Ezekiel 16:31
Ezekiel 16:31 in Multiple Translations
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.
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;
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.
For you have made your arched room at the top of every street, and your high place in every open place; though you were not like a loose woman in getting together your payment.
Actually you weren't even a normal prostitute when you built yourselves pagan shrines at the top of every street and high places of idol worship on every public square—because you refused to be paid for your services!
In that thou buildest thine hie place in the corner of euery way, and makest thine hie place in euery streete, and hast not bene as an harlot that despiseth a reward,
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.
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.
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;
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,
When you built shrines to worship idols on every street corner and in every city square/plaza, you were not like a prostitute: Prostitutes charge money, but you refused to take money for what you did.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 16:31
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 16:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בִּ/בְנוֹתַ֤יִ/ךְ
גַּבֵּ/ךְ֙
בְּ/רֹ֣אשׁ
כָּל
דֶּ֔רֶךְ
וְ/רָמָתֵ֥/ךְ
עשיתי
עָשִׂ֖ית
בְּ/כָל
רְח֑וֹב
וְ/לֹא
הייתי
הָיִ֥ית
כַּ/זּוֹנָ֖ה
לְ/קַלֵּ֥ס
אֶתְנָֽן
בִּ/בְנוֹתַ֤יִ/ךְ
bânâh
H1129
to build
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
גַּבֵּ/ךְ֙
gab
H1354
back/rim/brow
N-cs | Suff
בְּ/רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Prep | N-ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
דֶּ֔רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
וְ/רָמָתֵ֥/ךְ
râmâh
H7413
high place
Conj | N-fs | Suff
עשיתי
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
עָשִׂ֖ית
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
רְח֑וֹב
rᵉchôb
H7339
street/plaza
N-fs
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
הייתי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
הָיִ֥ית
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
כַּ/זּוֹנָ֖ה
zânâh
H2181
to fornicate
Prep | V-Qal
לְ/קַלֵּ֥ס
qâlaç
H7046
to mock
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
אֶתְנָֽן
ʼethnan
H868
wages
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 16:31
בִּ/בְנוֹתַ֤יִ/ךְ
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
גַּבֵּ/ךְ֙
gab
H1354
"back/rim/brow"
N-cs | Suff
This Hebrew word describes the back or rounded part of something, like the back of a person or an object, as seen in Exodus 28:12 where it talks about the back of the ephod. It can also refer to the rim or top of something.
Definition: 1) convex surface, back 1a) back (of man) 1b) mound (for illicit worship) 1c) boss (convex projection of shield) 1d) bulwarks, breastworks (of arguments-fig.) 1e) brow, eyebrow 1f) rim (of wheel) Aramaic equivalent: gav (גַּב "back" H1355)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: back, body, boss, eminent (higher) place, (eye) brows, nave, ring. See also: Leviticus 14:9; Ezekiel 1:18; Psalms 129:3.
בְּ/רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
דֶּ֔רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
וְ/רָמָתֵ֥/ךְ
râmâh
H7413
"high place"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
A high place, often used for idol worship, as seen in the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) height, high place 1a) as place of illicit worship
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: high place. See also: 1 Samuel 22:6; Ezekiel 16:25; Ezekiel 16:39.
עשיתי
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
עָשִׂ֖ית
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
רְח֑וֹב
rᵉchôb
H7339
"street/plaza"
N-fs
A street or plaza, referring to a public area or open space, like a marketplace or a thoroughfare. This word is used to describe urban settings and community gathering places, often in stories about city life and trade. It appears in books like Nehemiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: broad or open place or plaza
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: broad place (way), street. See also H1050 (בֵּית רְחוֹב). See also: Genesis 19:2; Proverbs 7:12; Psalms 55:12.
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הייתי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
הָיִ֥ית
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כַּ/זּוֹנָ֖ה
zânâh
H2181
"to fornicate"
Prep | V-Qal
To fornicate means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, often used to describe idolatry in the Bible. It can also refer to a person being a cult prostitute or causing others to be unfaithful.
Definition: 1) to commit fornication, be a harlot, play the harlot 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be a harlot, act as a harlot, commit fornication 1a2) to commit adultery 1a3) to be a cult prostitute 1a4) to be unfaithful (to God) (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to play the harlot 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to commit adultery 1c2) to force into prostitution 1c3) to commit fornication
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) commit fornication, [idiom] continually, [idiom] great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) whore, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go a-whoring, whorish. See also: Genesis 34:31; Isaiah 57:3; Psalms 73:27.
לְ/קַלֵּ֥ס
qâlaç
H7046
"to mock"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To mock someone means to laugh at or make fun of them, and this word is used in the Bible to describe times when people ridiculed God or others. It is found in the books of Psalms and Proverbs. Mocking can be hurtful and is often warned against.
Definition: 1) to mock, scoff 1a) (Piel) to scoff at 1b) (Hithpael) to mock, deride, make fun of
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: mock, scoff, scorn. See also: 2 Kings 2:23; Ezekiel 22:5; Habakkuk 1:10.
אֶתְנָֽן
ʼethnan
H868
"wages"
N-ms
This word refers to the wages or reward of a prostitute or idolatrous practices in the Bible. It is often used to describe the price of sin or unfaithfulness, as seen in the stories of Israel and Tyre.
Definition: 1) hire of prostitute, price 1a) hire (of harlot) 1b) of idolatrous Israel, Jerusalem, Tyre (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: hire, reward. See also: Deuteronomy 23:19; Ezekiel 16:34; Isaiah 23:17.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 16:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 16:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 16:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 16:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:31
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 16:31
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 16:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:31
Context — Jerusalem’s Unfaithfulness
29So you extended your promiscuity to Chaldea, the land of merchants—but even with this you were not satisfied!
30How weak-willed is your heart, declares the Lord GOD, while you do all these things, the acts of a shameless prostitute!
31But 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.
32You adulterous wife! You receive strangers instead of your own husband! 33Men give gifts to all their prostitutes, but you gave gifts to all your lovers. You bribed them to come to you from everywhere for your illicit favors.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 16:33–34 | Men give gifts to all their prostitutes, but you gave gifts to all your lovers. You bribed them to come to you from everywhere for your illicit favors. So your prostitution is the opposite of that of other women: No one solicited your favors, and you paid a fee instead of receiving one; so you are the very opposite! |
| 2 | Isaiah 52:3 | For this is what the LORD says: “You were sold for nothing, and without money you will be redeemed.” |
| 3 | Ezekiel 16:39 | Then I will deliver you into the hands of your lovers, and they will level your mounds and tear down your lofty shrines. They will strip off your clothes, take your fine jewelry, and leave you naked and bare. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 16:24–25 | you built yourself a mound and made yourself a lofty shrine in every public square. At the head of every street you built your lofty shrines and degraded your beauty. With increasing promiscuity, you spread your legs to all who passed by. |
| 5 | Hosea 12:11 | Is there iniquity in Gilead? They will surely come to nothing. Do they sacrifice bulls in Gilgal? Indeed, their altars will be heaps of stones in the furrows of the field. |
Ezekiel 16:31 Summary
[Ezekiel 16:31 describes how the people of Israel built shrines to idols in every public place, showing how deeply they had turned away from God. This verse helps us understand that when we prioritize worldly desires over our relationship with God, we are essentially building our own 'mounds' or idols, as warned against in Deuteronomy 12:2-3. By recognizing the ways in which we may be compromising our values, we can realign our priorities with God's commands, as seen in Matthew 6:24, and cultivate a deeper sense of loyalty and commitment to Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'build mounds at the head of every street' in Ezekiel 16:31?
This phrase refers to the construction of pagan shrines or altars in public areas, indicating the widespread nature of Israel's idolatry, as also seen in Deuteronomy 12:2-3, where the Israelites are commanded not to worship at the high places of the surrounding nations.
How is Israel's behavior different from that of a prostitute, according to Ezekiel 16:31?
Unlike a prostitute who receives payment for her services, Israel gave gifts to her lovers, bribing them to come to her, as mentioned in Ezekiel 16:33, showing a deeper level of corruption and rebellion against God, similar to the description in Hosea 8:9-10.
What is the spiritual significance of 'lofty shrines in every public square' in Ezekiel 16:31?
These shrines represent the blatant and public nature of Israel's idolatry, demonstrating a complete disregard for God's commands, such as those found in Leviticus 26:30, where God warns against worshiping at the high places.
How does God view Israel's actions, as described in Ezekiel 16:31?
God views Israel's actions as a profound betrayal, likening her to an adulterous wife, as stated in Ezekiel 16:32, and emphasizing the depth of her corruption, as also seen in Jeremiah 3:20, where God laments Israel's faithlessness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be 'building mounds at the head of every street' in my own life, prioritizing worldly desires over my relationship with God?
- How can I ensure that my worship and devotion are focused solely on God, avoiding the idolatry that Israel practiced, as warned against in Exodus 20:3-5?
- In what ways am I 'scorning payment' or compromising my values in pursuit of worldly gains or relationships, and how can I realign my priorities with God's commands, as seen in Matthew 6:24?
- What does it mean for me to 'receive strangers instead of my own husband', and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of loyalty and commitment to God, as encouraged in Hosea 3:1-5?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 16:31
In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way,.... Or brothel house, as before; [See comments on Ezekiel 16:24]; which showed her to be a whore, and an imperious one: and makest
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 16:31
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; In that thou buildest
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:31
Thou buildest; see ; whereas the paramours of other lewd women build for them, as it is reported of Solomon, ,8. Here, on the contrary, this unfaithful nation forsake their God, commit fornication with strange gods, and bear the charges both of building their temples, and furnishing them with sacrifices, and maintaining the priests. Thine eminent place: see . Every way: see . In every street: see . Hast not been as an harlot; common harlots make gain of their looseness, and live by that gain, they make a prey of the men that come in to them; thou doest worse, thou lavishest out thy credit, wealth, and all, to maintain and please thine adulterers. Scornest; the Hebrew word is of two significations, and opposite to each other, for it bears, as our translation renders it, contempt, slighting, or disregarding; and so it suiteth with what follows, . It signifieth also to praise, value, and regard, as Buxtorf observes; and it will as well, if not better, be so rendered here, and be the character of a common harlot, which wandereth after her lovers with a design of receiving the rewards of her lewdness; and thus the Chaldee paraphrase reads it; so we shall need no parenthesis, nor begin the antithesis till the 32nd verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:31
Ezekiel 16:31 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;Ver. 31. And hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornsst hire.] Whore should be written hore, as coming from the word hire; as the Latin meretrix a merendo. Harlot is said to come of Arlet, mother to our William the Conqueror; in spite to whom, and disgrace to his mother, the English called all whores harlots, adding an aspiration to her name, according to their manner of pronouncing.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:31
(31) Eminent place.—See note on Ezekiel 16:24. In that thou scornest him.—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.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 16:31
31. Recapitulation of the acts done in her unbridled licentiousness, with the addition of a trait shewing that her dissoluteness was without parallel—other harlots take hire, she gives it. in that thou scornest hire] Rather: hast not been as an harlot, that scoffeth at her hire (R.V. marg.), lit. in scoffing at hire. The words describe a characteristic of harlots, not one of Jerusalem in which she is unlike them. On scoff or “mock at,” cf. ch. Ezekiel 22:5; 2 Kings 2:23; Habakkuk 1:10; Psalms 44:14; Jeremiah 20:8, &c. The harlot mocks at her hire in order to augment it; Jerusalem does not desire hire, she rather offers it (Ezekiel 16:33).
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 16:31
Rather, didst build - didst make - wast not - scornest. In the marginal rendering, “thy daughters” must mean “thy smaller cities or villages.”
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:31
31. In that thou scornest hire — Literally, in scoffing at [her] hire.