Ezekiel 16:28
Thou hast played the whore also with the Assyrians, because thou wast unsatiable; yea, thou hast played the harlot with them, and yet couldest not be satisfied.
Ezekiel 16:28 · King James Version
Meaning
Within this verse from the book of Ezekiel in the Bible, God is using the metaphor of a woman who has been unfaithful to her husband to illustrate the unfaithfulness of the Israelites to Him. The term "played the whore" is used to describe the act of idol worship that the Israelites engaged in, particularly with the Assyrians. God accuses the Israelites of being insatiable and constantly seeking after other gods, even though they were unable to find true satisfaction in their pursuits. Despite their efforts to seek fulfillment in other sources, they were still left feeling empty and unsatisfied. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and seeking fulfillment in worldly desires. It warns against the dangers of idolatry and the emptiness that comes from trying to find true satisfaction outside of a relationship with God.
Theological Overview
It is essential to delve into the theological interpretation of Ezekiel 16:28 to understand the gravity of the language used. The Prophet Ezekiel uses strong imagery comparing Israel's unfaithfulness to playing the harlot with the Assyrians. The term "whore" or "harlot" is symbolic of idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. In this context, the Assyrians represent false gods or alliances that Israel sought after in search of satisfaction. The phrase "unsatiable" emphasizes Israel's insatiable appetite for these worldly things, yet they could never find true fulfillment. The repeated use of language like "playing the whore" and "yet couldest not be satisfied" highlights the futility of seeking fulfillment outside of a relationship with God. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of straying from God and seeking fulfillment in the world.
Ezekiel 16:28 in other translations
American Standard Version
Thou hast played the harlot also with the Assyrians, because thou wast insatiable; yea, thou hast played the harlot with them, and yet thou wast not satisfied.
World English Bible
You have played the prostitute also with the Assyrians, because you were insatiable; yes, you have played the prostitute with them, and yet you weren’t satisfied.
Douay-Rheims
Thou hast also committed fornication with the Assyrians, because thou wast not yet satisfied: and after thou hadst played the harlot with them, even so thou wast not contented.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thou hast played the whore also with the Assyrians, because thou wast insaciable: yea, thou hast played the harlot with them, and yet couldest not be satisfied.