Does the Bible Use Language Not Fitting for God? 

A Response to Deedat

Some critics, such as Ahmed Deedat, have accused the Bible of containing inappropriate or "pornographic" passages, particularly citing Ezekiel 23 as an example. However, this claim fails to consider the historical, literary, and theological context of such passages.

Understanding Ezekiel 23

Ezekiel 23 is a prophetic allegory that condemns the idolatry of Israel and Judah. The chapter uses strong, vivid imagery to compare the two nations to unfaithful women who engage in spiritual adultery by turning away from God to worship foreign gods. The explicit language is not meant to be sensational or inappropriate, but rather to serve as a shock tactic—one designed to make the people of Israel recognize the gravity of their sin.

The core message of Ezekiel 23 is summed up in Ezekiel 23:49:

"You shall bear the penalty for your lewd conduct and be punished for your idolatry. Then you will know that I am the Lord God."

The use of harsh imagery in this passage serves the same function as other prophetic warnings throughout scripture—to bring about repentance and a return to righteousness.

Does the Quran Use Similar Language?

Critics like Deedat conveniently ignore that the Quran also employs strong imagery to make its point. For example, Quran 49:12 compares backbiting to eating the flesh of one’s dead brother:

"Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would abhor it."

This is a shocking metaphor, but it is used to highlight the seriousness of backbiting and slander. If Deedat’s standard for “offensive” language were applied consistently, then he would have to reject parts of the Quran as well.

Prophetic Language: A Common Biblical and Quranic Theme

The Bible frequently uses metaphorical language to describe the seriousness of sin and the betrayal of God’s covenant. Other examples include:

• Jeremiah 2:20-30 - Israel’s unfaithfulness is compared to a wild donkey in heat.

• Hosea 2 - Israel is compared to an adulterous wife who chases after other lovers.

• Revelation 17 - The final apostate system is called "the great harlot."

Similarly, the Quran also employs powerful, even graphic, warnings:

• Quran 4:56 - Hell is described as a place where people’s skins are burned off repeatedly.

• Quran 22:19-22 - Punishment is depicted in extreme, violent detail.

• Quran 8:12 - The disbelievers are threatened with beheading and mutilation.

If Ezekiel 23 is inappropriate, then so are these Quranic passages.

Deedat’s Argument Backfires

Ironically, Deedat’s attack contradicts Islamic teachings. Muhammad himself reportedly warned Muslims not to attack the Bible outright:

"Do not believe the people of the Book, nor disbelieve them."

By outrightly condemning the Bible’s language, Deedat is violating Muhammad’s own teaching and potentially committing blasphemy according to Islamic standards.

Conclusion: Context Matters

Deedat’s argument against Ezekiel 23 collapses when examined closely. The Bible’s use of strong imagery is not inappropriate but serves as a prophetic tool to awaken people to the seriousness of sin. Furthermore, Islamic scripture employs similar, if not stronger, imagery to emphasize its messages.

Instead of cherry-picking verses to make the Bible look bad, critics should examine the context and apply the same standards to their own religious texts. When they do, they will find that Ezekiel 23 is not an outlier, but part of a larger tradition of prophetic warnings that exist in both the Bible and the Quran.