Ezekiel 23:37
That they have committed adultery, and blood is in their hands, and with their idols have they committed adultery, and have also caused their sons, whom they bare unto me, to pass for them through the fire, to devour them.
Ezekiel 23:37 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse you are referring to comes from the book of Ezekiel in the Old Testament of the Bible. In this verse, God is condemning the people of Israel for their spiritual unfaithfulness. The mention of adultery symbolizes the people's betrayal of their covenant with God by turning to idols and false gods. The phrase "blood is in their hands" signifies their guilt for committing various sins, including shedding innocent blood. The act of passing their sons through fire was a pagan ritual of child sacrifice, which the Israelites had adopted from the surrounding nations. Through this verse, God is expressing his anger and disappointment towards his people for their sinful behavior and calling them to repent and turn back to him.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the concept of adultery is used both literally and metaphorically to illustrate the unfaithfulness of the Israelites towards God. The Israelites are accused of committing adultery by worshiping idols and offering sacrifices to them, instead of remaining loyal to the one true God. The mention of blood on their hands implies that they have also been involved in violent and sinful acts. The phrase "caused their sons to pass through the fire" likely refers to the practice of child sacrifice, a heinous act that was sometimes carried out in the worship of false gods. This verse serves as a stern warning against idolatry and the consequences of turning away from God. It emphasizes the severity of the Israelites' sins and the tragic outcomes of their unfaithfulness. Through this passage, readers are reminded of the importance of remaining steadfast in their devotion to God and avoiding the temptations of false idols.
Ezekiel 23:37 in other translations
American Standard Version
For they have committed adultery, and blood is in their hands; and with their idols have they committed adultery; and they have also caused their sons, whom they bare unto me, to pass through [the fire] unto them to be devoured.
World English Bible
For they have committed adultery, and blood is in their hands; and with their idols have they committed adultery; and they have also caused their sons, whom they bore to me, to pass through the fire to them to be devoured.
Douay-Rheims
Because they have committed adultery, and blood is in their hands, and they have committed fornication with their idols: moreover also their children, whom they bore to me, they have offered to them to be devoured.
Geneva Bible (1599)
For they haue played the whores, and blood is in their hands, and with their idoles haue they committed adulterie, and haue also caused their sonnes, whome they bare vnto me, to passe by the fire to be their meate.