Ezekiel 23:17
Ezekiel 23:17 in Multiple Translations
Then the Babylonians came to her, to the bed of love, and in their lust they defiled her. But after she had been defiled by them, she turned away in disgust.
And the Babylonians came to her into the bed of love, and they defiled her with their whoredom, and she was polluted with them, and her mind was alienated from them.
And the Babylonians came to her into the bed of love, and they defiled her with their whoredom, and she was polluted with them, and her soul was alienated from them.
And the Babylonians came to her, into the bed of love, and made her unclean with their loose desire, and she became unclean with them, and her soul was turned from them.
The Babylonians came to her and her love bed, and made her unclean with their sexual desire. However, after she had been dishonored by them, she rejected them in disgust.
Nowe when the Babylonians came to her into the bed of loue, they defiled her with their fornication, and she was polluted with them, and her lust departed from them.
And come in unto her do sons of Babylon, To the bed of loves, And they defile her with their whoredoms, And she is defiled with them, And her soul is alienated from them.
The Babylonians came to her into the bed of love, and they defiled her with their prostitution. She was polluted with them, and her soul was alienated from them.
And the Babylonians came to her into the bed of love, and they defiled her with their lewdness, and she was polluted with them, and her mind was alienated from them.
And when the sons of Babylon were come to her to the bed of love, they defiled her with their fornications, and she was polluted by them, and her soul was glutted with them.
Then the soldiers from Babylonia came to her, they lay in bed with her, and they had sex with her. Then she became disgusted with them and turned away from them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 23:17
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 23:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹ֨אוּ
אֵלֶ֤י/הָ
בְנֵֽי
בָבֶל֙
לְ/מִשְׁכַּ֣ב
דֹּדִ֔ים
וַ/יְטַמְּא֥וּ
אוֹתָ֖/הּ
בְּ/תַזְנוּתָ֑/ם
וַ/תִּ֨טְמָא
בָ֔/ם
וַ/תֵּ֥קַע
נַפְשָׁ֖/הּ
מֵ/הֶֽם
וַ/יָּבֹ֨אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֵלֶ֤י/הָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
בְנֵֽי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
בָבֶל֙
Bâbel
H894
Babylon
N-proper
לְ/מִשְׁכַּ֣ב
mishkâb
H4904
bed
Prep | N-ms
דֹּדִ֔ים
dôwd
H1730
beloved
N-mp
וַ/יְטַמְּא֥וּ
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
אוֹתָ֖/הּ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בְּ/תַזְנוּתָ֑/ם
taznûwth
H8457
fornication
Prep | N-fs | Suff
וַ/תִּ֨טְמָא
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
בָ֔/ם
Prep | Suff
וַ/תֵּ֥קַע
yâqaʻ
H3363
to dislocate/hang
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
נַפְשָׁ֖/הּ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
מֵ/הֶֽם
Prep | Suff
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 23:17
וַ/יָּבֹ֨אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֵלֶ֤י/הָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
בְנֵֽי
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.
בָבֶל֙
Bâbel
H894
"Babylon"
N-proper
Babel refers to Babylon, a city and empire in the Bible, meaning confusion or mixing. It appears in Genesis 11:9 and is associated with the tower of Babel. The city was situated on the Euphrates River.
Definition: § Babel or Babylon = "confusion (by mixing)" Babel or Babylon, the ancient site and/or capital of Babylonia (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates
Usage: Occurs in 233 OT verses. KJV: Babel, Babylon. See also: Genesis 10:10; Jeremiah 29:22; Psalms 87:4.
לְ/מִשְׁכַּ֣ב
mishkâb
H4904
"bed"
Prep | N-ms
Mishkab refers to a bed, but can also mean sleep or even a bier. It's sometimes used to describe intimate relationships, as in Genesis. This word has various meanings depending on the context.
Definition: 1) a lying down, couch, bier, act of lying 1a) couch, bed 1b) act of lying, lying down or sleeping room, bedroom 1c) lying down (for sexual contact) Aramaic equivalent: mish.kav (מִשְׁכַּב "bed" H4903)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bed(-chamber), couch, lieth (lying) with. See also: Genesis 49:4; 2 Samuel 17:28; Psalms 4:5.
דֹּדִ֔ים
dôwd
H1730
"beloved"
N-mp
This word means 'beloved' or 'love', implying a strong affection, and can also refer to an uncle or close relative.
Definition: : beloved 1) beloved, love, uncle 1a) loved one, beloved 1b) uncle 1c) love (pl. abstract)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (well-) beloved, father's brother, love, uncle. See also: Leviticus 10:4; Song of Solomon 5:1; Proverbs 7:18.
וַ/יְטַמְּא֥וּ
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
"to defile"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to be foul or contaminated, often in a moral or ceremonial sense. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is unclean or polluted. In the book of Leviticus, it talks about being unclean and how to become clean again.
Definition: 1) to be unclean, become unclean, become impure 1a) (Qal) to be or become unclean 1a1) sexually 1a2) religiously 1a3) ceremonially 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to defile oneself, be defiled 1b1a) sexually 1b1b) by idolatry 1b1c) ceremonially 1b2) to be regarded as unclean 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to defile 1c1a) sexually 1c1b) religiously 1c1c) ceremonially 1c2) to pronounce unclean, declare unclean (ceremonially) 1c3) to profane (God's name) 1d) (Pual) to be defiled 1e) (Hithpael) to be unclean 1f) (Hothpael) to be defiled
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.
אוֹתָ֖/הּ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בְּ/תַזְנוּתָ֑/ם
taznûwth
H8457
"fornication"
Prep | N-fs | 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/תִּ֨טְמָא
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
"to defile"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to be foul or contaminated, often in a moral or ceremonial sense. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is unclean or polluted. In the book of Leviticus, it talks about being unclean and how to become clean again.
Definition: 1) to be unclean, become unclean, become impure 1a) (Qal) to be or become unclean 1a1) sexually 1a2) religiously 1a3) ceremonially 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to defile oneself, be defiled 1b1a) sexually 1b1b) by idolatry 1b1c) ceremonially 1b2) to be regarded as unclean 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to defile 1c1a) sexually 1c1b) religiously 1c1c) ceremonially 1c2) to pronounce unclean, declare unclean (ceremonially) 1c3) to profane (God's name) 1d) (Pual) to be defiled 1e) (Hithpael) to be unclean 1f) (Hothpael) to be defiled
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.
בָ֔/ם
""
Prep | Suff
וַ/תֵּ֥קַע
yâqaʻ
H3363
"to dislocate/hang"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be dislocated or torn away, and can also mean to hang or be executed. It is used to describe physical and emotional separation. It appears in the KJV as 'be alienated' or 'hang up'.
Definition: 1) to be dislocated, be alienated 1a) (Qal) to be dislocated, be torn away, be alienated 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to execute slowly (by exposure or impalation) 1b2) to hang 1c) (Hophal) to be executed
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: be alienated, depart, hang (up), be out of joint. See also: Genesis 32:26; 2 Samuel 21:13; Jeremiah 6:8.
נַפְשָׁ֖/הּ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
מֵ/הֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Ezekiel 23:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 23:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:17
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 23:17
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 23:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:17
- Sermons on Ezekiel 23:17
Context — The Two Adulterous Sisters
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.
17Then the Babylonians came to her, to the bed of love, and in their lust they defiled her. But after she had been defiled by them, she turned away in disgust.
18When Oholibah openly prostituted herself and exposed her nakedness, I turned away from her in disgust, just as I had turned away from her sister. 19Yet she multiplied her promiscuity, remembering the days of her youth, when she had prostituted herself in the land of EgyptCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 23:28 | For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Surely I will deliver you into the hands of those you hate, from whom you turned away in disgust. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 23:22 | Therefore, Oholibah, this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will incite your lovers against you, those from whom you turned away in disgust. And I will bring them against you from every side— |
| 3 | Genesis 10:10 | His kingdom began in Babylon, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. |
| 4 | Genesis 11:9 | That is why it is called Babel, for there the LORD confused the language of the whole world, and from that place the LORD scattered them over the face of all the earth. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 16:37 | therefore I will surely gather all the lovers with whom you found pleasure, all those you loved and all those you hated. I will gather them against you from all around and expose you before them, and they will see you completely naked. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 13:15 | Then Amnon hated Tamar with such intensity that his hatred was greater than the love he previously had. “Get up!” he said to her. “Be gone!” |
Ezekiel 23:17 Summary
This verse, Ezekiel 23:17, tells us about a time when the kingdom of Judah, represented by Oholibah, engaged in sinful actions with the Babylonians, and afterwards, she felt disgusted by what she had done, similar to how we might feel after doing something we know is wrong, as seen in Psalm 51:3-4. This story teaches us that our actions have consequences, and that God wants us to live a life of purity and obedience to Him, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 4:7. Just like Oholibah, we can turn away from our sins and seek forgiveness and restoration from God, as promised in 1 John 1:9. By learning from Oholibah's mistakes, we can strive to live a life that honors God and seeks to please Him, as stated in Colossians 1:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the Babylonians 'defiled her' in Ezekiel 23:17?
This phrase refers to the act of sexual immorality and idolatry, as the Babylonians engaged in sinful acts with Oholibah, representing the kingdom of Judah, as seen in Ezekiel 23:17, and is similar to the concept of defilement in Leviticus 18:24 and 20:22-23, where God warns His people against engaging in such sinful acts.
Why did Oholibah turn away in disgust after being defiled by the Babylonians?
Oholibah's disgust may have been due to the aftermath of her sinful actions, realizing the gravity of her mistakes, similar to how the prodigal son felt in Luke 15:17, after he had squandered his inheritance and was left with nothing, and it was then that he came to his senses and returned to his father.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Ezekiel 23?
Ezekiel 23:17 is part of a larger narrative that condemns the kingdoms of Israel and Judah for their idolatry and immorality, as seen in Ezekiel 23:1-49, and serves as a warning to God's people to remain faithful and obedient to Him, as stated in Deuteronomy 28:1-2 and 1 Kings 9:4-5.
What can we learn from Oholibah's actions in this verse?
We can learn that sinful actions have consequences, and that God is a holy and just God who hates sin, as seen in Proverbs 6:16-19 and Habakkuk 1:13, and that we should strive to live a life of purity and obedience to Him, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 4:7 and 1 Peter 1:15-16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be 'defiling' myself with sinful thoughts or actions, and how can I turn away from them?
- How can I learn to recognize the 'disgust' of sin in my own life, and what steps can I take to return to a right relationship with God?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be seeking fulfillment or comfort in things other than God, and how can I instead seek to find my satisfaction in Him?
- In what ways can I apply the lessons of Oholibah's story to my own life, and how can I strive to live a life of faithfulness and obedience to God?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:17
And the Babylonians came to her in the bed of love,.... Entered into alliance with the Jews, and worshipped together in the same idols' temple.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:17
And the Babylonians came to her into the bed of love, and they defiled her with their whoredom, and she was polluted with them, and her mind was alienated from them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:17
The Babylonians came: the prophet prosecuteth the allegory; the adulteress sent, and invited, and here the Chaldeans comply with it, they came, ambassadors no doubt first to make a confederacy, and then free intercourse in trade, and religion too. The bed of love; so the impudently lascivious call the polluted, forbidden bed, as the harlot, . It is like with this commerce and confederacy the lustful Babylonians did spread that disease, the Jewish nation were too much inclined to corporal adulteries and fornications; but metaphorically it is a delightful communicating with them in their idolatry in their idol temples and feasts. Defiled her; made her unclean and loathsome. Whoredom; spiritual and corporal. Polluted; greatly defiled, as the doubling the expression imports. Her mind was alienated from them; like an arrant adulteress, wearied, but not satisfied with her adulterers, she changeth mind and friendships, and seeks new ones. So did this people, weary of the Chaldeans, seek new confederates.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:17
Ezekiel 23:17 And the Babylonians came to her into the bed of love, and they defiled her with their whoredom, and she was polluted with them, and her mind was alienated from them.Ver. 17. Into the bed of love.] Or, Of breasts, which are the symbols of love and seats of delight, as naturalists note. See Proverbs 6:19; Proverbs 7:18. And her mind was alienated from them.] Heb., Loosed or disjointed, to dote another while upon the Egyptians. Etiam vota post usum fastidia sunt.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:17
(17) Her mind was alienated.—The original implies the disgust of satiety. Josiah had been the devoted friend of Babylon, and perished in his zeal on its behalf. Judah was then made a dependency of Egypt, and turned for aid to Babylon. Then receiving in turn the yoke of Babylon, she became impatient, and sought the aid of Egypt. This vacillating policy is described in Ezekiel 23:17-19, and at either, turn was so entirely wanting in sole reliance upon God as to produce the effect of Eze 23:18 : “My mind was alienated from her.”
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 23:17
17. alienated from them] The figure lies in the revulsion of sated passion; the thing in the weariness of the Babylonian alliance and yoke, cf. ch. 17.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 23:17
After Josiah’s death and the usurpation of dominion by the Egyptians, the Babylonians were no doubt welcomed as friends 2 Kings 24:1.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:17
17. Her mind was alienated from them — This occurred after her passion was satisfied (compare 2 Samuel 13:15), and she began to feel the weight of the heavy hand of her Babylonian lovers and to long
Sermons on Ezekiel 23:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Two Kingdoms - 1 by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch addresses the misconception among Christians that they can convert the kingdoms of this world into the Kingdom of God, emphasizing that the kingdoms of this world, rule |
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Twee Koninkrijken - 1 (Dutch) by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch preaches about the misconception among many Christians who believe they can somehow 'convert' worldly kingdoms into God's kingdoms, focusing on influencing governments |
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What Kind of Being Is Man - Part 3 by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the intelligence and ability of humans to organize and change their environment. He also highlights the presence of a sinful nature within ev |