Ezekiel 16:8

Ezekiel 16:8 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then 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.

King James Version KJV

Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.

American Standard Version ASV

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now when I went past you, looking at you, I saw that your time was the time of love; and I put my skirts over you, covering your unclothed body: and I gave you my oath and made an agreement with you, says the Lord, and you became mine.

Free Bible Version FBV

When I passed by again, I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for lovemaking. So I spread my robe over you and covered up your naked body. I committed myself to you and made a solemn agreement with you, and made you mine, declares the Lord God.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Nowe when I passed by thee, and looked vpon thee, beholde, thy time was as the time of loue, and I spred my skirtes ouer thee, and couered thy filthines: yea, I sware vnto thee, and entred into a couenant with thee, saith the Lord God, and thou becamest mine.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And I pass over by thee, and I see thee, And lo, thy time [is] a time of loves, And I spread My skirt over thee, And I cover thy nakedness, And I swear to thee, and come in to a covenant with thee, An affirmation of the Lord Jehovah, And thou dost become Mine.

World English Bible WEB

“‘“Now when I passed by you, and looked at you, behold, your time was the time of love; and I spread my garment over you and covered your nakedness. Yes, I pledged myself to you and entered into a covenant with you,” says the Lord GOD, “and you became mine.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yes, I swore to thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And I passed by thee, and saw thee: and behold thy time was the time of lovers: and I spread my garment over thee, and covered thy ignominy. And I swore to thee, and I entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord God: and thou becamest mine.

Translation for Translators T4T

When I saw you several years later, it was as though [MET] I saw that you were old enough to have sex [EUP]. So it was as though [MET] I spread the corner of my robe over youto symbolize that I would marry you, with the result that you were no longer naked. I solemnly promised that I would marry you and made a marriage agreement with you, and you became my wife. That is what I, Yahweh the Lord, say.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 16:8

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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 16:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וָ/אֶעֱבֹ֨ר עָלַ֜יִ/ךְ וָ/אֶרְאֵ֗/ךְ וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה עִתֵּ/ךְ֙ עֵ֣ת דֹּדִ֔ים וָ/אֶפְרֹ֤שׂ כְּנָפִ/י֙ עָלַ֔יִ/ךְ וָ/אֲכַסֶּ֖ה עֶרְוָתֵ֑/ךְ וָ/אֶשָּׁ֣בַֽע לָ֠/ךְ וָ/אָב֨וֹא בִ/בְרִ֜ית אֹתָ֗/ךְ נְאֻ֛ם אֲדֹנָ֥/י יְהוִ֖ה וַ/תִּ֥הְיִי לִֽ/י

וָ/אֶעֱבֹ֨ר ʻâbar H5674 to pass Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

עָלַ֜יִ/ךְ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

וָ/אֶרְאֵ֗/ךְ râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff

וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה hinnêh H2009 behold Conj | Part

עִתֵּ/ךְ֙ ʻêth H6256 time N-cs | Suff

עֵ֣ת ʻêth H6256 time N-cs

דֹּדִ֔ים dôwd H1730 beloved N-mp

וָ/אֶפְרֹ֤שׂ pâras H6566 to spread Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

כְּנָפִ/י֙ kânâph H3671 wing N-fs | Suff

עָלַ֔יִ/ךְ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

וָ/אֲכַסֶּ֖ה kâçâh H3680 to cover Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-1cs

עֶרְוָתֵ֑/ךְ ʻervâh H6172 nakedness N-fs | Suff

וָ/אֶשָּׁ֣בַֽע shâbaʻ H7650 to swear Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-1cs

לָ֠/ךְ Prep | Suff

וָ/אָב֨וֹא bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

בִ/בְרִ֜ית bᵉrîyth H1285 covenant Prep | N-fs

אֹתָ֗/ךְ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

נְאֻ֛ם nᵉʼum H5002 utterance N-ms

אֲדֹנָ֥/י ʼĂdônây H136 Lord N-mp | Suff

יְהוִ֖ה Yᵉhôvih H3069 YHWH/God N-proper

וַ/תִּ֥הְיִי hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2fs

לִֽ/י Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 16:8

וָ/אֶעֱבֹ֨ר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.

Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over

Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.

עָלַ֜יִ/ךְ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

וָ/אֶרְאֵ֗/ךְ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Conj | Part

This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.

Definition: behold, lo, see, if

Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.

עִתֵּ/ךְ֙ ʻêth H6256 "time" N-cs | Suff

Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.

Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion

Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.

עֵ֣ת ʻêth H6256 "time" N-cs

Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.

Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion

דֹּדִ֔ים dôwd H1730 "beloved" N-mp

This word means 'beloved' or 'love', implying a strong affection, and can also refer to an uncle or close relative.

Definition: : beloved 1) beloved, love, uncle 1a) loved one, beloved 1b) uncle 1c) love (pl. abstract)

Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (well-) beloved, father's brother, love, uncle. See also: Leviticus 10:4; Song of Solomon 5:1; Proverbs 7:18.

וָ/אֶפְרֹ֤שׂ pâras H6566 "to spread" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

This word means to spread or break something apart, like scattering or stretching out. It is used to describe physical and figurative actions in the Bible.

Definition: 1) to spread, spread out, stretch, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to spread out, display 1a2) to spread over 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be spread out 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to spread out 1c1) to scatter

Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break, chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out). See also: Exodus 9:29; Psalms 44:21; Psalms 68:15.

כְּנָפִ/י֙ kânâph H3671 "wing" N-fs | Suff

The Hebrew word for wing, used to describe the edge or extremity of something, like a bird's wing or the corner of a garment. It appears in the Bible to describe various objects and locations, including the wing of a bird.

Definition: 1) wing, extremity, edge, winged, border, corner, shirt 1a) wing 1b) extremity 1b1) skirt, corner (of garment)

Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed). See also: Genesis 1:21; Psalms 139:9; Psalms 17:8.

עָלַ֔יִ/ךְ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

וָ/אֲכַסֶּ֖ה kâçâh H3680 "to cover" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-1cs

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.

עֶרְוָתֵ֑/ךְ ʻervâh H6172 "nakedness" N-fs | Suff

The Hebrew word for nakedness, implying shame or exposure. It appears in Genesis 9:22 and Leviticus 18:6, often warning against improper behavior. This concept is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 23:14.

Definition: 1) nakedness, nudity, shame, pudenda 1a) pudenda (implying shameful exposure) 1b) nakedness of a thing, indecency, improper behaviour 1c) exposed, undefended (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: ar.vah (עַרְוָה "dishonor" H6173)

Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: nakedness, shame, unclean(-ness). See also: Genesis 9:22; Leviticus 20:11; Isaiah 20:4.

וָ/אֶשָּׁ֣בַֽע shâbaʻ H7650 "to swear" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-1cs

This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.

Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure

Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.

לָ֠/ךְ "" Prep | Suff

וָ/אָב֨וֹא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

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.

בִ/בְרִ֜ית bᵉrîyth H1285 "covenant" Prep | N-fs

A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.

Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation

Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.

אֹתָ֗/ךְ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

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.

נְאֻ֛ם nᵉʼum H5002 "utterance" N-ms

This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.

Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)

Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.

אֲדֹנָ֥/י ʼĂdônây H136 "Lord" N-mp | Suff

Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.

Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.

יְהוִ֖ה Yᵉhôvih H3069 "YHWH/God" N-proper

YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.

Definition: 1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah' 1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)

Usage: Occurs in 296 OT verses. KJV: God. See also: Genesis 15:2; Ezekiel 14:21; Psalms 68:21.

וַ/תִּ֥הְיִי hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.

לִֽ/י "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Ezekiel 16:8

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Context
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Context — Jerusalem’s Unfaithfulness

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. 10I clothed you in embroidered cloth and gave you sandals of fine leather. I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ruth 3:9	“Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer. ”
2	Jeremiah 2:2–3	“Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem that this is what the LORD says: ‘I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed Me in the wilderness, in a land not sown. Israel was holy to the LORD, the firstfruits of His harvest. All who devoured her found themselves guilty; disaster came upon them,’” declares the LORD.
3	Romans 5:8	But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
4	Isaiah 43:4	Because you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you and nations in place of your life.
5	Exodus 32:13	Remember Your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, to whom You swore by Your very self when You declared, ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give your descendants all this land that I have promised, and it shall be their inheritance forever.’”
6	Deuteronomy 7:6–8	For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all peoples on the face of the earth. The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
7	1 Samuel 12:22	Indeed, for the sake of His great name, the LORD will not abandon His people, because He was pleased to make you His own.
8	Hosea 11:1	When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.
9	Deuteronomy 4:31	For the LORD your God is a merciful God; He will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers, which He swore to them by oath.
10	Exodus 19:4–8	‘You have seen for yourselves what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.” So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the LORD had commanded him. And all the people answered together, “We will do everything that the LORD has spoken.” So Moses brought their words back to the LORD.

Ezekiel 16:8 Summary

[Ezekiel 16:8 shows us that God sees us in our vulnerability and responds with love and care, just like He did with Israel when they were 'old enough for love'. This means that God is always looking out for us and wants to form a deep, meaningful relationship with us. As it says in Jeremiah 31:3, God loves us with an everlasting love, and as seen in Psalm 23:4, He is always with us, guiding and protecting us. By responding to His love and care, we can deepen our relationship with Him and become more like Him.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be 'old enough for love' in Ezekiel 16:8?

In this context, being 'old enough for love' means that Israel had reached a point of spiritual maturity where they could understand and respond to God's love, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:7-8 where God chooses Israel out of love. This maturity is not just about age but about the ability to form a deep, meaningful relationship with God.

Why does God use the metaphor of spreading His cloak over Israel's nakedness?

The act of spreading His cloak over Israel's nakedness symbolizes God's protection, care, and commitment to Israel, similar to how Ruth 3:9 uses the cloak as a symbol of marriage and commitment, and it signifies God's intention to form a covenant with Israel, as stated in Ezekiel 16:8.

What is the significance of the covenant mentioned in Ezekiel 16:8?

The covenant mentioned here refers to the special relationship God established with Israel, where He pledged Himself to them and they became His people, as seen in Exodus 19:5-6, and this covenant is rooted in God's love and faithfulness, as expressed in Deuteronomy 7:9.

How does this verse relate to our personal relationship with God?

This verse reminds us that God sees us in our vulnerability and responds with love and care, just as He did with Israel, and as seen in Psalm 23:4, where God's presence and protection are promised even in difficult times, and it encourages us to respond to His love and enter into a deep, meaningful relationship with Him, as encouraged in Jeremiah 31:3.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which God has 'passed by' and seen me in my own life, and how have I responded to His love and care?
How can I deepen my understanding of God's covenant with me, and what does it mean for me to be 'His'?
In what ways can I reflect on my own spiritual maturity and readiness to receive God's love, just as Israel was 'old enough for love'?
What are some practical ways I can respond to God's love and care in my daily life, and how can I 'pledge myself' to Him in return?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 16:8

Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee,.... Which the Targum refers to the Lord's appearance to Moses in the bush; [See comments on Ezekiel 16:6]; behold, thy time [was] the time of love;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 16:8

Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:8

When I passed by thee: see , of the phrase. This second passing by may well be understood of God’ s visiting them and calling them out of Egypt. Looked upon thee: see the phrase . Thy time was the time of love; the time of thy misery was the time of love and pity in me towards thee, and the time of thy grown beautified state was the time of my love of delight, when I rejoiced in thee, and espoused thee to be my wife. Thy time, i.e. the season fittest for the discovery of my purposes towards thee, was the time of love, which is expressed in what follows in the verse, I spread my skirt over thee, i.e. betrothed thee, as , engaged by marriage to love, cherish, protect, and safeguard. Covered thy nakedness; what was and would be thy reproach my love and bounty covered, I clothed thee with spoils of Egypt, and gave time flocks, with the wool whereof thou mightest clothe thyself. If you take it figuratively, I covered all thy filthiness, and washed it away. I sware unto thee; gave thee the greatest, most inviolable, and solemn assurance of my conjugal love, care, and faithfulness. Entered into a covenant with thee: this was done at Mount Sinai, . Saith the Lord God: the truth of all which the Lord doth avow in this form of asseveration. Thou becamest mine; by the obligations of my kindness thou couldst be no less, by thy own voluntary act and consent, by promise and profession, ,8.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:8

Ezekiel 16:8 Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time [was] the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.Ver. 8. Behold, thy time was the time of love.] When thou wast both fit for marriage, and desirous of it. For as the man misseth his rib, so the woman would be in her old place again, under the man’ s arm or wing. See Rth 3:1; Rth 3:9. And I spread my skirt over thee.] See Rth 3:9. I covered thy nakedness, and took thee into my care and company as a wife. A marriage rite is imported by this expression. Yea, I sware unto thee, &c.] So much ado God hath with us to make us believe. The apostle mentioneth "the work of faith." She hath somewhat to do before she can fasten.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:8

(8) Now when I passed by thee.—Here, as in Ezekiel 16:6, omit the when, and render, “and I passed by thee.” Two separate visits are spoken of: the one in Israel’s infancy in Egypt, when God blessed and multiplied her (Ezekiel 16:6); the other when she had become a nation, and God entered into covenant with her in the Exodus and at Sinai. The verse describes this covenant in terms of the marriage relation, a figure very frequent in Scripture. On the phrase “spread my skirt,” comp. Rth 3:9, and on “becamest mine,” Rth 4:10.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:8

Verse 8. Was the time of love] Thou wast marriageable. I spread my skirt over thee] I espoused thee. This was one of their initiatory marriage ceremonies. See Ruth 3:9. I-entered into a covenant with thee] Married thee. Espousing preceded marriage.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 16:8

8–14. The child, now an adult virgin, taken to Himself in marriage by Jehovah:—the redemption of the people from Egypt, and covenant with them at Sinai to be their God 8. Now when I passed] Better in continuance of the historical narrative, and I passed by.the time of love] The outcast child was now a marriageable woman. spread my skirt] Cf. Rth 3:9—a figure for marriage. a covenant with thee] The marriage relation is a covenant, Proverbs 2:17; Malachi 2:14. On the “oath,” cf. Ezekiel 16:59. thou becamest mine] She became his wife, Rth 4:13; Hosea 3:3.

Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 16:8

Now when ... - Or, Then I passed by thee ... and behold. The espousal of the damsel represents God’s entering into covenant with the people in the wilderness at Mt. Sinai Exodus 34:27.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:8

8. Spread my skirt — The customary symbol for marriage. (See Ruth 3:19.) Thou becamest mine — The marriageable age, the time of love had arrived, and the divine Friend now becomes a Lover.

Sermons on Ezekiel 16:8

	Sermon	Description
	Ezekiel 16:8 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith emphasizes the transformation that God brings to our lives, illustrating how He took a lost and polluted people and made them beautiful through His covenant. He reminds
	(The Book of Ruth) 1. Naomi - the Prodigal Daughter by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of gaining worldly possessions at the expense of one's relationship with God. He emphasizes that when a person loses their soul i
	(The Book of Ruth) 4. Boaz and the Nearer Kinsman by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the power of Jesus' blood to redeem and transform our lives. He emphasizes that Jesus can make something beautiful out of our brokenness and
	Marriage Series #4 - Ruth & Boaz by Don McClure	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Ruth and its significance in the context of the spiritual state of the children of Israel during that time. The book portrays a c
	Ruth 3:9 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith explores the concept of 'Goel,' or kinsman redeemer, emphasizing the biblical laws of redemption that allow a family member to reclaim lost land or responsibilities. He
	Your First Love by Chuck Smith	This sermon delves into Revelation chapter 2, focusing on the message to the church of Ephesus about their loss of first love for Jesus. It emphasizes the importance of repentance,
	The Good Way by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of returning to our first love for God. He encourages the congregation to turn off distractions like television and prioritize

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