Ezekiel 23:19
Ezekiel 23:19 in Multiple Translations
Yet she multiplied her promiscuity, remembering the days of her youth, when she had prostituted herself in the land of Egypt
Yet she multiplied her whoredoms, in calling to remembrance the days of her youth, wherein she had played the harlot in the land of Egypt.
Yet she multiplied her whoredoms, remembering the days of her youth, wherein she had played the harlot in the land of Egypt.
But still she went on the more with her loose behaviour, keeping in mind the early days when she had been a loose woman in the land of Egypt.
But she practiced even more prostitution, remembering how she'd been a prostitute in Egypt when she was young.
Yet she encreased her whoredome more, and called to remembrance ye dayes of her youth, wherein she had played the harlot in the land of Egypt.
And she multiplieth her whoredoms, To remember the days of her youth, When she went a-whoring in the land of Egypt.
Yet she multiplied her prostitution, remembering the days of her youth, in which she had played the prostitute in the land of Egypt.
Yet she multiplied her prostitutions, in calling to remembrance the days of her youth, in which she had played the harlot in the land of Egypt.
For she multiplied her fornications, remembering the days of her youth, in which she played the harlot in the land of Egypt.
But she became even more immoral, as she remembered when she was a young woman who was a prostitute in Egypt.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 23:19
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 23:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תַּרְבֶּ֖ה
אֶת
תַּזְנוּתֶ֑י/הָ
לִ/זְכֹּר֙
אֶת
יְמֵ֣י
נְעוּרֶ֔י/הָ
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
זָנְתָ֖ה
בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ
מִצְרָֽיִם
וַ/תַּרְבֶּ֖ה
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
תַּזְנוּתֶ֑י/הָ
taznûwth
H8457
fornication
N-fp | Suff
לִ/זְכֹּר֙
zâkar
H2142
to remember
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְמֵ֣י
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
נְעוּרֶ֔י/הָ
nâʻûwr
H5271
youth
N-cp | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
זָנְתָ֖ה
zânâh
H2181
to fornicate
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
מִצְרָֽיִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 23:19
וַ/תַּרְבֶּ֖ה
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
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.
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.
לִ/זְכֹּר֙
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
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.
יְמֵ֣י
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
נְעוּרֶ֔י/הָ
nâʻûwr
H5271
"youth"
N-cp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the state of being young or a group of young people, as seen in Isaiah 47:12. It describes a stage of life, like childhood or adolescence. This concept is also mentioned in Jeremiah 31:19.
Definition: youth, early life Also means: na.ur (נְעוּרוֹת "youth" H5271B)
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: childhood, youth. See also: Genesis 8:21; Isaiah 54:6; Psalms 25:7.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
זָנְתָ֖ה
zânâh
H2181
"to fornicate"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To fornicate means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, often used to describe idolatry in the Bible. It can also refer to a person being a cult prostitute or causing others to be unfaithful.
Definition: 1) to commit fornication, be a harlot, play the harlot 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be a harlot, act as a harlot, commit fornication 1a2) to commit adultery 1a3) to be a cult prostitute 1a4) to be unfaithful (to God) (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to play the harlot 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to commit adultery 1c2) to force into prostitution 1c3) to commit fornication
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) commit fornication, [idiom] continually, [idiom] great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) whore, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go a-whoring, whorish. See also: Genesis 34:31; Isaiah 57:3; Psalms 73:27.
בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מִצְרָֽיִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 23:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 23:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:19
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 23:19
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 23:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:19
- Sermons on Ezekiel 23:19
Context — The Two Adulterous Sisters
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 Egypt
20and lusted after their lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission was like that of stallions. 21So you revisited the indecency of your youth, when the Egyptians caressed your bosom and pressed your young breasts.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 23:3 | and they played in Egypt, prostituting themselves from their youth. Their breasts were fondled there, and their virgin bosoms caressed. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 20:7 | And I said to them: ‘Each of you must throw away the abominations before his eyes, and you must not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.’ |
| 3 | Ezekiel 16:51 | Furthermore, Samaria did not commit half the sins you did. You have multiplied your abominations beyond theirs, and all the abominations you have committed have made your sisters appear righteous. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 23:21 | So you revisited the indecency of your youth, when the Egyptians caressed your bosom and pressed your young breasts. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 16:22 | And in all your abominations and acts of prostitution, you did not remember the days of your youth when you were naked and bare, wallowing in your own blood. |
| 6 | Amos 4:4 | “Go to Bethel and transgress; rebel even more at Gilgal! Bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 16:29 | So you extended your promiscuity to Chaldea, the land of merchants—but even with this you were not satisfied! |
| 8 | Ezekiel 16:25 | At the head of every street you built your lofty shrines and degraded your beauty. With increasing promiscuity, you spread your legs to all who passed by. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 23:14 | But Oholibah carried her prostitution even further. She saw the men portrayed on the wall, images of the Chaldeans, engraved in vermilion, |
| 10 | Ezekiel 23:8 | She did not give up the prostitution she began in Egypt, when men slept with her in her youth, caressed her virgin bosom, and poured out their lust upon her. |
Ezekiel 23:19 Summary
[This verse shows how Israel looked back to their past sins in Egypt with fondness, rather than remembering the Lord's deliverance and faithfulness. This is a warning to us not to nostalgia for our past sins, but to remember God's love and faithfulness, as seen in Psalm 107:1-9. We must be careful not to fall back into old patterns of sin, and instead seek to walk in purity and faithfulness with God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:1-13.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the reference to Egypt in Ezekiel 23:19?
The reference to Egypt in this verse is a reminder of Israel's past idolatry and sin, as seen in Exodus 32:1-6 and other passages, where they turned to false gods and immorality, setting a pattern for their future behavior.
Why did God use the metaphor of prostitution to describe Israel's sin?
God used this metaphor to convey the depth of Israel's spiritual adultery, as they had turned away from their covenant with Him to pursue other loves, just as a prostitute would seek out many lovers, as seen in Jeremiah 3:6-10 and Hosea 1:2.
How does this verse relate to the concept of nostalgia in the Bible?
This verse shows how nostalgia can be a dangerous thing, as Israel looked back fondly on their past sins in Egypt, rather than remembering the Lord's deliverance and faithfulness, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:2-5 and Psalm 78:1-8.
What is the spiritual lesson from Israel's repeated return to sin, as seen in Ezekiel 23:19?
The lesson is that our sinful tendencies can be deeply ingrained, and without God's intervention and our repentance, we can easily fall back into old patterns of sin, as seen in Romans 7:14-25 and 2 Peter 2:20-22.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have 'looked back' to past sins or experiences, and how can I turn my eyes back to the Lord?
- In what ways have I 'prostituted' myself to the world, seeking love and acceptance in all the wrong places, and how can I return to a pure and faithful walk with God?
- How can I be aware of the dangers of nostalgia, and instead remember the Lord's faithfulness and deliverance in my life, as seen in Psalm 77:10-12?
- What are some 'Egyptian' patterns or habits in my life that I need to break free from, and how can I seek God's help in doing so?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:19
Yet she multiplied her whoredoms,.... Though the Lord frowned upon the Jews in the times of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah, yet still they went on, and increased their alliances and idolatries with the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:19
Yet she multiplied her whoredoms, in calling to remembrance the days of her youth, wherein she had played the harlot in the land of Egypt. She multiplied her whoredoms, in calling to remembrance the days of her youth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:19
Yet, Heb. And. Multiplied; added more and greater to her former sins of idolatry and whoredoms, and persisted in them. In calling to remembrance: this may refer either to the Jewish nation remembering their idolatries in Egypt, their alliances with and reliance upon it in days past, which she now resolves to act over again; or it may refer to God, who, by these continued courses of Judah’ s lewdness is provoked to remember and punish old perfidious and idolatrous practices. The days of her youth: see .
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:19
Ezekiel 23:19 Yet she multiplied her whoredoms, in calling to remembrance the days of her youth, wherein she had played the harlot in the land of Egypt.Ver. 19. In calling to mind the sins of her youth.] This was to recommit them, because she remembered them with delight. It argueth an unmortified frame when recalling former evil acts proveth a snare.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 23:19
19. Judah being situated between the two great empires of Babylon and Egypt and coveted by both, was naturally a hotbed of intrigue by partizans on both sides. The influence of the Egyptian party was great even in the Assyrian age (Isaiah 30-31), and the imposing and pretentious power of the Nile valley continued to delude the politicians of Judah throughout the period of Chaldean supremacy (ch. 29–32; Jeremiah 2:18; Jeremiah 37:5 seq.; Lamentations 4:17).
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 23:19
Egypt - The kings of Judah played alternately Egypt against Babylon, and Babylon against Egypt. Jehoahaz was displaced by Necho for Jehoiakim, who then turned to the Chaldaeans, and afterward rebelling sought aid from Egypt.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:19
19. Yet she multiplied her whoredoms — She was not true to her new Babylonian paramour, nor did she return to her rightful husband, but ever courted other foreign alliances, especially with Egypt.
Sermons on Ezekiel 23:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Discernment - Part 1 by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of discernment in the Church today. He emphasizes that spiritual truth may seem foolish to the natural man, but it can only be |
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Is This That? by Vance Havner | In this sermon, Dr. Crouch addresses the state of the church and its lack of spiritual concern for the world. He compares the average church membership to a malfunctioning electric |
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Abrahams' Journey by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not wasting one's life and youth by going back to worldly ways. He uses the example of Abraham and the prodigal son to illu |
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Is This That (Alternate) by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of breaking up the ground before expecting a harvest. He compares the process of growing a crop to the work of spreading the w |
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Ivory Houses & Fat Cows: The Excessive Nonsense of the Modern Christian Church by Joseph LoSardo | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the decline of a nation that was once a leader in industry and ponders its future. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on God and His s |
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Walking With God - Part 4 by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of walking with God through patience and understanding during trials, drawing parallels with Job's suffering. He explains that God's purpos |