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Ezekiel 16:15

But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by; his it was.

Ezekiel 16:15 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, the speaker is addressing a woman who has put her trust in her own physical beauty and has used her reputation to engage in immoral behavior. The metaphor of playing the harlot is used to describe how the woman has strayed from moral standards and has engaged in promiscuous behavior with anyone who passes by. By pouring out her fornications on every passerby, she has essentially given herself away to anyone who desires her. The verse serves as a warning against pride and vanity, as well as the dangers of seeking validation and fulfillment through external sources such as physical beauty and reputation. It emphasizes the consequences of placing one's trust in worldly attributes rather than in a higher power or moral code. Ultimately, the verse serves as a cautionary tale against the temptations of pride, vanity, and the pursuit of superficial pleasures.

Theological Overview

Within this verse, the theological interpretation highlights the concept of idolatry and spiritual unfaithfulness. The imagery of trusting in one's own beauty can be understood as pride and vanity leading to moral decay. The act of playing the harlot symbolizes betraying God's devoted love and seeking fulfillment in worldly pleasures. This verse serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of seeking validation and worth in anything other than God. The word study of 'fornications' emphasizes the spiritual adultery committed by forsaking true devotion to God. By engaging in 'fornications,' the individual is pursuing false gods and giving control of their heart to worldly desires. The mention of 'pouring out fornications on every one that passed by' illustrates the spreading of corrupt influences to others, leading them away from the path of righteousness. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God and avoiding the temptation of relying on our own fleeting beauty or worldly recognition.

Ezekiel 16:15 in other translations

American Standard Version

But thou didst trust in thy beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouredst out thy whoredoms on every one that passed by; his it was.

World English Bible

But you trusted in your beauty, and played the prostitute because of your renown, and poured out your prostitution on everyone who passed by; his it was.

Douay-Rheims

But trusting in thy beauty, thou playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and thou hast prostituted thyself to every passenger, to be his.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Nowe thou didest trust in thine owne beautie, and playedst the harlot, because of thy renowne, and hast powred out thy fornications on euery one that passed by, thy desire was to him.