Definition: Wherefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye polluted after the manner of your fathers? and commit ye whoredom after their abominations?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a really important one that speaks to a serious issue in ancient times. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is from the book of Ezekiel, and it’s about judging Israel after they had been practicing something very sinful – idolatry (worshiping other gods). It's saying God is looking down on them and condemning their behavior. Let's unpack it word by word: “Wherefore say unto the house of Israel…” - This means "Because I speak to the people of Israel..." It’s like a command or warning from God. “…Thus saith the Lord GOD…” – This is God speaking directly to Ezekiel, who was a prophet in this time. “Are ye polluted after the manner of your fathers?” - This is the core of the verse. It's asking if Israel has strayed from God’s path and fallen into something terrible. "Polluted" means dirty or morally wrong. It suggests they have been engaging in practices that are against God’s will. “and commit ye whoredom after their abominations?” – This is the most intense part. “Whoredom” refers to sexual sins and immoral behavior. “Abominations” means something so deeply wrong that it's considered a violation of God's law. Putting it all together: God is saying, "Israel has been practicing something very bad - worshipping other gods and engaging in immoral acts – and you are allowed to do the same! This is a serious warning because it’s going against God’s teachings." Important Context (Why this was important): This verse is part of a larger story in the book of Ezekiel. God was trying to help Ezekiel understand what was happening with Israel and why they were so troubled. It's essentially a judgment on their behavior, and it foreshadowed later events in the Bible about Israel’s division and exile. In short, this verse is a strong condemnation of idolatry and immoral practices, highlighting God’s holiness and his desire for a righteous people. --- Disclaimer: I'm an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on common interpretations of the Bible. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example, would you like: A deeper dive into the historical context? An explanation of what “whoredom” and “abominations” mean in the original language?