Ezekiel 16 35

Ezekiel 16:35 kjv

Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of the LORD:

Ezekiel 16:35 nkjv

'Now then, O harlot, hear the word of the LORD!

Ezekiel 16:35 niv

"?'Therefore, you prostitute, hear the word of the LORD!

Ezekiel 16:35 esv

"Therefore, O prostitute, hear the word of the LORD:

Ezekiel 16:35 nlt

"Therefore, you prostitute, listen to this message from the LORD!

Ezekiel 16 verses

Ezekiel 16 35 Meaning

Ezekiel 16:35 is a pivotal declaration where the LORD addresses Jerusalem, personified as a deeply unfaithful wife or "prostitute," commanding her to attend to His impending word of judgment. It signifies a solemn transition from the catalogue of her egregious spiritual harlotry and covenant betrayal to the direct pronouncement of divine condemnation. This verse emphasizes the severe consequence that inevitably follows such profound and persistent apostasy, marking God's direct confrontation with her sin.

Ezekiel 16 35 Context

Ezekiel chapter 16 presents a vivid and extended allegory of Jerusalem's history, using the powerful imagery of a foundling child rescued, raised, and betrothed by God, only to become a prostitute. God recounts her humble origins, His extravagant love and provision, and her subsequent egregious betrayal through idolatry and alliances with pagan nations. Prior to verse 35, the chapter details her spiritual promiscuity, lavishing God's gifts on idols (Eze 16:15-22), engaging in ever-worse forms of harlotry, surpassing even the wickedness of Samaria and Sodom (Eze 16:23-34). Verse 35 marks a crucial turning point within this narrative. It shifts from an indictment of her past actions to the immediate pronouncement of the divine judgment and punishment that will inevitably follow. This is God, the rejected husband and benevolent father, addressing the unfaithful bride before revealing her just recompense. The historical context is the period of the Babylonian exile, with Jerusalem soon to face its final destruction.

Ezekiel 16 35 Word analysis

• Therefore (לָכֵן, lāḵēn): This conjunction acts as a strong logical connector, indicating that what follows is a direct consequence or conclusion derived from the extensive accusations detailed in the preceding verses (Eze 16:1-34). It introduces a verdict that is entirely predicated upon the proven guilt. Its presence signals the inescapability of judgment.
• O prostitute (זוֹנָה, zônāh): This is a direct, harsh, and utterly offensive epithet. "Zonah" refers literally to a harlot or a woman who engages in sexual promiscuity for gain. Metaphorically, in prophetic literature, it signifies spiritual unfaithfulness, idolatry, and breaking the covenant relationship with God. The word here underscores the profound depth of Jerusalem's betrayal—her open, voluntary, and persistent forsaking of her covenant Husband (God) for illicit "lovers" (idols and foreign alliances). It highlights the deliberate nature of her sin and the ultimate shame and defilement she has incurred.
• hear (שִׁמְעִי, šim‘î): This is an imperative command, demanding attention and implying active listening. It is more than just hearing sounds; it's an imperative to take heed, to understand, and to prepare for what is about to be revealed. In biblical context, "hearing" often includes the expectation of obedience. Here, however, it serves primarily as a solemn summons for the accused to listen to the pronouncement of judgment.
• the word (דְבַר, d’var): This noun signifies an utterance, message, or matter. In this context, it refers to a specific and authoritative message directly from God. It carries the weight of divine truth and the certainty of its fulfillment.
• of the LORD (יהוה, Yahweh): This is the sacred, covenant name of God, revealing Him as the self-existent, faithful God who revealed Himself to Israel. The use of Yahweh here emphasizes that this message of judgment comes from the very God whom Jerusalem betrayed—the covenant Husband and sovereign Ruler—underscoring the gravity and divine authority behind the pronouncement.

• "Therefore, O prostitute,": This is a powerful and confrontational opening. The "therefore" irrevocably links the upcoming judgment to Jerusalem's documented harlotry. The direct address "O prostitute" is designed to shock, expose, and humiliate. It eliminates any ambiguity about the nature of Jerusalem's sin: not merely minor transgressions, but a wholesale, willful betrayal of her covenant spouse. This direct epithet denies her any claim to sanctity or privilege, reducing her to the lowest social status in the eyes of her God.
• "hear the word of the LORD:": This phrase is a solemn, authoritative summons for attention. Despite her depraved state, God Himself, the ultimate authority and her betrayed Lord, speaks directly to her. "Hear" is not an invitation to dialogue or repentance here, but a command to listen to a legal pronouncement. The "word of the LORD" is divinely authoritative, immutable, and brings with it the certainty of execution, reinforcing that the judgment that follows is entirely from Him and unavoidable.

Ezekiel 16 35 Bonus section

• The phrase "Therefore, O prostitute, hear the word of the LORD" introduces a formal prophetic address, characteristic of Ezekiel's style, where judgment is delivered as a legal pronouncement. This structure mirrors ancient Near Eastern covenant curses and legal declarations, establishing God as both the offended party and the righteous judge.
• The intense personal nature of God's address through the allegory of marriage highlights the relational aspect of sin. Jerusalem's idolatry was not just a breaking of abstract laws but a deeply personal betrayal of a faithful Husband, akin to spiritual adultery.
• The repeated use of the phrase "word of the LORD" throughout Ezekiel, and specifically in this pivotal moment, emphasizes that all that transpires, whether prophecy, judgment, or future hope, is directly communicated and initiated by God Himself. This phrase appears over 200 times in the book, showcasing God's direct, personal, and authoritative involvement in the destiny of His people.
• Ezekiel's graphic and sometimes offensive language, like "prostitute," serves a didactic purpose: to shatter the complacency and self-righteousness of the exiles by painting the full, repugnant picture of their nation's sin. It forced them to confront the severity of their departure from God's covenant.

Ezekiel 16 35 Commentary

Ezekiel 16:35 serves as a profound hinge in the indictment of Jerusalem, shifting the narrative from God's mournful recount of her pervasive harlotry to a stern declaration of divine judgment. The designation "O prostitute" is unsparingly harsh, designed to expose the true nature of Judah's spiritual idolatry and political infidelity—not merely mistakes, but deliberate, gross betrayals of the covenant relationship. This verse underscores the deep personal offense her actions have caused the LORD. The command to "hear the word of the LORD" is a solemn summons, like a prisoner brought before the judge, emphasizing the certainty and divine authority of the impending sentence. It signifies that Jerusalem's time for accusation is over; the time for sentencing has arrived. This is God Himself, the rejected yet righteous husband, asserting His just authority over His unfaithful bride.