights the depth of her perversion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 16:33
What does Ezekiel 16:33 mean?
Reversing the normal pattern, Jerusalem pays her lovers rather than receiving payment, actively hiring them to come to her.
What is the context of Ezekiel 16:33?
Jerusalem pays her lovers to come participate in her idolatry.