Ezekiel 16:18
Ezekiel 16:18 in Multiple Translations
You took your embroidered garments to cover them, and you set My oil and incense before them.
And tookest thy broidered garments, and coveredst them: and thou hast set mine oil and mine incense before them.
and thou tookest thy broidered garments, and coveredst them, and didst set mine oil and mine incense before them.
And you took your robes of needlework for their clothing, and put my oil and my perfume before them.
You used your embroidered clothes to dress them, and you placed before them my olive oil and incense.
And tookest thy broydred garments, and coueredst them: and thou hast set mine oyle and my perfume before them.
And dost take the garments of thy embroidery, And thou dost cover them, And My oil and My perfume thou hast set before them.
You took your embroidered garments, covered them, and set my oil and my incense before them.
And hast taken thy broidered garments, and covered them: and thou hast set my oil and my incense before them.
And thou tookest thy garments of divers colours, and coveredst them: and settest my oil and my sweet incense before them.
You took some of your embroidered clothes to put on those idols, and you burned oil and incense in front of them to honor them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 16:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 16:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּקְחִ֛י
אֶת
בִּגְדֵ֥י
רִקְמָתֵ֖/ךְ
וַ/תְּכַסִּ֑י/ם
וְ/שַׁמְנִ/י֙
וּ/קְטָרְתִּ֔/י
נתתי
נָתַ֖תְּ
לִ/פְנֵי/הֶֽם
וַ/תִּקְחִ֛י
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בִּגְדֵ֥י
beged
H899
treachery
N-mp
רִקְמָתֵ֖/ךְ
riqmâh
H7553
embroidery
N-fs | Suff
וַ/תְּכַסִּ֑י/ם
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-2fs | Suff
וְ/שַׁמְנִ/י֙
shemen
H8081
oil
Conj | N-ms | Suff
וּ/קְטָרְתִּ֔/י
qᵉṭôreth
H7004
incense
Conj | N-fs | Suff
נתתי
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
נָתַ֖תְּ
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
לִ/פְנֵי/הֶֽם
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 16:18
וַ/תִּקְחִ֛י
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2fs
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בִּגְדֵ֥י
beged
H899
"treachery"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
רִקְמָתֵ֖/ךְ
riqmâh
H7553
"embroidery"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to embroidery or needlework with diverse colors, like the intricate designs on priestly garments. It is used in Exodus to describe the craftsmanship of the tabernacle. This word highlights the beauty of handmade textiles.
Definition: variegated stuff, embroidered
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: broidered (work), divers colours, (raiment of) needlework (on both sides). See also: Judges 5:30; Ezekiel 16:18; Psalms 45:15.
וַ/תְּכַסִּ֑י/ם
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-2fs | Suff
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
וְ/שַׁמְנִ/י֙
shemen
H8081
"oil"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for oil, often referring to olive oil, which was highly valued in ancient times. It symbolizes richness, anointing, and healing, and is used in various biblical contexts, including rituals and medicinal practices.
Definition: 1) fat, oil 1a) fat, fatness 1b) oil, olive oil 1b1) as staple, medicament or unguent 1b2) for anointing 1c) fat (of fruitful land, valleys) (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 176 OT verses. KJV: anointing, [idiom] fat (things), [idiom] fruitful, oil(-ed), ointment, olive, [phrase] pine. See also: Genesis 28:18; Deuteronomy 8:8; Psalms 23:5.
וּ/קְטָרְתִּ֔/י
qᵉṭôreth
H7004
"incense"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
Incense refers to a sweet smoke from burning sacrifices, used in worship and perfume. It symbolizes a pleasing aroma to God, found in Leviticus and other books.
Definition: 1) incense, smoke, odour of (burning) sacrifice 1a) sweet smoke of sacrifice 1b) incense 1c) perfume
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: (sweet) incense, perfume. See also: Exodus 25:6; Numbers 7:50; Psalms 66:15.
נתתי
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
נָתַ֖תְּ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לִ/פְנֵי/הֶֽם
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 16:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Ezekiel 16:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 16:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 16:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:18
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 16:18
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 16:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:18
Context — Jerusalem’s Unfaithfulness
16You took some of your garments and made colorful high places for yourself, and on them you prostituted yourself. Such things should not have happened; never should they have occurred!
17You also took the fine jewelry of gold and silver I had given you, and you made male idols with which to prostitute yourself.
18You took your embroidered garments to cover them, and you set My oil and incense before them.
19And you set before them as a pleasing aroma the food I had given you—the fine flour, oil, and honey that I had fed you. That is what happened, declares the Lord GOD. 20You even took the sons and daughters you bore to Me and sacrificed them as food to idols. Was your prostitution not enough?Ezekiel 16:18 Summary
In Ezekiel 16:18, God is upset because His people are using the beautiful clothes and special oils He gave them to worship idols instead of Him. This is like taking a special gift from someone and using it to honor someone else. We can learn from this that God wants us to use the gifts He gives us to worship and honor Him, not to chase after other things that aren't as important (as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Colossians 3:17). By focusing our worship on God alone, we can avoid the mistake of spiritual adultery and instead experience a deep and meaningful relationship with Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'cover them' with embroidered garments in Ezekiel 16:18?
In this context, 'covering them' refers to using the embroidered garments to adorn or dress up the idols, much like one would dress up for a special occasion, as seen in Ezekiel 16:18, which is a form of idolatry condemned in Deuteronomy 12:3.
Why is God upset about the oil and incense being set before the idols?
God is upset because the oil and incense were gifts from Him to the people, and they were meant to be used in worship of Him, not idols, as seen in Exodus 30:23 and Psalm 141:2.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual adultery?
This verse illustrates the concept of spiritual adultery, where God's people turn away from Him to worship idols, which is a recurring theme in the book of Ezekiel, as seen in Ezekiel 16:17 and Hosea 1:2.
What can we learn from Israel's mistakes in this verse?
We can learn the importance of being faithful to God and not using the gifts He gives us for idolatrous purposes, as warned in 1 Corinthians 10:21-22 and 1 John 5:21.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be using God's gifts for my own selfish purposes, rather than for His glory?
- How can I ensure that my worship is focused solely on God, and not on idols or other things that distract me from Him?
- What are some modern-day idols that I may be unintentionally worshiping, and how can I redirect my affections to God?
- In what ways can I use my resources and gifts to worship and honor God, rather than using them for selfish or idolatrous purposes?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 16:18
And tookest thy broidered garments, and coveredst them,.... The images of men, the idols they worshipped; see Jeremiah 10:4; so the Papists at this day cover their idols, the images of the Virgin
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 16:18
And tookest thy broidered garments and coveredst them: and thou hast set mine oil and mine incense And tookest thy broidered garments, and coveredst them: and thou hast set mine oil and mine incense before them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:18
Thy broidered garments, mentioned , given by him who espoused this woman. Coveredst them; didst clothe the adulterers with whom thou didst commit lewdness, or didst clothe the images which thou hadst made, as was the custom of idolaters to suit clothing to their idols. Mine oil; either in lamps to burn before them, or used in their sacrificing to their idols; or literally, didst in thy feast with thine adulterous lovers entertain them with the oil I gave thee. Mine incense; burnt before the idol incense, being one part of what they offered to idols; or burnt in the private house, to make it the more grateful to the adulterer, as ,17.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:18
Ezekiel 16:18 And tookest thy broidered garments, and coveredst them: and thou hast set mine oil and mine incense before them.Ver. 18. And tookest thy broidered, &c.] See Ezekiel 16:16.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:18
Verse 18. Hast set mine oil and mine incense before them.] It appears that they had made use of the holy vestments, and the different kinds of offerings which belonged to the Lord, to honour their idols.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 16:18
15–34. The wife’s infidelities—Israel’s idolatries and idolatrous alliances with foreign nations The idolatries of Israel are represented figuratively as a wife’s infidelities against her husband, as had been common in the prophets since Hosea, particularly in Jeremiah (in Isaiah only the single passage ch. Ezekiel 1:21). These idolatries seem presented in two stages: Ezekiel 16:15-22, her addicting herself to the worship and religious customs of the Canaanites among whom she dwelt; and Ezekiel 16:23-34, her alliances with foreign peoples and adoption of their religions.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 16:18
Mine oil and mine incense - The oil was the produce of the land, the incense received in exchange for such produce.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:18
18. Tookest thy broidered garments, and coveredst them — See on Ezekiel 16:10. “The Semites on festal occasions dressed up their sacred poles and did the same with their idols.” — W. Robertson Smith.