Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 16:13
This verb means to adorn or decorate oneself with ornaments, and is used in 2 Samuel 1:24 to describe the Israelites' adornment. It also appears in Ezekiel 23:40, where it talks about the decorating of a bed.
Definition: 1) to pass on, advance, go on, pass by, remove 1a) (Qal) to pass on, put on 1b) (Hiphil) to remove Aramaic equivalent: a.dah (עֲדָה "to pass on/over/away" H5709)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: adorn, deck (self), pass by, take away. See also: Job 28:8; Jeremiah 31:4; Proverbs 25:20.
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
This Hebrew word refers to clothing or garments, like the attire people wear. It's used in the Bible to describe what people wore, including special vestments.
Definition: clothing, apparel, vestments, raiment, attire
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: apparel, raiment, vestment. See also: 1 Kings 10:5; Job 27:16; Isaiah 63:3.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to fine white linen or marble, often used to describe the luxurious clothing and buildings of ancient times, like the Temple in Jerusalem.
Definition: alabaster, similar stone, marble, material of pavement
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] blue, fine (twined) linen, marble, silk. See also: Genesis 41:42; Exodus 36:35; Proverbs 31:22.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to fine white linen or marble, often used to describe the luxurious clothing and buildings of ancient times, like the Temple in Jerusalem.
Definition: alabaster, similar stone, marble, material of pavement
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] blue, fine (twined) linen, marble, silk. See also: Genesis 41:42; Exodus 36:35; Proverbs 31:22.
This word refers to silk, a valuable and expensive material used for making clothes. In the Bible, it is mentioned as a luxury item, like in the book of Ezekiel, where it is listed as one of the goods traded by the merchants.
Definition: 1) a costly material for garment 1a) perhaps silk
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: silk. See also: Ezekiel 16:10; Ezekiel 16:13.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to embroidery or needlework with diverse colors, like the intricate designs on priestly garments. It is used in Exodus to describe the craftsmanship of the tabernacle. This word highlights the beauty of handmade textiles.
Definition: variegated stuff, embroidered
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: broidered (work), divers colours, (raiment of) needlework (on both sides). See also: Judges 5:30; Ezekiel 16:18; Psalms 45:15.
This Hebrew word refers to fine flour, often used in baking and as an offering. It is translated as 'fine flour' or 'meal' in the KJV Bible, and is mentioned in various books, including Leviticus.
Definition: fine flour
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: (fine) flour, meal. See also: Genesis 18:6; Numbers 7:61; Ezekiel 46:14.
In the Bible, this word means honey, a sweet and valuable food. It was used to describe the Promised Land as a place of abundance and blessing, flowing with milk and honey. The word also appears in stories of bees and honey production.
Definition: honey
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: honey(-comb). See also: Genesis 43:11; 1 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 19:11.
The Hebrew word for oil, often referring to olive oil, which was highly valued in ancient times. It symbolizes richness, anointing, and healing, and is used in various biblical contexts, including rituals and medicinal practices.
Definition: 1) fat, oil 1a) fat, fatness 1b) oil, olive oil 1b1) as staple, medicament or unguent 1b2) for anointing 1c) fat (of fruitful land, valleys) (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 176 OT verses. KJV: anointing, [idiom] fat (things), [idiom] fruitful, oil(-ed), ointment, olive, [phrase] pine. See also: Genesis 28:18; Deuteronomy 8:8; Psalms 23:5.
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
To be beautiful in the Bible means to be bright and handsome, as seen in the story of Esther, who was chosen for her beauty. The term is also used to describe the beauty of nature and the beauty of God's creation.
Definition: 1) to be bright, be beautiful, be handsome, be fair 1a) (Qal) to be beautiful 1b) (Piel) to beautify 1c) (Pual) to be beautiful 1d) (Hithpael) to beautify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: be beautiful, be (make self) fair(-r), deck. See also: Psalms 45:3; Jeremiah 4:30; Jeremiah 10:4.
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
To prosper or succeed, as seen in the story of Joseph in Genesis, who rose to power in Egypt. This Hebrew word means to push forward and make progress. It is used to describe success and prosperity.
Definition: (Qal) to rush
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: break out, come (mightily), go over, be good, be meet, be profitable, (cause to, effect, make to, send) prosper(-ity, -ous, -ously). See also: Genesis 24:21; 2 Chronicles 26:5; Psalms 1:3.
Melukah refers to a kingdom or realm, describing a king's domain or territory. It is related to the concept of royalty and kingship in the Bible.
Definition: kingship, royalty, kingly office
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: kingsom, king's, [idiom] royal. See also: 1 Samuel 10:16; 1 Kings 12:21; Psalms 22:29.
Context — Jerusalem’s Unfaithfulness
11I adorned you with jewelry, and I put bracelets on your wrists and a chain around your neck.
12I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head.
13So you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was made of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour, honey, and oil. You became very beautiful and rose to be queen.
14Your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, for it was perfect in the splendor I bestowed on you, declares the Lord GOD.
15But because of your fame, you trusted in your beauty and played the harlot. You lavished your favors on everyone who passed by, and your beauty was theirs for the asking.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Deuteronomy 32:13–14 |
He made him ride on the heights of the land and fed him the produce of the field. He nourished him with honey from the rock and oil from the flinty crag, with curds from the herd and milk from the flock, with the fat of lambs, with rams from Bashan, and goats, with the choicest grains of wheat. From the juice of the finest grapes you drank the wine. |
| 2 |
Psalms 50:2 |
From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth. |
| 3 |
1 Kings 4:21 |
And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life. |
| 4 |
Psalms 45:13–14 |
All glorious is the princess in her chamber; her gown is embroidered with gold. In colorful garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions are brought before you. |
| 5 |
Psalms 48:2 |
Beautiful in loftiness, the joy of all the earth, like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the great King. |
| 6 |
Jeremiah 13:20 |
Lift up your eyes and see those coming from the north. Where is the flock entrusted to you, the sheep that were your pride? |
| 7 |
Psalms 147:14 |
He makes peace at your borders; He fills you with the finest wheat. |
| 8 |
1 Samuel 12:12 |
But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, we must have a king to rule over us’—even though the LORD your God was your king. |
| 9 |
Ezekiel 16:14–15 |
Your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, for it was perfect in the splendor I bestowed on you, declares the Lord GOD. But because of your fame, you trusted in your beauty and played the harlot. You lavished your favors on everyone who passed by, and your beauty was theirs for the asking. |
| 10 |
Genesis 17:6 |
I will make you exceedingly fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will descend from you. |
Ezekiel 16:13 Summary
[This verse is saying that God made His people very beautiful and special, and He gave them many good things like nice clothes and delicious food, just like He provided for the Israelites in the wilderness, as seen in Exodus 16:4-36. He did this because He loves them and wants them to be happy, as seen in Psalm 37:4. But it's also a reminder that our true beauty and worth come from God, not from the things we have or how we look, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'adorned with gold and silver' in Ezekiel 16:13?
In this verse, being adorned with gold and silver symbolizes the richness and splendor that God bestowed upon His people, much like the riches of Solomon's kingdom described in 1 Kings 10:14-22, and it is a reminder of God's generous provision as seen in Exodus 33:5.
How does this verse relate to the concept of beauty in the Bible?
The Bible teaches that true beauty comes from within, as seen in 1 Peter 3:3-4, and in Ezekiel 16:13, the beauty described is not just physical, but also a reflection of God's glory and splendor, as seen in Psalm 90:17.
What is the significance of eating 'fine flour, honey, and oil' in this verse?
Eating fine flour, honey, and oil represents the abundance and delight of God's provision, similar to the Promised Land described in Deuteronomy 8:7-10, where God's people would enjoy the richness of the land as a blessing from God.
How does this verse apply to the life of a believer today?
As believers, we are called to remember that our beauty and worth come from God, and we should not trust in our own strength or beauty, but rather in God's provision and love, as seen in Jeremiah 9:23-24 and 1 Corinthians 1:26-31.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has 'adorned' me with His splendor and provision in my life, and how can I acknowledge and thank Him for these blessings?
- How do I view my own beauty and worth, and am I trusting in God's love and acceptance, or in my own abilities and appearance?
- In what ways can I use the 'fine flour, honey, and oil' that God has provided for me to nourish and delight others, and to bring glory to Him?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be trusting in my own strength or beauty, rather than in God's provision and love, and how can I surrender these areas to Him?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 16:13
Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver,.... The Targum interprets it of the tabernacle adorned with gold and silver, and linen curtains, of various dies and colours; but it refers to the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 16:13
Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:13
The prophet sums up all again, partly to aver the truth thereof, partly to bring it to her remembrance, and partly to affect her with thankfulness for what she had received, and with shame for what she had done. Thou didst eat fine flour; it was the constant course of thy diet, to be provided thus with the choicest food, which thou didst not by scanty allowance taste of, but wast filled with: these were royal dainties, as . Thou wast exceeding beautiful; such diet, with the additional ornaments, would surely render a perfect beauty, and to such perfection did this espoused virgin grow. Thou didst prosper; all affairs succeeded well, and events added to thy greatness. A kingdom, not only compact in itself, but victorious over others; and so she was a mistress over kingdoms, as in David’ s, Solomon’ s, Jehoshaphat’ s, and Hezekiah’ s time.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:13
Ezekiel 16:13 Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment [was of] fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom.Ver. 13. Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver.] Yea, with far better habiliments; for what is gold and silver but the guts and garbage of the earth? It was observed of Queen Elizabeth (as of her father before her), that she loved to go very richly arrayed. Her sister Queen Mary had, at her coronation, her head so laden with jewels, that she could hardly hold it up. King Richard II had one coat of gold and jewels valued at 30,000 marks. This was much, but nothing to the Church’ s beauty and bravery, which yet was all but borrowed, as is said in the next verse. Thou didst eat fine flour and honey,] i.e., The very best of the best. Thou didst eat of the fat, and drink of the sweet of my holy ordinances.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:13
(9-14) These verses describe the purifications and preparations for marriage to one of high rank (comp. Esther 2:9; Esther 2:12). The reality corresponding to the figure is, of course, the Divine care over Israel at Sinai, in the wilderness, and in the conquest of Canaan.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:13
Verse 13. Thus wast thou decked, c.] The Targum understands all this of the tabernacle service, the book of the law, the sacerdotal vestments, c. Thou didst prosper into a kingdom.] Here the figure explains itself: by this wretched infant, the low estate of the Jewish nation in its origin is pointed out by the growing up of this child into woman's estate, the increase and multiplication of the people by her being decked out and ornamented, her tabernacle service, and religious ordinances; by her betrothing and consequent marriage, the covenant which God made with the Jews; by her fornication and adulteries, their apostasy from God, and the establishment of idolatrous worship, with all its abominable rites; by her fornication and whoredoms with the Egyptians and Assyrians, the sinful alliances which the Jews made with those nations, and the incorporation of their idolatrous worship with that of Jehovah; by her lovers being brought against her, and stripping her naked, the delivery of the Jews into the hands of the Egyptians, Assyrians, and Chaldeans, who stripped them of all their excellencies, and at last carried them into captivity. This is the key to the whole of this long chapter of metaphors; and the reader will do well to forget the figures, and look at the facts. The language and figures may in many places appear to us exceptionable: but these are quite in conformity to those times and places, and to every reader and hearer would appear perfectly appropriate, nor would engender either a thought or passion of an irregular or improper kind. Custom sanctions the mode, and prevents the abuse. Among naked savages irregular passions and propensities are not known to predominate above those in civilized life. And why? Because such sights are customary, and therefore in themselves innocent. And the same may be said of the language by which such states and circumstances of life are described.
Had Ezekiel spoken in such language as would have been called chaste and unexceptionable among us, it would have appeared to his auditors as a strange dialect, and would have lost at least one half of its power and effect. Let this be the prophet's apology for the apparent indelicacy of his metaphors; and mine, for not entering into any particular discussion concerning them. See also on Ezekiel 16:63.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 16:13
13. Her delicate fare and beauty. fine flour] This was used in offerings at the altar (Ezekiel 16:19), and was probably the food of persons of refinement and rank. Cf. Psalms 81:16, “I should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat, and with honey out of the rock should I satisfy thee;” Psalms 147:14; Deuteronomy 32:13-14. exceeding beautiful] The beauty is less that of the mere city (Psalms 48:2) than of the personified state or people (Ezekiel 16:14). prosper into a kingdom] Or, attain to royal estate. The reference is not to the mere historical fact that a monarchy arose in Israel under Saul or more permanently under David. It was Israel herself, personified as a woman, that attained to royalty, that is, to be an independent state among the states around, a queen among other queens. The words are wanting in LXX.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 16:13
Fine flour, and honey, and oil - These were the choicest kinds of food.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:13
13. Fine flour, and honey, and oil;… and thou didst prosper into a kingdom — There is a double meaning attached to the food mentioned, as it was used by princesses and also in the temple sacrifices.
Sermons on Ezekiel 16:13
| Sermon | Description |
|
K-493 the Holocaust in Jewish Consciousness
by Art Katz
|
In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's goodness and justice, even in the face of events that seem contradictory. The sermon also explores the idea of a "genera |
|
Attributes of God (Series 1): The Perfection of God
by A.W. Tozer
|
In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the greatness and holiness of God. He compares the excitement of a child playing with a ball to our attempts to impress God with our achieve |
|
(Early Anabaptism) Christ in Early Anabaptism
by Denny Kenaston
|
In this sermon, the speaker discusses a group of 12 men who gathered in the house of Felix Montz to seek God's guidance. The fear of God settled upon them, leading them to separate |
|
The Glory of Primitive Methodism
by Denny Kenaston
|
In this sermon, the preacher discusses the principles and rules followed by early Christians in their pursuit of spiritual growth. These principles include honesty in business deal |
|
Passionate for God's Holiness - Part 3
by John Piper
|
This sermon emphasizes the incomparable nature of God's holiness, highlighting His unique, divine, and morally perfect attributes. It delves into the rarity, permanence, and access |
|
Jonah, the Run-Away Prophet
by Albert M. Ewing
|
Albert M. Ewing delivers a sermon on the story of Jonah, a backslidden prophet who disobeyed God's call to warn Nineveh, representing the struggle of doing what we do not like to d |
|
Attributes of God #10 "The Perfection of God"
by A.W. Tozer
|
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the perfection of God, arguing that true beauty and excellence can only be found in Him. He reflects on the gains and losses in modern Christianity, noting th |