Ezekiel 16:26
Thou hast also committed fornication with the Egyptians thy neighbours, great of flesh; and hast increased thy whoredoms, to provoke me to anger.
Ezekiel 16:26 · King James Version
Meaning
Within the context of the Bible, this verse is a warning to the Israelites about their unfaithfulness to God. The metaphorical language of committing fornication and increasing whoredoms with the Egyptians is meant to convey the Israelites' spiritual adultery and idolatry. By forming alliances with the Egyptians and engaging in their pagan practices, the Israelites were essentially turning away from God and His commandments. This behavior not only angered God but also jeopardized the covenant relationship between Him and the Israelites. The verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying from God's path and the importance of remaining faithful to Him. It highlights the need for repentance and a return to God in order to restore the broken relationship.
Theological Overview
Upon theological interpretation of the verse from Ezekiel 16:26, one can see that the use of the terms 'fornication' and 'whoredoms' is symbolic of spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry. The metaphor of committing fornication with the Egyptians signifies the Israelites' straying away from their relationship with God and turning to foreign gods and practices. The reference to the Egyptians being 'great of flesh' suggests that they were powerful and alluring, tempting the Israelites to engage in idolatrous acts. By increasing their 'whoredoms,' the Israelites not only provoked God to anger but also betrayed their covenant with Him. This verse serves as a cautionary reminder of the consequences of spiritual unfaithfulness and the importance of remaining steadfast in one's faith. The language used in this verse is stark and provocative, underscoring the severity of the Israelites' actions and the gravity of their betrayal.
Ezekiel 16:26 in other translations
American Standard Version
Thou hast also committed fornication with the Egyptians, thy neighbors, great of flesh; and hast multiplied thy whoredom, to provoke me to anger.
World English Bible
You have also committed sexual immorality with the Egyptians, your neighbors, great of flesh; and have multiplied your prostitution, to provoke me to anger.
Douay-Rheims
And thou hast committed fornication with the Egyptians thy neighbours, men of large bodies, and hast multiplied thy fornications to provoke me.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thou hast also committed fornication with the Egyptians thy neighbours, which haue great members, and hast encreased thy whoredome, to prouoke me.