Ezekiel 16:7
Ezekiel 16:7 in Multiple Translations
I made you thrive like a plant of the field. You grew up and matured and became very beautiful. Your breasts were formed and your hair grew, but you were naked and bare.
I have caused thee to multiply as the bud of the field, and thou hast increased and waxen great, and thou art come to excellent ornaments: thy breasts are fashioned, and thine hair is grown, whereas thou wast naked and bare.
I caused thee to multiply as that which groweth in the field, and thou didst increase and wax great, and thou attainedst to excellent ornament; thy breasts were fashioned, and thy hair was grown; yet thou wast naked and bare.
And be increased in number like the buds of the field; and you were increased and became great, and you came to the time of love: your breasts were formed and your hair was long; but you were uncovered and without clothing.
I helped you to grow like a plant in the field. You grew up into a beautiful young woman. Your breasts developed and your body hair grew, and you were completely naked.
I haue caused thee to multiplie as the bud of the fielde, and thou hast increased and waxen great, and thou hast gotten excellent ornaments: thy breastes are facioned, thine heare is growen, where as thou wast naked and bare.
A myriad — as the shoot of the field I have made thee, And thou art multiplied, and art great, And comest in with an excellent adornment, Breasts have been formed, and thy hair hath grown — And thou, naked and bare!
I caused you to multiply as that which grows in the field, and you increased and grew great, and you attained to excellent beauty. Your breasts were formed, and your hair grew; yet you were naked and bare.
I have caused thee to multiply as the bud of the field, and thou hast increased and become great, and thou art come to excellent ornaments: thy breasts are fashioned, and thy hair is grown, whereas thou wast naked and bare.
I caused thee to multiply as the bud of the field: and thou didst increase and grow great, and advancedst, and camest to woman’s ornament: thy breasts were fashioned, and thy hair grew: and thou wast naked, and full of confusion.
It was as though I caused you to grow up, like plants in the field grow; you grew up and became tall and became like [MET] a very beautiful jewel. It was as though [MET] your breasts ◄formed/became large►, and your hair became long, although you were still naked [DOU].
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 16:7
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 16:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רְבָבָ֗ה
כְּ/צֶ֤מַח
הַ/שָּׂדֶה֙
נְתַתִּ֔י/ךְ
וַ/תִּרְבִּי֙
וַֽ/תִּגְדְּלִ֔י
וַ/תָּבֹ֖אִי
בַּ/עֲדִ֣י
עֲדָיִ֑ים
שָׁדַ֤יִם
נָכֹ֨נוּ֙
וּ/שְׂעָרֵ֣/ךְ
צִמֵּ֔חַ
וְ/אַ֖תְּ
עֵרֹ֥ם
וְ/עֶרְיָֽה
רְבָבָ֗ה
rᵉbâbâh
H7233
myriad
N-fs
כְּ/צֶ֤מַח
tsemach
H6780
branch
Prep | N-ms
הַ/שָּׂדֶה֙
sâdeh
H7704
field
Art | N-ms
נְתַתִּ֔י/ךְ
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
וַ/תִּרְבִּי֙
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2fs
וַֽ/תִּגְדְּלִ֔י
gâdal
H1431
to magnify
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2fs
וַ/תָּבֹ֖אִי
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2fs
בַּ/עֲדִ֣י
ʻădîy
H5716
ornament
Prep | N-ms
עֲדָיִ֑ים
ʻădîy
H5716
ornament
N-mp
שָׁדַ֤יִם
shad
H7699
breast
N-md
נָכֹ֨נוּ֙
kûwn
H3559
to establish
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
וּ/שְׂעָרֵ֣/ךְ
sêʻâr
H8181
hair
Conj | N-ms | Suff
צִמֵּ֔חַ
tsâmach
H6779
to spring
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
וְ/אַ֖תְּ
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
עֵרֹ֥ם
ʻêyrôm
H5903
naked
Adj
וְ/עֶרְיָֽה
ʻeryâh
H6181
nakedness
Conj | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 16:7
רְבָבָ֗ה
rᵉbâbâh
H7233
"myriad"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means a large number, like a multitude or ten thousand. It is used in the Bible to describe big groups of people or things. In the KJV, it is translated as many, million, or ten thousand.
Definition: multitude, myriad, ten thousand
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: many, million, [idiom] multiply, ten thousand. See also: Genesis 24:60; 1 Samuel 18:8; Psalms 3:7.
כְּ/צֶ֤מַח
tsemach
H6780
"branch"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a sprout or branch, often used to describe growth or new life, like a sprouting plant. It can also symbolize the Messiah, as in a branch from the Davidic tree. The KJV translates it as branch, bud, or spring.
Definition: 1) sprout, growth, branch 1a) sprouting, growth, sprout 1b) growth (of process) 1c) sprout, shoot (of Messiah from Davidic tree)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: branch, bud, that which (where) grew (upon), spring(-ing). See also: Genesis 19:25; Ezekiel 16:7; Psalms 65:11.
הַ/שָּׂדֶה֙
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Art | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
נְתַתִּ֔י/ךְ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
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.
וַ/תִּרְבִּי֙
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2fs
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
וַֽ/תִּגְדְּלִ֔י
gâdal
H1431
"to magnify"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2fs
To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.
Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.
וַ/תָּבֹ֖אִי
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2fs
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
בַּ/עֲדִ֣י
ʻădîy
H5716
"ornament"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to ornaments or fine clothing, and can also describe the trappings of horses. It is used in books like Esther and Ezekiel to describe luxurious items. The word is about beautiful or impressive things.
Definition: 1) ornaments 1a) ornaments 1b) trappings (of horses)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] excellent, mouth, ornament. See also: Exodus 33:4; Isaiah 49:18; Psalms 32:9.
עֲדָיִ֑ים
ʻădîy
H5716
"ornament"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word refers to ornaments or fine clothing, and can also describe the trappings of horses. It is used in books like Esther and Ezekiel to describe luxurious items. The word is about beautiful or impressive things.
Definition: 1) ornaments 1a) ornaments 1b) trappings (of horses)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] excellent, mouth, ornament. See also: Exodus 33:4; Isaiah 49:18; Psalms 32:9.
שָׁדַ֤יִם
shad
H7699
"breast"
N-md
The Hebrew word for breast, describing a woman's or animal's breast as swollen. It is used in the Bible to describe nursing or motherly care. The KJV translates it as 'breast' or 'pap'.
Definition: 1) breast, bosom, (female) breast 1a) breast (of woman) 1b) breast (of animal) 1c) breast (of both human and animal) Also means: shod (שֹׁד "breast" H7699B)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: breast, pap, teat. See also: Genesis 49:25; Isaiah 28:9; Psalms 22:10.
נָכֹ֨נוּ֙
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
וּ/שְׂעָרֵ֣/ךְ
sêʻâr
H8181
"hair"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to hair on people or animals, like in Leviticus 13:30 where it talks about hair loss. It can also describe a hairy garment.
Definition: 1) hair 1a) hair (of animals, man) 1b) hair (of garment made of hair) Aramaic equivalent: se.ar (שְׂעַר "hair" H8177)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: hair(-y), [idiom] rough. See also: Genesis 25:25; Leviticus 14:8; Psalms 68:22.
צִמֵּ֔חַ
tsâmach
H6779
"to spring"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To spring or grow is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can describe plants, hair, or even ideas. It's used to talk about new life or development, like a seed sprouting or a person's speech growing more fluent.
Definition: 1) to sprout, spring up, grow up 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to sprout, spring up 1a1a) of plants 1a1b) of hair 1a1c) of speech (fig.) 1b) (Piel) to grow abundantly or thickly 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to grow 1c2) to cause to sprout
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bear, bring forth, (cause to, make to) bud (forth), (cause to, make to) grow (again, up), (cause to) spring (forth, up). See also: Genesis 2:5; Psalms 104:14; Psalms 85:12.
וְ/אַ֖תְּ
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
עֵרֹ֥ם
ʻêyrôm
H5903
"naked"
Adj
This Hebrew word means naked or nudity, describing a state of being without clothes. It appears in various Bible translations, including the KJV, as naked or nakedness.
Definition: adj 1) naked n m 2) nakedness
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: naked(-ness). See also: Genesis 3:7; Ezekiel 16:22; Ezekiel 23:29.
וְ/עֶרְיָֽה
ʻeryâh
H6181
"nakedness"
Conj | N-fs
This word means being naked or exposed, often translated as bare or naked in the Bible. It refers to a state of being without clothes or covering.
Definition: nudity, nakedness
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: bare, naked, [idiom] quite. See also: Ezekiel 16:7; Ezekiel 23:29; Habakkuk 3:9.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 16:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 16:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 16:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 16:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:7
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 16:7
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 16:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:7
- Sermons on Ezekiel 16:7
Context — Jerusalem’s Unfaithfulness
5No one cared enough for you to do even one of these things out of compassion for you. Instead, you were thrown out into the open field, because you were despised on the day of your birth.
6Then I passed by and saw you wallowing in your blood, and as you lay there in your blood I said to you, ‘Live!’ There I said to you, ‘Live!’
7I made you thrive like a plant of the field. You grew up and matured and became very beautiful. Your breasts were formed and your hair grew, but you were naked and bare.
8Then I passed by and saw you, and you were indeed old enough for love. So I spread My cloak over you and covered your nakedness. I pledged Myself to you, entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine, declares the Lord GOD. 9Then I bathed you with water, rinsed off your blood, and anointed you with oil.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 1:10 | The LORD your God has multiplied you, so that today you are as numerous as the stars in the sky. |
| 2 | Exodus 1:7 | but the Israelites were fruitful and increased rapidly; they multiplied and became exceedingly numerous, so that the land was filled with them. |
| 3 | Isaiah 62:3 | You will be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, a royal diadem in the palm of your God. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 16:10–13 | I clothed you in embroidered cloth and gave you sandals of fine leather. I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk. I adorned you with jewelry, and I put bracelets on your wrists and a chain around your neck. I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head. So you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was made of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour, honey, and oil. You became very beautiful and rose to be queen. |
| 5 | Exodus 3:22 | Every woman shall ask her neighbor and any woman staying in her house for silver and gold jewelry and clothing, and you will put them on your sons and daughters. So you will plunder the Egyptians.” |
| 6 | Exodus 12:37 | The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth with about 600,000 men on foot, besides women and children. |
| 7 | Acts 7:17 | As the time drew near for God to fulfill His promise to Abraham, our people in Egypt increased greatly in number. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 16:22 | And in all your abominations and acts of prostitution, you did not remember the days of your youth when you were naked and bare, wallowing in your own blood. |
| 9 | Nehemiah 9:18–25 | Even when they cast for themselves an image of a calf and said, ‘This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt,’ and when they committed terrible blasphemies, You in Your great compassion did not forsake them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud never turned away from guiding them on their path; and by the night the pillar of fire illuminated the way they should go. You gave Your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold Your manna from their mouths, and You gave them water for their thirst. For forty years You sustained them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell. You gave them kingdoms and peoples and allotted to them every corner of the land. So they took the land of Sihon king of Heshbon and of Og king of Bashan. You multiplied their descendants like the stars of heaven and brought them to the land You had told their fathers to enter and possess. So their descendants went in and possessed the land; You subdued before them the Canaanites dwelling in the land. You delivered into their hands the kings and peoples of the land, to do with them as they wished. They captured fortified cities and fertile land and took houses full of all goods, wells already dug, vineyards, olive groves, and fruit trees in abundance. So they ate and were filled; they grew fat and delighted in Your great goodness. |
| 10 | Isaiah 61:10 | I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. |
Ezekiel 16:7 Summary
In Ezekiel 16:7, God describes how He cared for His people, making them grow and flourish like a plant in a field. He provided for their physical and emotional needs, and they became beautiful and mature. However, despite their growth, they were still vulnerable and in need of God's protection and care, much like Adam and Eve in Genesis 2:25. As we reflect on this verse, we can see how God's love and care for us is similar, and how He desires to cover our weaknesses and provide for our needs, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be made to thrive like a plant of the field in Ezekiel 16:7?
This phrase suggests that God provided for the growth and development of His people, much like a plant is nourished by the sun and rain, as seen in Psalm 1:3, where a blessed person is compared to a tree planted by streams of water.
Why does the verse mention the formation of breasts and the growth of hair?
These physical developments are mentioned to emphasize the maturation and beauty of God's people, highlighting their readiness for a relationship with Him, similar to how Jesus describes the Father's care for birds and flowers in Matthew 6:26-30.
What is the significance of being naked and bare in this context?
Being naked and bare represents the vulnerability and helplessness of God's people before He intervened in their lives, much like Adam and Eve's nakedness in Genesis 2:25 before they sinned and needed covering.
How does this verse relate to God's covenant with His people?
This verse sets the stage for God's covenant with His people, as described in the following verses, where He covers their nakedness, cleanses them, and enters into a covenant with them, demonstrating His love and commitment to them, as seen in Jeremiah 31:31-34.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which God has made me thrive, and how can I acknowledge and thank Him for these blessings?
- In what ways do I still feel 'naked and bare' in my spiritual journey, and how can I trust God to cover and provide for me?
- How does the image of a plant growing in the field challenge or encourage my perception of my own spiritual growth and development?
- What does this verse teach me about God's desire for a personal relationship with me, and how can I nurture this relationship in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 16:7
I have caused thee to multiply as the bud of the field,.... Or, "made thee millions" (m); like the spires of grass in the field.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 16:7
I have caused thee to multiply as the bud of the field, and thou hast increased and waxen great, and thou art come to excellent ornaments: thy breasts are fashioned, and thine hair is grown, whereas thou wast naked and bare.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:7
The Lord, who chose Abraham and his seed; by his blessing this people were increased as by millions. How inconsiderable is a clan of seventy-five persons! So many went with Jacob into Egypt, where in two hundred and fifty years they grew to six hundred and three thousand five hundred and fifty, beside women, and children under twenty years, and old men above sixty years old. So the promise, 15:5 17:2,4, was fulfilled. As the bud of the field: for multitude, they are compared to the numberless buds of the herb; for flourishing, they are like the bud in the beauty of its spring; and both include the goodness and richness of the land they dwelt in. Increased; grown up to maturity or full age. Waxen great; and in stature thou hast come to full, just proportions, or grown strong, mighty, and terrible to thy neighbours who were enemies, but honourable and a defence to thy friends. Come to excellent ornaments: as jewels and rich vestments set off a beautiful person, so the successes in enterprises, rich returns in merchandise, fruitfulness of the country itself, were the lustre of thy beauty, which all thy neighbours courted; thou wast adorned with the choicest blessings of Divine Providence. Thy breasts are fashioned: the prophet further describes the beauty and glory of the Jewish nation, grown up and fashioned under God’ s own hand, in order to be solemnly affianced to God. Thine hair, which is an ornament when well set, whereas baldness is a deformity.
Thou wast naked and bare, i.e. when in Egypt, poor, and oppressed, and despised.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:7
Ezekiel 16:7 I have caused thee to multiply as the bud of the field, and thou hast increased and waxen great, and thou art come to excellent ornaments: [thy] breasts are fashioned, and thine hair is grown, whereas thou [wast] naked and bare.Ver. 7. As the bud of the field.] He prosecuteth the allegory of a miserable maiden, with whom the matter beginneth to mend. Iam enim menses patiebatur, ubera creverant et pili circa pubem; so that now she was marriageable. And thou art come to excellent ornaments.] Heb., To ornaments of ornaments, such as virgo nobilis, cum iam est nubilis, habet, young ladies have, when grown up especially. Whereas thou wast naked and bare.] Heb., Nakedness and rejection. God looked upon us and loved us, whenas yet we had not a rag to our backs. Cum tu nuda esses, argue nudissima.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:7
(7) I have caused thee.—Omit the “have,” and modify the tenses throughout the verse. “I caused thee . . . thou didst increase and wax tall . . . and came to beauty . . . were fashioned . . . was grown.” In the first clause, “caused thee to multiply,” the literal sense takes the place of the figurative; but the rest of the verse describes Israel as a young woman just growing up into the beauty of early womanhood. The phrase “excellent ornaments” is somewhat difficult; but is now generally understood as meaning literally “ornament of cheeks,” i.e., beauty. The whereas in the last clause may give the impression of a contrast between the state described and the former one of infancy; this is not intended. But the meaning is, that while Israel was thus growing into the full development and beauty of womanhood, she was still “naked and bare.”
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 16:7
7. have caused … multiply] Lit. as marg. made thee a myriad. This idea of multiplication in number deserts the figure, introducing the notion of the numerical increase of the people (Exodus 1:7; Deuteronomy 10:22; Deuteronomy 33:17). The rest of the verse, however, continues the figure of the child growing up to womanhood. For “myriad” LXX. has “do thou grow” (imper.). This is not natural, but probably some word signifying “growth” should be read, “I gave thee growth like the herb of the field; and thou didst grow and wax great.” thou art come … ornaments] Thou didst come to excellent ornament, lit. ornament of ornaments. The connexion requires that “ornament” should mean graces and beauties of the person. The word has nowhere else this sense, being always employed of such ornaments as jewelry which are worn (Ezekiel 16:11). The rendering “beauty of cheeks” (Hitz.) rests upon the supposed sense of Psa 32:9; Psalms 103:5. In Isaiah 64:6 a word somewhat similar occurs: filthy (i.e. menstruous) garment, and several scholars (J. D.
Michaelis, Cornill) assume this sense here. This requires considerable alteration of the text, which already lay before LXX. (though r was read for d, as often). Neither is Ezekiel 16:22 in favour of it. are fashioned] Better past tenses: were fashioned … was grown, but thou wast.The passage is an allegorical description of the early history of the family of Israel, their struggles for existence in Canaan, their descent into Egypt, the oppressions suffered there, and the Lord’s care and protection of them (Exodus 3:7; Exodus 3:9; Psalms 105:12 seq.). The unattractive character of the early patriarchal history as written in Genesis is plain enough (Genesis 29-31, 38.). This unattractive character is set forth in the blood and pollution of the new-born infant, and the Lord’s care of them in their dependent and defenceless condition under the figure of his pity and adoption of the outcast child. The truth conveyed in the allegory is more delicately expressed by another writer: “The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all peoples; but because the Lord loved you” (Deuteronomy 7:7-8).
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 16:7
I caused “thee to multiply as the bud of the field, and thou” didst increase “and” wax “great, and thou” didst come “to excellent” beauty; “thy breasts” were “fashioned and thine hair” was grown, yet
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:7
7. I have caused thee to multiply — Literally, I have made thee to be myriads, etc.
Sermons on Ezekiel 16:7
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Genesis) Genesis 46:1-3 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and how he initially did not seek God's guidance in his life. Jacob made his own decisions and only turned to God on Sunda |
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Judah's Plea by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith takes us through the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. He emphasizes the importance of confessing our sins and not allowing unconfessed sin |
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The New Man the Crucified Life by Ulf Oldenburg | This sermon emphasizes the imminent return of Yeshua (Jesus) and the significance of being prepared for His coming. It delves into the symbolism of various biblical feasts, such as |
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The Hope of Revival by Vernon Higham | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning to God and obeying His voice. He talks about the power of the Bible and how it can transform lives. The preacher a |
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Like the Cedars of Lebanon by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the mystery of God's plan in our lives, using the analogy of the cedar tree from Lebanon being cut down to be placed in the Temple of God. Just lik |
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Total Abandonment to the Lord by Leonard Ravenhill | The sermon transcript discusses the concept of abandonment in relation to commitment and sanctification. The speaker highlights three examples of abandonment: Jesus Christ, Moses, |
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Shantung Revival by Bertha Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Stephen from the Bible. Stephen, at the age of forty, felt compelled to visit his brother and the children of Israel. He witnes |