Ezekiel 16:43
Because thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth, but hast fretted me in all these things; behold, therefore I also will recompense thy way upon thine head, saith the Lord GOD: and thou shalt not commit this lewdness above all thine abominations.
Ezekiel 16:43 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, God is addressing the people of Israel, expressing His disappointment and frustration with their behavior. The imagery of not remembering the days of their youth symbolizes a lack of reverence for the relationship they once had with God. By fretting Him in all things, the people have strayed from His teachings and dishonored Him through their actions. As a consequence, God warns that He will repay them for their disobedience, as their behavior is considered abominable in His eyes. The use of the word 'lewdness' highlights the severity of their actions and emphasizes the need for repentance and a return to following God's commandments. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of staying faithful and obedient to God's will in order to avoid His wrath and judgment.
Theological Overview
In this verse from Ezekiel, the prophet is delivering a message from the Lord to the people of Israel. The Lord is chastising the Israelites for forgetting their youth, which symbolizes the time when they were faithful and obedient to God. Instead, they have turned away from Him and engaged in sinful behavior, causing Him to feel distress and sorrow. The word "fretted" here can be interpreted as causing agitation or irritation, showing how the people's actions have upset the Lord. As a result of their disobedience, the Lord declares that He will repay them according to their deeds, bringing punishment upon them. The mention of committing lewdness and abominations highlights the severity of their sins and the consequences they will face. This verse serves as a warning to the Israelites to remember their faith and loyalty to God, or face the consequences of their actions.
Ezekiel 16:43 in other translations
American Standard Version
Because thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth, but hast raged against me in all these things; therefore, behold, I also will bring thy way upon thy head, saith the Lord Jehovah: and thou shalt not commit this lewdness with all thine abominations.
World English Bible
Because you have not remembered the days of your youth, but have raged against me in all these things; therefore, behold, I also will bring your way on your head, says the Lord Yahweh: and you shall not commit this lewdness with all your abominations.
Douay-Rheims
Because thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth, but hast provoked me in all these things: wherefore I also have turned all thy ways upon thy head, saith the Lord God, and I have not done according to thy wicked deeds in all thy abominations.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Because thou hast not remembred the dayes of thy youth, but hast prouoked me with all these things, behold, therefore I also haue brought thy way vpon thine head, sayeth the Lord God: yet hast not thou had consideration of all thine abominations.