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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ezekiel 16:31 But when you built your mounds at the head of every street and made your lofty shrines in every public square, you were not even like a prostitute, because you scorned payment.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezekiel/16-31.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/26_Ezk_16_31.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezekiel 16:31 - Jerusalem's Unfaithfulness" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But when you built your mounds at the head of every street and made your lofty shrines in every public square, you were not even like a prostitute, because you scorned payment." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ezekiel/16-31.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ezekiel/16-31.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ezekiel/">Ezekiel</a> > <a href="/ezekiel/16.htm">Chapter 16</a> > Verse 31</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ezekiel/16-30.htm" title="Ezekiel 16:30">◄</a> Ezekiel 16:31 <a href="/ezekiel/16-32.htm" title="Ezekiel 16:32">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/16.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ezekiel/16.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When you built your mounds at every street corner and made your lofty shrines in every public square, you were unlike a prostitute, because you scorned payment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/16.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />You build your pagan shrines on every street corner and your altars to idols in every square. In fact, you have been worse than a prostitute, so eager for sin that you have not even demanded payment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ezekiel/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />building your vaulted chamber at the head of every street, and making your lofty place in every square. Yet you were not like a prostitute, because you scorned payment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But when you built your mounds at the head of every street and made your lofty shrines in every public square, you were not even like a prostitute, because you scorned payment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ezekiel/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“You erected your shrine at the head of every road, and built your high place in every street. Yet you were not like a harlot, because you scorned payment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ezekiel/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When you built your shrine at the beginning of every street and made your high place in every public square, in spurning a prostitute’s fee, you were not like a prostitute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220When you built your shrine at the beginning of every street and made your high place in every square, in disdaining money, you were not like a harlot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“When you built your shrine at the beginning of every street and made your high place in every square, in disdaining money, you were not like a harlot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ezekiel/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />When you built your shrine at the head of every way and made your high place in every square, in disdaining <i>your</i> earnings, you were not like a harlot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ezekiel/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When you built your shrine altar for prostitution at the beginning of every street and made your high place in every public square, you were not like a prostitute because you refused payment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ezekiel/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />building your mound at the head of every street and making your elevated place in every square. But you were unlike a prostitute because you scorned payment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />building your mound at the head of every street and making your elevated place in every square. But you were unlike a prostitute because you scorned payment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ezekiel/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />in that thou buildest thy vaulted place at the head of every way, and makest thy lofty place in every street, and hast not been as a harlot, in that thou scornest hire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ezekiel/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You had sex on every street corner, and when you finished, you refused to accept money. That's worse than being a prostitute! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ezekiel/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />in that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thy lofty place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ezekiel/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />You build your platforms at the head of every street and place your illegal worship sites in every square. Yet, you aren't like other prostitutes, because you don't want to be paid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ezekiel/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />On every street you built places to worship idols and practice prostitution. But you are not out for money like a common prostitute. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ezekiel/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When you built your mound on every street corner and constructed your high place at every plaza, you weren't like a common prostitute, in that you've insulted the wages of a prostitute <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ezekiel/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But when you built your mounds at the head of every street and made your lofty shrines in every public square, you were not even like a prostitute, because you scorned payment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ezekiel/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When you built your chamber at the head of every street and put up your pavilion in every public square, you were not like a prostitute, because you scoffed at payment. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ezekiel/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />in that you build your vaulted place at the head of every way, and make your lofty place in every street, and have not been as a prostitute, in that you scorn pay.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ezekiel/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />In that thou buildest thy eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thy high place in every street; and hast not been as a harlot, in that thou scornest hire;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ezekiel/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />in that you build your vaulted place at the head of every way, and make your lofty place in every street, and have not been as a prostitute, in that you scorn pay. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ezekiel/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />In your building your arch at the head of every way, "" You have made your high place in every broad place, "" And have not been as a whore deriding a wage.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ezekiel/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> In thy building thine arch at the head of every way, Thy high place thou hast made in every broad place, And -- hast not been as a whore deriding a gift.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ezekiel/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />In thy building thy brothel in the head of every way, and thou madest thy height in every street; and thou wert not as a harlot to scorn a gift.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ezekiel/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Because thou hast built thy brothel house at the head of every way, and thou hast made thy high place in every street: and wast not as a harlot that by disdain enhanceth her price, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For you have built your brothel at the head of every way, and you have made your exalted place on every street. And you have not even been like a choosy prostitute, increasing her price,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ezekiel/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />when you built your platform at every intersection and set up your high place in every public square. But unlike a prostitute, you disdained payment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />building your platform at the head of every street, and making your lofty place in every square! Yet you were not like a whore, because you scorned payment.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ezekiel/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />In that you built your notorious shrines at the head of every way, and set your altars in every street; and yet you were not as clever as a harlot who charges a price;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ezekiel/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />When you built your brothels at every top of the road, and your high places in every street, and you were not even as a whore who collects payment<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ezekiel/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />in that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thy lofty place in every street; and hast not been as a harlot that enhanceth her hire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ezekiel/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thou hast built a house of harlotry in every top of a way, and hast set up thine high place in every street; and thou didst become as a harlot gathering hires.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ezekiel/16-31.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vET3Gmwku4s?start=3786" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/16.htm">Jerusalem's Unfaithfulness</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">30</span>How weak-willed is your heart, declares the Lord GOD, while you do all these things, the acts of a shameless prostitute! <span class="reftext">31</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1129.htm" title="1129: biḇ·nō·w·ṯa·yiḵ (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf:: 2fs) -- To build. A primitive root; to build.">But when you built</a> <a href="/hebrew/1354.htm" title="1354: gab·bêḵ (N-csc:: 2fs) -- A back. ">your mounds</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: bə·rōš (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">at the head</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">of every</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: de·reḵ (N-cs) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">street</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ʿå̄·śī·ṯī (V-Qal-Perf-2fs) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">and made</a> <a href="/hebrew/7413.htm" title="7413: wə·rā·mā·ṯêḵ (Conj-w:: N-fsc:: 2fs) -- Height, high place. Feminine active participle of ruwm; a height.">your lofty shrines</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: bə·ḵāl (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">in every</a> <a href="/hebrew/7339.htm" title="7339: rə·ḥō·wḇ (N-fs) -- A broad open place, plaza. Or rchowb; from rachab; a width, i.e. avenue or area.">public square,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hå̄·yī·ṯ (V-Qal-Perf-2fs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">you were</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">not even like</a> <a href="/hebrew/2181.htm" title="2181: kaz·zō·w·nāh (Prep-k, Art:: N-fs) -- To commit fornication, be a harlot. A primitive root; to commit adultery; figuratively, to commit idolatry.">a prostitute,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7046.htm" title="7046: lə·qal·lês (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To mock, scoff. A primitive root; to disparage, i.e. Ridicule.">because you scorned</a> <a href="/hebrew/868.htm" title="868: ’eṯ·nān (N-ms) -- The wages (of a harlot). The same as 'ethnah; a gift.">payment.</a> </span><span class="reftext">32</span>You adulterous wife! You receive strangers instead of your own husband!…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/2-20.htm">Jeremiah 2:20</a></span><br />“For long ago you broke your yoke and tore off your chains, saying, ‘I will not serve!’ Indeed, on every high hill and under every green tree you lay down as a prostitute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/2-5.htm">Hosea 2:5</a></span><br />For their mother has played the harlot and has conceived them in disgrace. For she thought, ‘I will go after my lovers, who give me bread and water, wool and linen, oil and drink.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/57-7.htm">Isaiah 57:7-8</a></span><br />On a high and lofty hill you have made your bed, and there you went up to offer sacrifices. / Behind the door and doorpost you have set up your memorial. Forsaking Me, you uncovered your bed; you climbed up and opened it wide. And you have made a pact with those whose bed you have loved; you have gazed upon their nakedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/3-2.htm">Jeremiah 3:2</a></span><br />“Lift up your eyes to the barren heights and see. Is there any place where you have not been violated? You sat beside the highways waiting for your lovers, like a nomad in the desert. You have defiled the land with your prostitution and wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-12.htm">Hosea 4:12-14</a></span><br />My people consult their wooden idols, and their divining rods inform them. For a spirit of prostitution leads them astray and they have played the harlot against their God. / They sacrifice on the mountaintops and burn offerings on the hills, under oak, poplar, and terebinth, because their shade is pleasant. And so your daughters turn to prostitution and your daughters-in-law to adultery. / I will not punish your daughters when they prostitute themselves, nor your daughters-in-law when they commit adultery. For the men themselves go off with prostitutes and offer sacrifices with shrine prostitutes. So a people without understanding will come to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-9.htm">2 Kings 17:9-10</a></span><br />The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city, they built high places in all their cities. / They set up for themselves sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/3-6.htm">Jeremiah 3:6</a></span><br />Now in the days of King Josiah, the LORD said to me, “Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill and under every green tree to prostitute herself there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/9-1.htm">Hosea 9:1</a></span><br />Do not rejoice, O Israel, with exultation like the nations, for you have played the harlot against your God; you have made love for hire on every threshing floor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-21.htm">Isaiah 1:21</a></span><br />See how the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness resided within her, but now only murderers!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-7.htm">Jeremiah 5:7</a></span><br />“Why should I forgive you? Your children have forsaken Me and sworn by gods that are not gods. I satisfied their needs, yet they committed adultery and assembled at the houses of prostitutes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/17-1.htm">Revelation 17:1-2</a></span><br />Then one of the seven angels with the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters. / The kings of the earth were immoral with her, and those who dwell on the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her immorality.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-3.htm">Revelation 18:3</a></span><br />All the nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her immorality. The kings of the earth were immoral with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown wealthy from the extravagance of her luxury.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-4.htm">James 4:4</a></span><br />You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-15.htm">1 Corinthians 6:15-16</a></span><br />Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! / Or don’t you know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-39.htm">Matthew 12:39</a></span><br />Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">In that you build your eminent place in the head of every way, and make your high place in every street; and have not been as an harlot, in that you scorn hire;</p><p class="hdg">In that thou buildest thine.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/16-24.htm">Ezekiel 16:24,39</a></b></br> <i>That</i> thou hast also built unto thee an eminent place, and hast made thee an high place in every street… </p><p class="hdg">makest</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/16-25.htm">Ezekiel 16:25</a></b></br> Thou hast built thy high place at every head of the way, and hast made thy beauty to be abhorred, and hast opened thy feet to every one that passed by, and multiplied thy whoredoms.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/12-11.htm">Hosea 12:11</a></b></br> <i>Is there</i> iniquity <i>in</i> Gilead? surely they are vanity: they sacrifice bullocks in Gilgal; yea, their altars <i>are</i> as heaps in the furrows of the fields.</p><p class="hdg">in that thou scornest</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/16-33.htm">Ezekiel 16:33,34</a></b></br> They give gifts to all whores: but thou givest thy gifts to all thy lovers, and hirest them, that they may come unto thee on every side for thy whoredom… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/52-3.htm">Isaiah 52:3</a></b></br> For thus saith the LORD, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/16-24.htm">Arch</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-24.htm">Arched</a> <a href="/lamentations/2-19.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-24.htm">Build</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-6.htm">Buildest</a> <a href="/ezekiel/13-10.htm">Building</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-25.htm">Built</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-24.htm">Eminent</a> <a href="/jeremiah/44-4.htm">Getting</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-30.htm">Harlot</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-25.htm">Head</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-25.htm">High</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-13.htm">Hire</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-25.htm">Lofty</a> <a href="/jeremiah/28-15.htm">Makest</a> <a href="/lamentations/5-4.htm">Money</a> <a href="/jeremiah/33-4.htm">Mounds</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-24.htm">Open</a> <a href="/lamentations/5-4.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-30.htm">Prostitute</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-24.htm">Public</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-22.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-24.htm">Room</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-37.htm">Scorn</a> <a href="/lamentations/2-7.htm">Scorned</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-12.htm">Scornest</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-24.htm">Shrine</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-25.htm">Shrines</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-24.htm">Square</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-25.htm">Street</a> <a href="/ezekiel/11-17.htm">Together</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-24.htm">Vaulted</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-27.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/amos/9-6.htm">Arch</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-24.htm">Arched</a> <a href="/ezekiel/25-9.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/ezekiel/17-17.htm">Build</a> <a href="/matthew/27-40.htm">Buildest</a> <a href="/ezekiel/17-17.htm">Building</a> <a href="/ezekiel/17-17.htm">Built</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-39.htm">Eminent</a> <a href="/daniel/10-12.htm">Getting</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-34.htm">Harlot</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-43.htm">Head</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-39.htm">High</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-34.htm">Hire</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-39.htm">Lofty</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-3.htm">Makest</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-8.htm">Money</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-39.htm">Mounds</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-63.htm">Open</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-41.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-33.htm">Prostitute</a> <a href="/daniel/5-29.htm">Public</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-34.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/ezekiel/40-13.htm">Room</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-32.htm">Scorn</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-24.htm">Scorned</a> <a href="/job/11-3.htm">Scornest</a> <a href="/hosea/4-14.htm">Shrine</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-39.htm">Shrines</a> <a href="/ezekiel/40-12.htm">Square</a> <a href="/daniel/9-25.htm">Street</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-40.htm">Together</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-39.htm">Vaulted</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-43.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Ezekiel 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/16-1.htm">Under the parable of a wretched infant is shown the natural state of Jerusalem</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/16-6.htm">God's extraordinary love toward her,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/16-15.htm">Her grievous judgment</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/16-35.htm">Her sin, equal to her mother, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">46. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/16-46.htm">and exceeding her sisters, Sodom and Samaria, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">59. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/16-59.htm">calls for judgments</a></span><br><span class="reftext">60. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/16-60.htm">Mercy is promised her in the end</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezekiel/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But when you built your mounds at the head of every street</b><br>This phrase refers to the construction of high places or altars for idol worship, which were often erected at prominent locations such as the head of streets. In ancient Israel, these mounds or high places were typically used for pagan rituals and sacrifices, directly violating the commandment to worship Yahweh alone. The head of every street signifies the widespread nature of this idolatry, indicating that it was not confined to hidden or private areas but was a public and pervasive practice. This reflects the spiritual adultery of Israel, as they turned away from God to worship other deities.<p><b>and made your lofty shrines in every public square</b><br>Lofty shrines in public squares suggest the elevation and prominence given to idol worship within the community. Public squares were central places of gathering, commerce, and social interaction, making them strategic locations for influencing the populace. The use of lofty shrines indicates a deliberate and visible rebellion against God, as these structures would have been seen by all, further emphasizing the extent of Israel's unfaithfulness. This public display of idolatry contrasts with the private and personal nature of true worship of God, which was meant to be centered in the temple in Jerusalem.<p><b>you were not even like a prostitute, because you scorned payment</b><br>This phrase uses the metaphor of prostitution to describe Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness. However, it goes further by stating that Israel was worse than a prostitute because they scorned payment. In the ancient Near East, a prostitute would receive payment for her services, but Israel engaged in idolatry without seeking any benefit, highlighting the senselessness and depth of their apostasy. This imagery underscores the irrationality of their actions, as they abandoned the covenant relationship with God, which promised blessings and protection, for worthless idols that offered nothing in return. This metaphor is a powerful indictment of Israel's spiritual state, showing their complete disregard for the covenant and the blessings associated with it.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/ezekiel.htm">Ezekiel</a></b><br>A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He is known for his vivid visions and symbolic actions.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city being addressed in this passage, representing the people of Israel who have turned away from God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/prostitution_imagery.htm">Prostitution Imagery</a></b><br>Used metaphorically to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God through idolatry and alliances with pagan nations.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/mounds_and_shrines.htm">Mounds and Shrines</a></b><br>These refer to the high places where idolatrous worship occurred, often at the tops of hills or in public squares.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/babylonian_exile.htm">Babylonian Exile</a></b><br>The historical context of Ezekiel's prophecies, where the Israelites were taken captive due to their disobedience to God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_unfaithfulness.htm">Spiritual Unfaithfulness</a></b><br>Just as Israel was unfaithful to God, believers today must guard against idolatry in all its forms, whether materialism, power, or other distractions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_compromise.htm">The Danger of Compromise</a></b><br>Israel's alliances with pagan nations led to spiritual compromise. Christians are called to be in the world but not of it, maintaining purity in their walk with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_call_to_repentance.htm">God's Call to Repentance</a></b><br>Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God continually calls His people to return to Him. This is a reminder of His grace and mercy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_sin.htm">The Cost of Sin</a></b><br>Israel's actions were likened to prostitution without payment, highlighting the futility and self-destructive nature of sin.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_worship.htm">The Importance of Worship</a></b><br>True worship is directed solely to God. Believers must ensure their worship is not divided or tainted by worldly influences.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezekiel_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_child_sacrifice.htm">What does the Bible say about child sacrifice?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_god's_prediction_negate_free_will.htm">Does God's prediction of Israel's rebellion (Deut. 31:16) conflict with the principle of free will, implying a predetermined outcome?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_child_sacrifice_in_ezekiel_16_20-21_credible.htm">How credible is the depiction of widespread child sacrifice in Ezekiel 16:20-21, given limited archaeological evidence for such practices in Jerusalem?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_numbers_31_7-18_with_compassion.htm">Numbers 31:7-18: How can the command to kill non-virgin women and boys be reconciled with claims of a compassionate God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezekiel/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(31) <span class= "bld">Eminent place.</span>--See note on <a href="/ezekiel/16-24.htm" title="That you have also built to you an eminent place, and have made you an high place in every street.">Ezekiel 16:24</a>.<p><span class= "bld">In that thou scornest him.</span>--It was characteristic of both the kingdoms of Israel after the division, that the interference of foreign nations in their affairs was generally sought first by Israel itself and purchased at a heavy price. The people were so situated on the great highway between the rival nations of Egypt and Assyria, that their friendship ought to have been of value to either of them, and to have been sought with great inducements. But Israel, in its weakness and wickedness, more than threw itself away and purchased its own ruin. The particulars mentioned in this verse belong to the past rather than to the present, and all the tenses should be so translated.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezekiel/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 31.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">In that</span>, etc. It is better to take the words as beginning a fresh sentence: "when thou didst build," etc. The historical survey of the harlot's progress is brought to a close, and the prophet points with bitter scorn to what aggravated its degradation. Other nations, like Tyre and Zidon, had risen to prosperity and eminence through their intercourse with foreigners. To Judah it had brought only subjection and the payment of tribute. She had given gifts to all her lovers, instead of receiving from them the rewards of her shame. She was as the adulterous wife who forsakes her husband, and gives what belonged to him to strangers. The conduct of Ahaz in stripping the Temple of its gold and silver to pay tribute to Assyria (<a href="/2_kings/16-8.htm">2 Kings 16:8</a>), gives an apt illustration of what the prophet means (comp. <a href="/hosea/12-1.htm">Hosea 12:1</a>; <a href="/isaiah/30-6.htm">Isaiah 30:6</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/16-31.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">But when you built</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּבְנוֹתַ֤יִךְ</span> <span class="translit">(biḇ·nō·w·ṯa·yiḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1129.htm">Strong's 1129: </a> </span><span class="str2">To build</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your shrines</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּבֵּךְ֙</span> <span class="translit">(gab·bêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct | second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1354.htm">Strong's 1354: </a> </span><span class="str2">The back, the top, rim, a boss, a vault, arch of eye, bulwarks</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at the head</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּרֹ֣אשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·rōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> </span><span class="str2">The head</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of every</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">street</span><br /><span class="heb">דֶּ֔רֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(de·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and made</span><br /><span class="heb">עָשִׂ֖ית</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·śîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your lofty shrines</span><br /><span class="heb">וְרָמָתֵ֥ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·rā·mā·ṯêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7413.htm">Strong's 7413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Height, high place</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in every</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּכָל־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">public square,</span><br /><span class="heb">רְח֑וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(rə·ḥō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7339.htm">Strong's 7339: </a> </span><span class="str2">A broad open place, plaza</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you were</span><br /><span class="heb">הָיִ֥ית</span> <span class="translit">(hā·yîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not even like</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a prostitute,</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּזּוֹנָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(kaz·zō·w·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2181.htm">Strong's 2181: </a> </span><span class="str2">To commit adultery, to commit idolatry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because you scorned</span><br /><span class="heb">לְקַלֵּ֥ס</span> <span class="translit">(lə·qal·lês)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7046.htm">Strong's 7046: </a> </span><span class="str2">To disparage, ridicule</span><br /><br /><span class="word">payment.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶתְנָֽן׃</span> <span class="translit">(’eṯ·nān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_868.htm">Strong's 868: </a> </span><span class="str2">The wages (of a harlot)</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/16-31.htm">Ezekiel 16:31 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/16-31.htm">Ezekiel 16:31 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ezekiel/16-31.htm">Ezekiel 16:31 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/16-31.htm">Ezekiel 16:31 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/16-31.htm">Ezekiel 16:31 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/16-31.htm">Ezekiel 16:31 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/16-31.htm">Ezekiel 16:31 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/16-31.htm">Ezekiel 16:31 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/16-31.htm">Ezekiel 16:31 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ezekiel/16-31.htm">Ezekiel 16:31 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ezekiel/16-31.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 16:31 In that you build your vaulted place (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/16-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 16:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 16:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/16-32.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 16:32"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 16:32" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>