Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 16:7. It’s a really powerful and somewhat shocking passage about God’s perspective on a man's appearance. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: God is looking at this man and saying he’s become incredibly attractive, beautiful, and full of life – almost to the point of being overwhelming. He’s not criticizing him; he’s simply observing his growth and transformation. Let's unpack it word by word: “I have caused thee to multiply as the bud of the field…” - This is a metaphor. Think of a bud – it starts small, grows quickly, and then explodes into a beautiful flower. God is saying he’s allowed this man to grow rapidly and flourish. “…and thou hast increased and waxen great…” - “Waxen” means smooth and glossy. So, he's grown very large and polished, almost like a beautifully formed fruit. “And thou art come to excellent ornaments…” – This is the key part. God is saying he’s become incredibly attractive to him . He’s likened to something beautiful and valuable. "[thy] breasts are fashioned..." - This suggests a physical attraction, but it's framed as being shaped by God’s desire. "...and thine hair is grown…” – He has developed his hair, making it long and healthy. “whereas thou [wast] naked and bare.” - This is the crucial part that emphasizes God's perspective. He's comparing this man to a bare field – he’s naked and unprotected, lacking any social standing or respect. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This verse highlights God's sovereignty and judgment. It describes a situation where God views this man as being in a position of great importance and beauty, which He is now judging harshly. It’s a reminder that God sees everything with an eye to justice and will not tolerate vanity or disrespect. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a warning about pride and the dangers of focusing on outward appearance rather than inner character. It's a message about humility and recognizing our dependence on God. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can answer for you? For example, would you like to: Explore the theological significance of the metaphor? Discuss how this verse relates to other biblical stories? Understand why this passage is sometimes seen as a challenging message?