Features Pricing Bible Library Churches About Sign in Begin

Ezekiel 16:37

Behold, therefore I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all them that thou hast loved, with all them that thou hast hated; I will even gather them round about against thee, and will discover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness.

Ezekiel 16:37 · King James Version

Meaning

"Behold, therefore I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all them that thou hast loved, with all them that thou hast hated; I will even gather them round about against thee, and will discover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness." This verse from the Bible, specifically Ezekiel 16:37, speaks to the consequences of unfaithfulness and disobedience towards God. It portrays a vivid image of God gathering all those whom the people trusted, loved, and even hated, to witness their shame and disgrace. The imagery of nakedness in this context symbolizes vulnerability, humiliation, and exposure of one's sins and wrongdoings. This warning serves as a powerful reminder of the judgment that awaits those who turn away from God and seek fulfillment in earthly desires and relationships. It signifies the importance of remaining faithful and obedient to God's teachings, lest we face the consequences of our actions and be exposed to the judgment of all."

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse can be seen as a warning from God to the people of Israel about the consequences of their unfaithfulness and idolatry. In this verse, God speaks of gathering all the lovers, both those who are loved and those who are hated, as a way of exposing their sins and bringing judgment upon them. The image of having their nakedness uncovered in front of their lovers signifies the shame and humiliation that will come upon them as a result of their disobedience to God. This verse highlights the seriousness of turning away from God and serving idols, as it ultimately leads to destruction and punishment. The gathering of lovers, whether loved or hated, serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of forsaking the one true God and turning to false idols for fulfillment.

Ezekiel 16:37 in other translations

American Standard Version

therefore behold, I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all them that thou hast loved, with all them that thou hast hated; I will even gather them against thee on every side, and will uncover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness.

World English Bible

therefore see, I will gather all your lovers, with whom you have taken pleasure, and all those who you have loved, with all those who you have hated; I will even gather them against you on every side, and will uncover your nakedness to them, that they may see all your nakedness.

Douay-Rheims

Behold, I will gather together all thy lovers with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all whom thou hast loved, with all whom thou hast hated: and I will gather them together against thee on every side, and will discover thy shame in their sight, and they shall see all thy nakedness.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Beholde, therefore I wil gather all thy louers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all them that thou hast loued, with al them that thou hast hated: I will euen gather them round about against thee, and will discouer thy filthines vnto them, that they may see all thy filthines.