Ezekiel 16:43 Meaning and Explanation
“Because thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth, but hast fretted me in all these things; behold, therefore I also will recompense thy way upon thine head, saith the Lord GOD: and thou shalt not commit this lewdness above all thine abominations.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jerusalem's failure to remember her origins and her deliberate offenses against God will be repaid upon her; she will not exceed this judgment.
The Context of Ezekiel 16:43
God repays Jerusalem's deliberate offenses; judgment will prevent future depths of sin.
What Does Ezekiel 16:43 Mean?
God reiterates Jerusalem's fundamental failure: she has not remembered her helpless youth when God rescued her. This amnesia led to her 'fretting' God—repeatedly provoking and offending Him through deliberate infidelities. She has treated the covenant relationship with contempt.
God will 'recompense thy way upon thine head'—return her actions upon her, repaying judgment for offense. The phrase 'thou shalt not commit this lewdness above all thine abominations' is difficult but may mean that even after restoration, she will not return to such depths of infidelity, or that judgment will prevent such sin in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 16:43
What does Ezekiel 16:43 mean?
Jerusalem's failure to remember her origins and her deliberate offenses against God will be repaid upon her; she will not exceed this judgment.
What is the context of Ezekiel 16:43?
God repays Jerusalem's deliberate offenses; judgment will prevent future depths of sin.