Ezekiel 16:21
That thou hast slain my children, and delivered them to cause them to pass through the fire for them?
Original Language Analysis
וַֽתִּשְׁחֲטִ֖י
That thou hast slain
H7819
וַֽתִּשְׁחֲטִ֖י
That thou hast slain
Strong's:
H7819
Word #:
1 of 7
to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בָּנָ֑י
my children
H1121
בָּנָ֑י
my children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 7
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וַֽתִּתְּנִ֔ים
and delivered
H5414
וַֽתִּתְּנִ֔ים
and delivered
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
4 of 7
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
בְּהַעֲבִ֥יר
them to cause them to pass through
H5674
בְּהַעֲבִ֥יר
them to cause them to pass through
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
5 of 7
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
Historical Context
Archaeological evidence from Carthage (Phoenician Tophet) and literary references in Diodorus Siculus confirm child sacrifice was practiced in Canaanite religion. In Jerusalem, the Tophet in the Valley of Ben-Hinnom (Gehenna) became synonymous with judgment. Josiah desecrated it (2 Kings 23:10), but practice resumed under wicked kings.
Questions for Reflection
- How do modern cultures sacrifice children on the altars of materialism, careerism, or sexual autonomy?
- What is your responsibility when the society around you treats human life—especially the unborn and vulnerable—as expendable?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Thou hast slain my children, and delivered them to cause them to pass through the fire—The Hebrew ma'avar ba'esh (הַעֲבִיר בָּאֵשׁ, to pass through fire) refers to child sacrifice to Molech in the Valley of Hinnom (2 Kings 23:10, Jeremiah 32:35). God claims them as my children—covenant children belonging to YHWH were murdered and delivered (natan, נָתַן, given over) to demons (1 Corinthians 10:20).
This verse exposes the ultimate trajectory of spiritual adultery: when the covenant community abandons God, it eventually sacrifices its own offspring. Psalm 106:37-38 confirms Israelites 'sacrificed their sons and daughters unto devils.' The prophetic parallel to abortion cultures is unavoidable—societies that reject God's lordship ultimately consume their children on the altars of convenience, economic prosperity, or personal autonomy.