Definition: But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by; his it was.
Explanation: Okay, letβs break down this verse from Ezekiel 16:15. Itβs a really powerful and serious message about pride and disrespecting God. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes someone who was overly concerned with their appearance and popularity β to the point of being disrespectful β and that disrespect led them to act badly towards others. Itβs essentially saying they were arrogant and focused on themselves rather than God. Let's unpack it word by word: "But thou didst trust in thine own beauty..." - This means they believed their attractiveness, charm, or status was more important than God. They were prioritizing their own image over divine regard. "...and playedst the harlot because of thy renown..." β "Harlot" is a strong word, but it means someone who is excessively flirtatious and obsessed with attention. βRenownβ refers to fame or reputation. So, this person was obsessed with being admired and noticed, perhaps to the point of seeking approval from others. They were trying too hard to be seen as attractive and popular. "...and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by..." β This is the most shocking part. "Fornications" means sexual misconduct or wrongdoing. The person was engaging in acts of lust, infidelity, and perhaps even abuse, treating others with disrespect and disregard. The Overall Message: The verse warns against excessive pride and vanity. Itβs a call to humility β recognizing that true worth comes from God, not from what we look like or how much attention we receive. It's about recognizing that our actions have consequences and that focusing on ourselves instead of God can lead to harmful behavior. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning against vanity and pride β but itβs also a reminder that God sees all people, and even those who appear to be righteous or admirable, are still under His watchful eye. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Connect this verse to a specific biblical story or concept? Discuss what it might mean in terms of our own lives?