Ezekiel 16:7
I have caused thee to multiply as the bud of the field, and thou hast increased and waxen great, and thou art come to excellent ornaments: thy breasts are fashioned, and thine hair is grown, whereas thou wast naked and bare.
Ezekiel 16:7 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, God is using analogies from nature to describe the growth and maturity of a young woman. By comparing her to a bud in the field that multiplies and grows into something beautiful and magnificent, God is emphasizing the process of maturation and development that every individual goes through. The imagery of increasing and waxen great points to the idea of progression and accomplishment in life, as one moves from a state of vulnerability and dependence to a place of strength and independence. The mention of excellent ornaments highlights the idea of adornment and beauty, symbolizing the unique qualities and attributes that each person possesses. The reference to breasts being fashioned and hair being grown conveys the physical changes that come with growth and maturity, as well as the potential for fertility and abundance. Overall, this verse serves as a metaphor for the transformative journey of becoming a fully realized and empowered individual.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the imagery used alludes to the growth and development of a young woman from a state of nakedness to one adorned with excellent ornaments. The theological interpretation of this verse can be seen as a metaphor for the journey of transformation and maturation that individuals may undergo throughout their lives. The mention of breasts being fashioned and hair grown symbolizes the physical changes associated with puberty and adulthood. This growth process can also be understood symbolically as a spiritual or emotional development, where one progresses from a state of vulnerability to one of strength and beauty. Furthermore, the mention of being naked and bare initially suggests a state of rawness or vulnerability, which is transformed into a state of flourishing and adornment. This transformation can serve as a reminder of the potential for growth and improvement in all aspects of life, as individuals evolve and progress towards their full potential.
Ezekiel 16:7 in other translations
American Standard Version
I caused thee to multiply as that which groweth in the field, and thou didst increase and wax great, and thou attainedst to excellent ornament; thy breasts were fashioned, and thy hair was grown; yet thou wast naked and bare.
World English Bible
I caused you to multiply as that which grows in the field, and you increased and grew great, and you attained to excellent ornament; your breasts were fashioned, and your hair was grown; yet you were naked and bare.
Douay-Rheims
I caused thee to multiply as the bud of the field: and thou didst increase and grow great, and advancedst, and camest to woman's ornament: thy breasts were fashioned, and thy hair grew: and thou was naked, and full of confusion.
Geneva Bible (1599)
I haue caused thee to multiplie as the bud of the fielde, and thou hast increased and waxen great, and thou hast gotten excellent ornaments: thy breastes are facioned, thine heare is growen, where as thou wast naked and bare.