Ezekiel 23:14
Ezekiel 23:14 in Multiple Translations
But Oholibah carried her prostitution even further. She saw the men portrayed on the wall, images of the Chaldeans, engraved in vermilion,
And that she increased her whoredoms: for when she saw men pourtrayed upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans pourtrayed with vermilion,
And she increased her whoredoms; for she saw men portrayed upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans portrayed with vermilion,
And her loose behaviour became worse; for she saw men pictured on a wall, pictures of the Chaldaeans painted in bright red,
However, Oholibah's prostitution was even worse. She saw pictures of Babylonian soldiers wearing bright red uniforms painted on the wall.
And that she encreased her fornications: for when she sawe men painted vpon the wall, the images of the Caldeans painted with vermelon,
And she doth add unto her whoredoms, And she seeth graved men on the wall, Pictures of Chaldeans, graved with red lead,
“She increased her prostitution; for she saw men portrayed on the wall, the images of the Chaldeans portrayed with red,
And that she increased her prostitutions: for when she saw men pourtrayed upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans pourtrayed with vermilion.
And she increased her fornications: and when she had seen men painted on the wall, the images of the Chaldeans set forth in colours,
But she did even worse things. She saw drawings of men from Babylonia on the walls, painted in red.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 23:14
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 23:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תּ֖וֹסֶף
אֶל
תַּזְנוּתֶ֑י/הָ
וַ/תֵּ֗רֶא
אַנְשֵׁי֙
מְחֻקֶּ֣ה
עַל
הַ/קִּ֔יר
צַלְמֵ֣י
כשדיים
כַשְׂדִּ֔ים
חֲקֻקִ֖ים
בַּ/שָּׁשַֽׁר
וַ/תּ֖וֹסֶף
yâçaph
H3254
to add
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
תַּזְנוּתֶ֑י/הָ
taznûwth
H8457
fornication
N-fp | Suff
וַ/תֵּ֗רֶא
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אַנְשֵׁי֙
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
מְחֻקֶּ֣ה
châqâh
H2707
to engrave
V-Pual-Inf-c
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/קִּ֔יר
qîyr
H7023
wall
Art | N-ms
צַלְמֵ֣י
tselem
H6754
image
N-mp
כשדיים
Kasdîy
H3778
Chaldea
Ngmpa
כַשְׂדִּ֔ים
Kasdîy
H3778
Chaldea
Ngmpa
חֲקֻקִ֖ים
châqaq
H2710
to decree
V-Qal-Inf-c
בַּ/שָּׁשַֽׁר
shâshar
H8350
vermilion
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 23:14
וַ/תּ֖וֹסֶף
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
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.
תַּזְנוּתֶ֑י/הָ
taznûwth
H8457
"fornication"
N-fp | Suff
Fornication, or taznuth, refers to harlotry or idolatry, often used figuratively to describe spiritual unfaithfulness. In the KJV, it is translated as fornication or whoredom, emphasizing its negative connotation.
Definition: fornication, harlotry
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: fornication, whoredom. See also: Ezekiel 16:15; Ezekiel 23:7; Ezekiel 23:43.
וַ/תֵּ֗רֶא
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אַנְשֵׁי֙
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מְחֻקֶּ֣ה
châqâh
H2707
"to engrave"
V-Pual-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to carve or engrave, like the intricate designs on the Temple furniture. It's used in Exodus to describe the skilled craftsmen who built the Tabernacle. The word also implies creating something with precision and care.
Definition: 1) to cut, carve, cut in 1a) (Pual) carved (participle) 1b) (Hithpael) to engrave, cut a limit
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: carved work, portrayed, set a print. See also: 1 Kings 6:35; Ezekiel 8:10; Ezekiel 23:14.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/קִּ֔יר
qîyr
H7023
"wall"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a wall, often referring to the walls of houses, chambers, or even the altar. It is used to describe structures built for protection or division. The KJV translates it as wall or side.
Definition: 1) wall, side 1a) wall (of house or chamber) 1b) the sides (of the altar)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] mason, side, town, [idiom] very, wall. See also: Exodus 30:3; 2 Chronicles 3:11; Psalms 62:4.
צַלְמֵ֣י
tselem
H6754
"image"
N-mp
This word means image or likeness, often referring to idols or illusions, and is used to describe the resemblance of something, as seen in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) image 1a) images (of tumours, mice, heathen gods) 1b) image, likeness (of resemblance) 1c) mere, empty, image, semblance (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: tse.lem (צְלֵם "image" H6755)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: image, vain shew. See also: Genesis 1:26; 2 Kings 11:18; Psalms 39:7.
כשדיים
Kasdîy
H3778
"Chaldea"
Ngmpa
Chaldea refers to a region in Mesopotamia and its inhabitants, known for wisdom and astrology, as seen in Daniel 1:4. The Chaldeans lived near the Persian Gulf and were considered wise. They are mentioned in 2 Kings 25:11.
Definition: § Chaldea or Chaldeans = "clod-breakers" 1) a territory in lower Mesopotamia bordering on the Persian Gulf 2) the inhabitants of Chaldea, living on the lower Euphrates and Tigris 3) those persons considered the wisest in the land (by extension)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: Chaldeans, Chaldees, inhabitants of Chaldea. See also: Genesis 11:28; Jeremiah 37:13; Isaiah 13:19.
כַשְׂדִּ֔ים
Kasdîy
H3778
"Chaldea"
Ngmpa
Chaldea refers to a region in Mesopotamia and its inhabitants, known for wisdom and astrology, as seen in Daniel 1:4. The Chaldeans lived near the Persian Gulf and were considered wise. They are mentioned in 2 Kings 25:11.
Definition: § Chaldea or Chaldeans = "clod-breakers" 1) a territory in lower Mesopotamia bordering on the Persian Gulf 2) the inhabitants of Chaldea, living on the lower Euphrates and Tigris 3) those persons considered the wisest in the land (by extension)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: Chaldeans, Chaldees, inhabitants of Chaldea. See also: Genesis 11:28; Jeremiah 37:13; Isaiah 13:19.
חֲקֻקִ֖ים
châqaq
H2710
"to decree"
V-Qal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to decree or enact a law, like writing it in stone. It appears in Judges 5:14, where it talks about being a scribe. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's laws and decrees.
Definition: 1) to cut out, decree, inscribe, set, engrave, portray, govern 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in 1a2) to cut in or on, cut upon, engrave, inscribe 1a3) to trace, mark out 1a4) to engrave, inscribe (of a law) 1b) (Poel) 1b1) to inscribe, enact, decree 1b2) one who decrees, lawgiver (participle) 1c) (Pual) something decreed, the law (participle) 1d) (Hophal) to be inscribed
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: appoint, decree, governor, grave, lawgiver, note, pourtray, print, set. See also: Genesis 49:10; Proverbs 8:27; Psalms 60:9.
בַּ/שָּׁשַֽׁר
shâshar
H8350
"vermilion"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a bright red color, similar to vermilion, derived from the 'kermes' insect. It is used in the Bible to describe a vibrant red hue, translated as 'vermillion' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) red colour, vermilion 1a) formerly gained from 'kermes' insect
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: vermillion. See also: Jeremiah 22:14; Ezekiel 23:14.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 23:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 23:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:14
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 23:14
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 23:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:14
- Sermons on Ezekiel 23:14
Context — The Two Adulterous Sisters
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,
15wearing belts on their waists and flowing turbans on their heads; all of them looked like officers of the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their birth. 16At the sight of them, she lusted for them and sent messengers to them in Chaldea.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 8:10 | So I went in and looked, and engraved all around the wall was every kind of crawling creature and detestable beast, along with all the idols of the house of Israel. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 22:14 | who says, ‘I will build myself a great palace, with spacious upper rooms.’ So he cuts windows in it, panels it with cedar, and paints it with vermilion. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 50:2 | “Announce and declare to the nations; lift up a banner and proclaim it; hold nothing back when you say, ‘Babylon is captured; Bel is put to shame; Marduk is shattered, her images are disgraced, her idols are broken in pieces.’ |
| 4 | Ezekiel 16:29 | So you extended your promiscuity to Chaldea, the land of merchants—but even with this you were not satisfied! |
| 5 | Isaiah 46:1 | Bel crouches; Nebo cowers. Their idols weigh down beasts and cattle. The images you carry are burdensome, a load to the weary animal. |
Ezekiel 23:14 Summary
Ezekiel 23:14 tells us that Oholibah, a symbol of the people of Judah, continued to turn away from God and pursue worldly desires, even after seeing the consequences of her actions. She was drawn to the images of the Chaldeans on the wall, which represented the temptation of foreign influences and idolatrous practices. This verse reminds us that we must be careful not to compromise our faith or pursue worldly desires, as seen in 1 John 2:15-17 and James 4:4. By prioritizing our covenant with God and remaining faithful to Him, we can avoid the consequences of spiritual adultery and stay on the path of righteousness, as encouraged in Psalm 119:1-8 and Matthew 7:13-14.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the images of the Chaldeans on the wall in Ezekiel 23:14?
The images of the Chaldeans on the wall represent the allure of foreign influences and idolatrous practices, which Oholibah and the people of Judah were drawn to, as seen in Ezekiel 23:12 and Jeremiah 2:18.
How does Oholibah's actions in Ezekiel 23:14 relate to the concept of spiritual adultery?
Oholibah's actions in Ezekiel 23:14 illustrate the concept of spiritual adultery, where the people of Judah turned away from their covenant with God to pursue other loves, as warned against in Exodus 34:15 and Hosea 1:2.
What is the role of the Chaldeans in the context of Ezekiel 23:14?
The Chaldeans, also known as the Babylonians, were a powerful and influential nation at the time, and their images on the wall in Ezekiel 23:14 symbolize the temptation and corruption that Judah faced, as also seen in 2 Kings 24:1 and Isaiah 39:1.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Ezekiel 23?
Ezekiel 23:14 is part of a larger narrative that condemns the idolatry and spiritual adultery of Judah and Israel, as seen in Ezekiel 23:1-49, and serves as a warning to God's people to remain faithful to their covenant with Him, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 6:10-12 and Matthew 25:1-13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be tempted to 'carry my prostitution even further' by compromising my faith or pursuing worldly desires?
- How can I guard myself against the allure of foreign influences and idolatrous practices, as seen in Ezekiel 23:14?
- What does it mean to 'defile myself' by turning away from God, as seen in Ezekiel 23:13, and how can I avoid this in my own life?
- In what ways can I prioritize my covenant with God and remain faithful to Him, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 6:10-12 and Matthew 25:1-13?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:14
And that she increased her whoredoms,.... Added to the number of her idols, increased her idols, and even was guilty of more than her sister: for when she saw men portrayed on the wall; of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:14
And that she increased her whoredoms: for when she saw men pourtrayed upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans pourtrayed with vermilion, She saw men pourtrayed upon the wall, the images of the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:14
Increased her whoredoms; added to the number of her idolatries. When she saw men portrayed upon the wall: wherever it was the Jews saw, there it was they doted on their persons and habits: it is probable enough they might see them in the idol temples, or in the house of the king of Judah, or of the great men, who promoted the friendships and leagues with these nations. The images; the counterfeits of strangers, and such as were far off, as the Chaldeans were. With vermilion; which, as it is a very glossy and shining colour, so, duly mixed with ceruse, doth lively express the colour of man’ s flesh.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:14
Ezekiel 23:14 And [that] she increased her whoredoms: for when she saw men pourtrayed upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans pourtrayed with vermilion,Ver. 14. For when she saw men portrayed upon the wall.] So unbridled was her lust that she fell to doting upon those quos tantum per umbram et imaginem aspexerat, whose pictures only she had beheld. In some Popish churches there are to be seen wanton pictures, such as do rather kindle lust than quicken devotion. An eyewitness hath told us in print that in some places they will assemble various of the fairest courtezans, when they would draw a picture of the Virgin Mary, to draw the most modest beauty of a virgin out of the flagrancy of harlots. Spec. Eur.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:14
(14) Men portrayed upon the wall.—Such portraitures, with evidence that they were once executed in brilliant colours, are characteristic both of Egypt and Assyria, where stone for sculpture abounded. From the close connection in race and customs between the Assyrians and Babylonians, it cannot be doubted that the same portraitures were also common upon the more perishable brick of the latter, of whom the prophet is now speaking. The monuments fully concur in representing the warriors of Assyria and Babylonia as delighting in extreme gorgeousness of apparel, but it is difficult to render into English with accuracy each particular of their dress. The exiles, whom Ezekiel immediately addressed, were familiar with these pictures, and his way of speaking of them was important in checking any disposition to fall into idolatries by means of them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:14
Verse 14. Men pourtrayed upon the wall] See on Ezekiel 8:10.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 23:14
14. and that she increased] Rather: And she added to her whoredoms, with full stop at Ezekiel 23:13. It was certainly the custom in Babylonia to draw figures of men and the like upon the walls; it is not probable, however, that such figures of Chaldean warriors had actually been seen in Jerusalem. The prophet combines the Babylonian custom with the reports of Chaldean military splendour current in Judah. Even when Babylon was still a vassal state of Assyria Hezekiah entered into intrigues with it, Isaiah 39. In later times it was the rivalry between Babylon and Egypt that drew Judah into the whirl of imperial politics, and left her from the time of the battle of Carchemish and the defeat of Egypt subject to Babylon (b.c. 604).
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 23:14
After Israel’s captivity Judah intrigued first with Assyria, then with Babylon, courting their monarchs, imitating their customs, and learning their idolatries.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:14
14. And that — Rather, And yet. Ezekiel 23:13 should close with a period. This verse opens to view Judah’s affiliations with Babylon.
Sermons on Ezekiel 23:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(In the Word) 11 - the Mother of Harlots by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than adhering to old traditions or wrong teachings. They urge listeners to listen to the e |
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(Saved Through the Fire) 13 - God's True Message by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of the day of the Lord, where God will judge and punish all nations based on their actions. He warns that whatever one gives out |
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Rev. 3:8. the Church's Little Strength, and the Lord's Great Love by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the tender love and gracious character of Christ as depicted in Revelation 3:8, where He acknowledges the Church's little strength while offering an open |
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Isaiah 46:1 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the contrast between supporting false gods and being supported by the true and living God. He illustrates how many people are burdened by the idols they crea |