Ezekiel 23:29
And they shall deal with thee hatefully, and shall take away all thy labour, and shall leave thee naked and bare: and the nakedness of thy whoredoms shall be discovered, both thy lewdness and thy whoredoms.
Ezekiel 23:29 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Bible talks about the consequences of turning away from God and engaging in sinful behaviors. The imagery used in this verse is powerful and stark, illustrating the harsh punishment that will come to those who betray their faith. The idea of being left naked and bare symbolizes vulnerability and shame, as all the hard work and effort put into sinful acts will ultimately lead to nothing. The exposure of one's "whoredoms" and "lewdness" signifies the revealing of one's sins and wrongdoing, leaving them exposed and humiliated. This verse serves as a warning against straying from the path of righteousness and emphasizes the importance of living a life of virtue and faithfulness. It reminds us that the consequences of our actions, particularly when they go against God's will, can be severe and damaging.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the prophet Ezekiel conveys a message from God to the people of Israel, warning them of the consequences of their unfaithfulness. The phrase "deal with thee hatefully" reflects the anger and judgment that God will bring upon the nation for their sins. The imagery of taking away all labor and leaving the people naked and bare symbolizes the stripping away of blessings and protection, leaving Israel vulnerable to their enemies. The mention of nakedness and whoredoms is a metaphor for the spiritual adultery of idolatry and disobedience to God's commandments. The uncovering of their lewdness and whoredoms represents the exposure of their sins and the shame and disgrace that will follow. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God and the consequences of turning away from His ways.
Ezekiel 23:29 in other translations
American Standard Version
and they shall deal with thee in hatred, and shall take away all thy labor, and shall leave thee naked and bare; and the nakedness of thy whoredoms shall be uncovered, both thy lewdness and thy whoredoms.
World English Bible
and they shall deal with you in hatred, and shall take away all your labor, and shall leave you naked and bare; and the nakedness of your prostitution shall be uncovered, both your lewdness and your prostitution.
Douay-Rheims
And they shall deal with thee in hatred, and they shall take away all thy labours, and shall let thee go naked, and full of disgrace, and the disgrace of thy fornication shall be discovered, thy wickedness, and thy fornications.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And they shall handle thee despitefully, and shall take away all thy labour, and shall leaue thee naked and bare, and the shame of thy fornications shalbe discouered, both thy wickednes, and thy whoredome.