Ezekiel 23:12
Ezekiel 23:12 in Multiple Translations
She too lusted after the Assyrians—governors and commanders, warriors dressed in splendor, horsemen riding on steeds, all desirable young men.
She doted upon the Assyrians her neighbours, captains and rulers clothed most gorgeously, horsemen riding upon horses, all of them desirable young men.
She doted upon the Assyrians, governors and rulers, her neighbors, clothed most gorgeously, horsemen riding upon horses, all of them desirable young men.
She was full of desire for the Assyrians, captains and rulers, her neighbours, clothed in blue, horsemen going on horses, all of them young men to be desired.
She also wanted to have sex with the Assyrians: their leaders and commanders, their splendidly-dressed soldiers—all of them handsome young men in the cavalry.
She doted vpon the Assyrians her neighbours, both captaines and princes clothed with diuers sutes, horsemen ryding vpon horses: they were all pleasant yong men.
On sons of Asshur she hath doted, Governors and prefects, Neighbouring ones — clothed in perfection, Horsemen, riding on horses, Desirable young men all of them.
She lusted after the Assyrians, governors and rulers—her neighbors, clothed most gorgeously, horsemen riding on horses, all of them desirable young men.
She doted upon the Assyrians her neighbors, captains and rulers clothed most gorgeously, horsemen riding upon horses, all of them desirable young men.
Impudently prostituting herself to the children of the Assyrians, the princes, and rulers that came to her, clothed with divers colours, to the horsemen that rode upon horses, and to young men all of great beauty.
Oholibah also wanted to have sex with the Assyrian soldiers. Some of them were army officers and commanders. They all wore beautiful blue uniforms. They were all handsome young men. Some of them rode horses.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 23:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 23:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶל
בְּנֵי֩
אַשּׁ֨וּר
עָגָ֜בָה
פַּח֨וֹת
וּ/סְגָנִ֤ים
קְרֹבִים֙
לְבֻשֵׁ֣י
מִכְל֔וֹל
פָּרָשִׁ֖ים
רֹכְבֵ֣י
סוּסִ֑ים
בַּח֥וּרֵי
חֶ֖מֶד
כֻּלָּֽ/ם
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בְּנֵי֩
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
אַשּׁ֨וּר
ʼAshshûwr
H804
Asshur
N-proper
עָגָ֜בָה
ʻăgab
H5689
to lust
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
פַּח֨וֹת
pechâh
H6346
governor
N-mp
וּ/סְגָנִ֤ים
çâgân
H5461
ruler
Conj | N-mp
קְרֹבִים֙
qârôwb
H7138
near
Adj
לְבֻשֵׁ֣י
lâbash
H3847
to clothe
Adj
מִכְל֔וֹל
miklôwl
H4358
perfection
N-ms
פָּרָשִׁ֖ים
pârâsh
H6571
horse
N-mp
רֹכְבֵ֣י
râkab
H7392
to ride
V-Qal
סוּסִ֑ים
çûwç
H5483
swallow
N-mp
בַּח֥וּרֵי
bâchûwr
H970
youth
N-mp
חֶ֖מֶד
chemed
H2531
delight
N-ms
כֻּלָּֽ/ם
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 23:12
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בְּנֵי֩
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אַשּׁ֨וּר
ʼAshshûwr
H804
"Asshur"
N-proper
Asshur was the second son of Shem and the ancestor of the Assyrians, mentioned in Genesis 10:22. The name Asshur means 'a step'.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.22; son of: Shem (H8035); brother of: Elam (H5867C), Arpachshad (H0775), Lud (H3865) and Aram (H0758) § Asshur or Assyria = "a step" 1) the second son of Shem, eponymous ancestor of the Assyrians 2) the people of Assyria 3) the nation, Assyria 4) the land, Assyria or Asshur
Usage: Occurs in 138 OT verses. KJV: Asshur, Assur, Assyria, Assyrians. See H838 (אָשֻׁר). See also: Genesis 2:14; Isaiah 7:20; Psalms 83:9.
עָגָ֜בָה
ʻăgab
H5689
"to lust"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To have a strong sensual desire or lust for someone. In the Bible, it is used to describe the love of Solomon for his many wives in 1 Kings 11:1.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to have inordinate affection or lust 1a) lust (participle) 1b) paramours (participle as subst)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: dote, lover. See also: Jeremiah 4:30; Ezekiel 23:9; Ezekiel 23:20.
פַּח֨וֹת
pechâh
H6346
"governor"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a governor or leader of a city or region. In the Bible, it describes officials in the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, such as those appointed by King Solomon or King David.
Definition: governor Aramaic equivalent: pe.chah (פֶּחָה "governor" H6347)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: captain, deputy, governor. See also: 1 Kings 10:15; Esther 8:9; Isaiah 36:9.
וּ/סְגָנִ֤ים
çâgân
H5461
"ruler"
Conj | N-mp
A ruler is a person with authority and power, like a prince or governor. In the Bible, this word is used to describe leaders in Assyria and Babylon, who had control over provinces and people.
Definition: 1) ruler, prefect, governor, a subordinate ruler 1a) prefects (of Assyria and Babylon) 1b) petty rulers or officials Aramaic equivalent: se.gan (סְגַן "prefect" H5460)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: prince, ruler. See also: Ezra 9:2; Nehemiah 13:11; Isaiah 41:25.
קְרֹבִים֙
qârôwb
H7138
"near"
Adj
This Hebrew word means near, describing something close in place, time, or relationship. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe family relationships. The word is used to describe a close connection.
Definition: 1) near 1a) of place 1b) of time 1c) of personal relationship 1c1) kinship
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: allied, approach, at hand, [phrase] any of kin, kinsfold(-sman), (that is) near (of kin), neighbour, (that is) next, (them that come) nigh (at hand), more ready, short(-ly). See also: Genesis 19:20; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 15:3.
לְבֻשֵׁ֣י
lâbash
H3847
"to clothe"
Adj
To clothe means to wrap something around or put on a garment. In the Bible, it can be used literally or figuratively, as in putting on clothes or being clothed with a certain attitude.
Definition: 1) to dress, wear, clothe, put on clothing, be clothed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put on clothes, be clothed, wear 1a2) to put on, be clothed with (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to be fully clothed 1c) (Hiphil) to clothe, array with, dress Aramaic equivalent: le.vash (לְבֵשׁ "to clothe" H3848)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: (in) apparel, arm, array (self), clothe (self), come upon, put (on, upon), wear. See also: Genesis 3:21; Job 27:17; Psalms 35:26.
מִכְל֔וֹל
miklôwl
H4358
"perfection"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something done perfectly or with great beauty. It describes something or someone as splendidly made. It appears in descriptions of gorgeous attire.
Definition: 1) perfection, gorgeous attire adv 2) perfectly, most gorgeously
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: most gorgeously, all sorts. See also: Ezekiel 23:12; Ezekiel 38:4.
פָּרָשִׁ֖ים
pârâsh
H6571
"horse"
N-mp
This word means a horseman or a cavalry soldier, like those who rode chariots in battle. In the Bible, it describes the riders of horses and chariots, like in Exodus 14:9 where the Egyptian horsemen pursued the Israelites.
Definition: horse, steed, warhorse
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: horseman. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Chronicles 8:6; Isaiah 21:7.
רֹכְבֵ֣י
râkab
H7392
"to ride"
V-Qal
This Hebrew verb means to ride an animal or vehicle, and can also mean to place someone or something on a horse or chariot. It is used to describe riding horses or chariots in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to mount and ride, ride 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to mount, mount and sit or ride 1a2) to ride, be riding 1a3) rider (subst) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to ride, cause to (mount and) ride 1b2) to cause to draw (plough, etc) 1b3) to cause to ride upon (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: bring (on (horse-) back), carry, get (oneself) up, on (horse-) back, put, (cause to, make to) ride (in a chariot, on, -r), set. See also: Genesis 24:61; 2 Kings 23:30; Psalms 18:11.
סוּסִ֑ים
çûwç
H5483
"swallow"
N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.
Definition: swallow, swift
Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.
בַּח֥וּרֵי
bâchûwr
H970
"youth"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word refers to a young person, often a chosen or select individual, like a young man in his prime. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of young soldiers. The term emphasizes the idea of being selected or set apart.
Definition: youth, young man
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: (choice) young (man), chosen, [idiom] hole. See also: Deuteronomy 32:25; Jeremiah 18:21; Psalms 78:31.
חֶ֖מֶד
chemed
H2531
"delight"
N-ms
This word refers to a strong feeling of delight or pleasure, often used to describe something or someone highly valued. It's about finding joy and happiness in a person, place, or thing. The Bible uses it to talk about the beauty of God's world.
Definition: desire, delight, beauty, desirable, pleasant
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: desirable, pleasant. See also: Isaiah 27:2; Ezekiel 23:12; Isaiah 32:12.
כֻּלָּֽ/ם
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 23:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 23:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:12
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 23:12
Context — The Two Adulterous Sisters
10They exposed her nakedness, seized her sons and daughters, and put her to the sword. Thus she became a byword among women, and they executed judgment against her.
11Her sister Oholibah saw this, yet in her lust and prostitution she was more depraved than her sister.
12She too lusted after the Assyrians—governors and commanders, warriors dressed in splendor, horsemen riding on steeds, all desirable young men.
13And I saw that she too had defiled herself; both of them had taken the same path. 14But Oholibah carried her prostitution even further. She saw the men portrayed on the wall, images of the Chaldeans, engraved in vermilion,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 16:7–15 | So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me from the hands of the kings of Aram and Israel, who are rising up against me.” Ahaz also took the silver and gold found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the king’s palace, and he sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria responded to him, marched up to Damascus, and captured it. He took its people to Kir as captives and put Rezin to death. Then King Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria. On seeing the altar in Damascus, King Ahaz sent Uriah the priest a model of the altar and complete plans for its construction. And Uriah the priest built the altar according to all the instructions King Ahaz had sent from Damascus, and he completed it by the time King Ahaz had returned. When the king came back from Damascus and saw the altar, he approached it and presented offerings on it. He offered his burnt offering and his grain offering, poured out his drink offering, and sprinkled the blood of his peace offerings on the altar. He also took the bronze altar that stood before the LORD from the front of the temple (between the new altar and the house of the LORD) and he put it on the north side of the new altar. Then King Ahaz commanded Uriah the priest, “Offer on the great altar the morning burnt offering, the evening grain offering, and the king’s burnt offering and grain offering, as well as the burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings of all the people of the land. Sprinkle on the altar all the blood of the burnt offerings and sacrifices. But I will use the bronze altar to seek guidance.” |
| 2 | Ezekiel 23:23 | the Babylonians and all the Chaldeans, the men of Pekod, Shoa, and Koa, and all the Assyrians with them—all desirable young men, governors and commanders, officers and men of renown, mounted on horses. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 28:16–23 | At that time King Ahaz sent for help from the king of Assyria. The Edomites had again come and attacked Judah and carried away captives. The Philistines had also raided the cities of the foothills and the Negev of Judah, capturing and occupying Beth-shemesh, Aijalon, and Gederoth, as well as Soco, Timnah, and Gimzo with their villages. For the LORD humbled Judah because Ahaz king of Israel had thrown off restraint in Judah and had been most unfaithful to the LORD. Then Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came to Ahaz but afflicted him rather than strengthening him. Although Ahaz had taken a portion from the house of the LORD, from the royal palace, and from the princes and had presented it to the king of Assyria, it did not help him. In the time of his distress, King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the LORD. Since Damascus had defeated him, he sacrificed to their gods and said, “Because the gods of the kings of Aram have helped them, I will sacrifice to them that they may help me.” But these gods were the downfall of Ahaz and of all Israel. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 16:28 | Then you prostituted yourself with the Assyrians, because you were not yet satisfied. Even after that, you were still not satisfied. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 23:5–6 | Oholah prostituted herself while she was still Mine. She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians—warriors clothed in blue, governors and commanders, all desirable young men, horsemen mounted on steeds. |
Ezekiel 23:12 Summary
Ezekiel 23:12 shows us how Oholibah, who represents Jerusalem, lusted after the powerful and desirable Assyrians, rather than seeking God's will. This verse teaches us that when we prioritize earthly desires over our relationship with God, we can fall into spiritual decay and separation from Him, as seen in 1 John 2:15-17. Instead, we should seek to cultivate a deep and personal relationship with God, as encouraged in Matthew 22:37-38, and recognize the dangers of idolizing worldly things. By learning from Oholibah's mistakes, we can avoid the pitfalls of spiritual complacency and instead seek to honor God with our hearts and actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical context of Ezekiel 23:12?
The historical context of Ezekiel 23:12 is a prophecy against the kingdom of Judah, specifically highlighting the sins of the sisters Oholah and Oholibah, which represent Samaria and Jerusalem, as seen in Ezekiel 23:4. The Assyrians mentioned in this verse were a powerful and influential nation at the time, as referenced in Isaiah 10:5.
Why did Oholibah lust after the Assyrians?
Oholibah lusted after the Assyrians due to their wealth, power, and desirable young men, as stated in Ezekiel 23:12. This can be seen as a form of idolatry, where she prioritized earthly desires over her relationship with God, similar to the warnings in Exodus 20:3 and Deuteronomy 5:7.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Ezekiel 23?
Ezekiel 23:12 contributes to the overall theme of the chapter, which is a prophecy against the kingdom of Judah for its spiritual adultery and idolatry, as seen in Ezekiel 23:37. The verse highlights Oholibah's depravity and her pursuit of foreign alliances and desires, rather than seeking God's will, as commanded in Deuteronomy 17:3.
What can we learn from Oholibah's actions in this verse?
We can learn from Oholibah's actions that prioritizing earthly desires and seeking fulfillment in worldly things can lead to spiritual decay and separation from God, as warned in 1 John 2:15-17. Instead, we should seek to cultivate a deep and personal relationship with God, as encouraged in Matthew 22:37-38.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I prioritize worldly desires over my relationship with God, and how can I shift my focus to seeking His will?
- How can I guard my heart against the temptation to idolize or prioritize earthly things, and instead cultivate a deeper love for God?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of Oholibah's depravity to my own life, recognizing the dangers of spiritual complacency and the importance of seeking God's will?
- What role does humility and repentance play in avoiding the mistakes of Oholibah, and how can I cultivate these qualities in my own walk with God?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:12
She doted upon the Assyrians her neighbours,.... As in the times of Ahaz, who sent to Tiglathpileser, king of Assyria, for help; and from whence he took the pattern of an altar, and had one built
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:12
She doted upon the Assyrians her neighbours, captains and rulers clothed most gorgeously, horsemen riding upon horses, all of them desirable young men.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:12
This verse is the same with , which see; only the clothing of blue there is here clothing of beauty; i.e. most beautiful.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:12
Ezekiel 23:12 She doted upon the Assyrians [her] neighbours, captains and rulers clothed most gorgeously, horsemen riding upon horses, all of them desirable young men.Ver. 12. She doted.] Amantes amentes. Loving her lovers. See Ezekiel 23:5.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:12
(12) Her neighbours.—See Note on Ezekiel 23:5. In both places the warriors of Assyria are described in the most attractive way to carry out the figure; they are also spoken of as very powerful, to explain the political attraction to them. Israel was both fascinated by their splendour and overawed by their power.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 23:12
12. her neighbours] The order is: the Assyrians, governors and satraps, warriors clothed … See on Ezekiel 23:5. The intervention of Assyria in the affairs of Judah was caused by the appeal of Ahaz for help against Syria and Ephraim, 2 Kings 16:7. On the disastrous consequences of Ahaz’s folly cf. Isaiah 7:17-25.