Ezekiel 16:25
Thou hast built thy high place at every head of the way, and hast made thy beauty to be abhorred, and hast opened thy feet to every one that passed by, and multiplied thy whoredoms.
Ezekiel 16:25 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse you are referring to (Ezekiel 16:25) speaks about the metaphorical representation of Jerusalem as an unfaithful wife. In this verse, the prophet Ezekiel uses vivid language to describe how the city has deviated from its devotion to God and engaged in idolatry and immorality. The mention of building high places at every head of the way symbolizes the city's eagerness to worship false gods at every opportunity, regardless of the consequences. The idea of making beauty to be abhorred reflects how Jerusalem's actions have defiled her once pristine image. Opening thy feet to everyone that passed by and multiplying thy whoredoms signifies the city's willingness to engage in sinful acts and indulge in immoral behavior with anyone who comes her way. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful warning about the dangers of straying from God's path and the consequences of forsaking one's faith.
Theological Overview
This verse from Ezekiel 16:25 uses vivid language to describe the betrayal of Israel's covenant relationship with God. The metaphor of building high places at crossroads symbolizes how Israel turned to idolatry and embraced sin at every opportunity. By making her beauty abhorrent and opening her feet to everyone that passed by, Israel is depicted as willingly engaging in immorality and forsaking the purity of her relationship with God. The mention of multiplying her whoredoms emphasizes the extent of Israel's spiritual adultery and unfaithfulness to God. Through theological interpretation, this verse serves as a powerful warning against the dangers of straying from God's commands and seeking fulfillment in sinful pleasures. It highlights the consequences of turning away from the path of righteousness and seeking satisfaction in worldly desires. By studying the original Hebrew words used in this verse, we gain insight into the gravity of Israel's actions and the severity of God's judgment upon her unfaithfulness.
Ezekiel 16:25 in other translations
American Standard Version
Thou hast built thy lofty place at the head of every way, and hast made thy beauty an abomination, and hast opened thy feet to every one that passed by, and multiplied thy whoredom.
World English Bible
You have built your lofty place at the head of every way, and have made your beauty an abomination, and have opened your feet to everyone who passed by, and multiplied your prostitution.
Douay-Rheims
At every head of the way thou hast set up a sign of thy prostitution: and hast made thy beauty to be abominable: and hast prostituted thyself to every one that passed by, and hast multiplied thy fornications.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thou hast built thine hie place at euery corner of the way, and hast made thy beautie to be abhorred: thou hast opened thy feete to euery one that passed by, and multiplied thy whoredome.