Definition: Behold, therefore I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all [them] that thou hast loved, with all [them] that thou hast hated; I will even gather them round about against thee, and will discover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 16:37. It's a really shocking and disturbing passage in the Bible, and it deals with a very serious act of betrayal and humiliation. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a situation where a leader (representing the priest) has turned against God and deliberately gathers up all the people he’s loved – those who have been pleasing to him – and exposes their secrets to everyone else. It's essentially a public humiliation and judgment. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 16:37 Behold, therefore I will gather all thy lovers…” : This refers to a group of people, likely the priests and officials who were under his control. “Thy” is a possessive pronoun meaning "your." He's referring to all the people he’s associated with. “…with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all [them] that thou hast loved…” : This highlights the specific actions of betrayal – he enjoyed their company and affection. “Thou” is a plural form of “you,” emphasizing that these people were connected to him in a way that was pleasurable or enjoyable. “…with all [them] that thou hast hated.” : This is the crucial part. He’s gathering up everyone he has ever disliked, offended, or treated unfairly. This includes those who have wronged him, criticized him, or simply caused him pain. “I will even gather them round about against thee, and will discover thy nakedness unto them…” : This is the most disturbing part. He’s deliberately bringing these people together facing him. He's intending to expose their hidden sins and weaknesses – essentially, he wants to reveal all of their transgressions. “Discovering thy nakedness” means uncovering their secrets and flaws. "...that they may see all thy nakedness unto them…” : This is a direct command. He wants the audience to witness the shame and exposure of his actions. It’s a deliberate attempt to make him accountable for what he's done. The Significance & Interpretation: This verse is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of spiritual betrayal . It speaks to the consequences of: Disobedience: He was disobeying God’s commands, and now he faces the full weight of his actions. Lack of Trust: He wasn't trusting God's guidance, leading to a broken relationship. Pride and Self-Reliance: His actions demonstrate a lack of humility and a reliance on himself rather than seeking God's help. Important Note: This is a difficult passage because it’s meant to be shocking and confrontational. It highlights the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking forgiveness and repentance. Resources for Further Understanding: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Ezekiel/16/37](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Ezekiel/16/37) The Bible Project: [https://www.thebibleproject.com/ezekiel-16-37/](https://www.thebibleproject.com/ezekiel-16-37/) Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of Israel’s history? Talk about how this verse relates to themes like repentance and forgiveness?