Ezekiel 16:35
Ezekiel 16:35 in Multiple Translations
Therefore, O prostitute, hear the word of the LORD!
¶ Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of the LORD:
Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of Jehovah:
For this cause, O loose woman, give ear to the voice of the Lord:
So, you prostitute, listen to the message from the Lord!
Wherefore, O harlot, heare the worde of the Lord.
Therefore, O whore, hear a word of Jehovah,
“Therefore, prostitute, hear the LORD’s word:
Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of the LORD:
Therefore, O harlot, hear the word of the Lord.
Therefore, you people of Jerusalem, who are like a prostitute [MET], listen to what I, Yahweh the Lord, am saying about you!
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 16:35
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 16:35 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לָ/כֵ֣ן
זוֹנָ֔ה
שִׁמְעִ֖י
דְּבַר
יְהוָֽה
לָ/כֵ֣ן
kên
H3651
right
Prep | Adv
זוֹנָ֔ה
zânâh
H2181
to fornicate
V-Qal
שִׁמְעִ֖י
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
דְּבַר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 16:35
לָ/כֵ֣ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Prep | Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
זוֹנָ֔ה
zânâh
H2181
"to fornicate"
V-Qal
To fornicate means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, often used to describe idolatry in the Bible. It can also refer to a person being a cult prostitute or causing others to be unfaithful.
Definition: 1) to commit fornication, be a harlot, play the harlot 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be a harlot, act as a harlot, commit fornication 1a2) to commit adultery 1a3) to be a cult prostitute 1a4) to be unfaithful (to God) (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to play the harlot 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to commit adultery 1c2) to force into prostitution 1c3) to commit fornication
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) commit fornication, [idiom] continually, [idiom] great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) whore, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go a-whoring, whorish. See also: Genesis 34:31; Isaiah 57:3; Psalms 73:27.
שִׁמְעִ֖י
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
דְּבַר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 16:35
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 16:35 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 16:35
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 16:35
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:35
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:35
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 16:35
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 16:35
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:35
- Sermons on Ezekiel 16:35
Context — Judgment on Jerusalem
33Men give gifts to all their prostitutes, but you gave gifts to all your lovers. You bribed them to come to you from everywhere for your illicit favors.
34So your prostitution is the opposite of that of other women: No one solicited your favors, and you paid a fee instead of receiving one; so you are the very opposite!
35Therefore, O prostitute, hear the word of the LORD!
36This is what the Lord GOD says: Because you poured out your wealth and exposed your nakedness in your promiscuity with your lovers and with all your detestable idols, and because of the blood of your children which you gave to them, 37therefore I will surely gather all the lovers with whom you found pleasure, all those you loved and all those you hated. I will gather them against you from all around and expose you before them, and they will see you completely naked.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 4:18 | In fact, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. You have spoken truthfully.” |
| 2 | 1 Kings 22:19 | Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by Him on His right and on His left. |
| 3 | John 4:10 | Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God and who is asking you for a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” |
| 4 | Revelation 17:5 | And on her forehead a mysterious name was written: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 34:7 | Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: |
| 6 | Isaiah 1:10 | Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah! |
| 7 | Hosea 2:5 | For their mother has played the harlot and has conceived them in disgrace. For she thought, ‘I will go after my lovers, who give me bread and water, wool and linen, oil and drink.’ |
| 8 | Ezekiel 20:47 | Say to the forest of the Negev: Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Lord GOD says: I am about to ignite in you a fire, and it will devour all your trees, both green and dry. The blazing flame will not be quenched, and by it every face from south to north will be scorched. |
| 9 | Nahum 3:4 | because of the many harlotries of the harlot, the seductive mistress of sorcery, who betrays nations by her prostitution and clans by her witchcraft. |
| 10 | Amos 7:16 | Now, therefore, hear the word of the LORD. You say: ‘Do not prophesy against Israel; do not preach against the house of Isaac.’ |
Ezekiel 16:35 Summary
This verse is a call from God to His people who have turned away from Him to listen and come back. Being called a prostitute here means they have been unfaithful to God by worshiping idols and loving other things more than Him. Just like in other parts of the Bible, like Hosea 1:2, God wants His people to hear His word and turn back to Him. He wants us to stop loving the things of this world and to love Him only, as Jesus taught in Matthew 22:37-38, to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be called a prostitute in Ezekiel 16:35?
In this context, being called a prostitute refers to spiritual adultery, where God's people turn away from Him to worship idols, as seen in Ezekiel 16:36, and also in other parts of the Bible like Hosea 1:2 and Revelation 17:1-5.
Why does God address the people as a prostitute in this verse?
God addresses His people as a prostitute because they have been unfaithful to Him, pursuing other loves and idols, which is a serious offense against their covenant relationship with Him, as discussed in Jeremiah 3:6-10 and Ezekiel 23:37.
Is this verse only talking about the nation of Israel or can it apply to individuals as well?
While the immediate context is the nation of Israel, the principle of spiritual adultery can apply to individuals as well, as seen in James 4:4, where friendship with the world is considered adultery against God.
What is the purpose of God saying 'hear the word of the LORD' in this verse?
The purpose is to call His people to attention, to listen and turn back to Him, away from their sinful ways, as also encouraged in Isaiah 55:3 and Matthew 11:28-30.
Reflection Questions
- How have I, like the prostitute in this verse, turned away from God to pursue other loves or idols in my life?
- What are the gifts or sacrifices I have made to these other loves, and how have they led me further away from God?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, be guilty of spiritual adultery, and how can I return to a faithful relationship with God?
- What does it mean for me to 'hear the word of the LORD' in my current circumstances, and how can I respond in obedience?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 16:35
Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of the Lord. The sentence about to be pronounced; adjudging to be slain with the sword, to be stoned and burned; the crime for which is to be read in the name of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 16:35
Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of the LORD: Wherefore, O harlot. Here begins the threat of wrath to be poured out on her.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:35
Her indictment and notoriety of all the charge against her we have heard; her crimes she was guilty of, with the aggravations of them; now follows sentence of condemnation against her. Hear the word of just condemnation which thou must submit to, though thou refusedst the word of counsel and precept.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:35
Ezekiel 16:35 Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of the LORD:Ver. 35. Wherefore, O harlot.] A name good enough for such an odious housewife, the shame of her sex. He is not worthy of an honest name whose deeds are not honest. Hear the word of the Lord.] Hear thy doom, thy sentence: stoned thou shalt be as an adulteress, slain with the sword as a murderess, burned with fire as an incendiary, because thou hast burned thy children in honour of Moloch. απεργωνουκαλωνουκεστινεπηκαλα.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 16:35
35–43. Punishment of the adulterous wife, and child-murderer This punishment is described in somewhat mixed figures: first, Ezekiel 16:36-39, in a figure which tends to pass into a literal account of the destruction of Jerusalem; and secondly, Ezekiel 16:40-43, in a figure suggested by the punishment of the ordinary adulteress.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 16:35
Judah is now represented as undergoing the punishment adjudged to an adulteress and murderess. Only in her utter destruction shall the wrath of the Lord, the jealous God, cease. Ezekiel 16:36 Filthiness - Or, brass, i.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:35
’S AND — THE ADOPTED CHILD-WIFE, Ezekiel 16:1-43.In chaps. 13-15 the prophet has shown how untrustworthy are all the Israelitish hopes that punishment will not fall upon them for their sins.
Sermons on Ezekiel 16:35
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Following the Footsteps of Christ) the Unique Teacher by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the uniqueness of Jesus as a teacher. He mentions that Jesus had the ability to captivate and move his audience. The preacher then discusses |
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Acts 11 by Bill Gallatin | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of how God has spoken to him through His word and guided him in his Christian journey. He then focuses on the story of Pe |
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Precious Purity - Engagement by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of purity and holiness in engagements, urging young people to seek God's guidance in choosing a spouse rather than succumbing to worldly stand |
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John 1:41-42 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of companionship and unity among believers, highlighting the benefits of dwelling together in love and mutual support as opposed to isolat |
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Be Still by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being still and knowing that God is in control. He encourages the audience to develop a deep and loving relationship with |
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How to Persevere in Heavenly Contemplation by Richard Baxter | Richard Baxter preaches on the challenge of heavenly meditation, emphasizing the difficulty in focusing on the supernatural aspects of heaven and the importance of using our physic |
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Getting Used to the Dark by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of the world and warns about the subtle brainwashing that is leading towards a homogenized world church and state, preparin |