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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Ezekiel 23  › Ezekiel 23:20

Ezekiel 23:20

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Ezekiel 23:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

and lusted after their lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission was like that of stallions.

King James Version KJV

For she doted upon their paramours, whose flesh is as the flesh of asses, and whose issue is like the issue of horses.

American Standard Version ASV

And she doted upon their paramours, whose flesh is as the flesh of asses, and whose issue is like the issue of horses.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And she was full of desire for her lovers, whose flesh is like the flesh of asses and whose seed is like the seed of horses.

Free Bible Version FBV

She wanted to have sex with her lovers who had genitals like donkeys and who ejaculated like stallions.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For she doted vpon their seruants whose members are as the members of asses, and whose yssue is like the yssue of horses.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And she doteth on their paramours, Whose flesh [is] the flesh of asses, And the issue of horses — their issue.

World English Bible WEB

She lusted after their lovers, whose flesh is as the flesh of donkeys, and whose issue is like the issue of horses.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For she doted upon their paramours, whose flesh is as the flesh of asses, and whose issue is like the issue of horses.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And she was mad with lust after lying with them whose flesh is as the flesh of asses: and whose issue as the issue of horses.

Translation for Translators T4T

There she wanted to have sex with those who loved her, whose genitals were very long, like [SIM] those of donkeys, and whose sexual emissions were huge, like those of horses.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 23:20

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 23:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַֽ/תַּעְגְּבָ֔/ה עַ֖ל פִּֽלַגְשֵׁי/הֶ֑ם אֲשֶׁ֤ר בְּשַׂר חֲמוֹרִים֙ בְּשָׂרָ֔/ם וְ/זִרְמַ֥ת סוּסִ֖ים זִרְמָתָֽ/ם
וַֽ/תַּעְגְּבָ֔/ה ʻăgab H5689 to lust Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
עַ֖ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
פִּֽלַגְשֵׁי/הֶ֑ם pîylegesh H6370 concubine N-fp | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
בְּשַׂר bâsâr H1320 flesh N-ms
חֲמוֹרִים֙ chămôwr H2543 donkey N-cp
בְּשָׂרָ֔/ם bâsâr H1320 flesh N-ms | Suff
וְ/זִרְמַ֥ת zirmâh H2231 discharge Conj | N-fs
סוּסִ֖ים çûwç H5483 swallow N-mp
זִרְמָתָֽ/ם zirmâh H2231 discharge N-fs | 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 23:20

וַֽ/תַּעְגְּבָ֔/ה ʻăgab H5689 "to lust" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
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.
עַ֖ל 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.
פִּֽלַגְשֵׁי/הֶ֑ם pîylegesh H6370 "concubine" N-fp | Suff
A concubine is a woman who lives with a man but is not his wife, as seen in the stories of Abraham and Solomon. This word can also refer to a paramour, or a person's lover. The Bible mentions concubines in the context of polygamy and relationships.
Definition: 1) concubine, paramour 1a) concubine 1b) paramour
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: concubine, paramour. See also: Genesis 22:24; 2 Samuel 5:13; Ezekiel 23:20.
אֲשֶׁ֤ר 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.
בְּשַׂר bâsâr H1320 "flesh" N-ms
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
חֲמוֹרִים֙ chămôwr H2543 "donkey" N-cp
The Hebrew word for a male donkey, it is translated as he ass in the KJV Bible. The name comes from the animal's reddish-brown color.
Definition: (he) ass
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: (he) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:4; Proverbs 26:3.
בְּשָׂרָ֔/ם bâsâr H1320 "flesh" N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
וְ/זִרְמַ֥ת zirmâh H2231 "discharge" Conj | N-fs
This term refers to a discharge of fluid, specifically seminal discharge. It is used in Leviticus to describe certain bodily emissions and the resulting ritual uncleanness.
Definition: 1) flow, issue 1a) issue (of seminal discharge)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: issue. See also: Ezekiel 23:20.
סוּסִ֖ים 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.
זִרְמָתָֽ/ם zirmâh H2231 "discharge" N-fs | Suff
This term refers to a discharge of fluid, specifically seminal discharge. It is used in Leviticus to describe certain bodily emissions and the resulting ritual uncleanness.
Definition: 1) flow, issue 1a) issue (of seminal discharge)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: issue. See also: Ezekiel 23:20.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 23:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ezekiel 17:15 But this king rebelled against Babylon by sending his envoys to Egypt to ask for horses and a large army. Will he flourish? Will the one who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and yet escape?’
2 Ezekiel 16:26 You prostituted yourself with your lustful neighbors, the Egyptians, and increased your promiscuity to provoke Me to anger.
3 Jeremiah 5:8 They are well-fed, lusty stallions, each neighing after his neighbor’s wife.
4 Ezekiel 16:20 You even took the sons and daughters you bore to Me and sacrificed them as food to idols. Was your prostitution not enough?

Ezekiel 23:20 Summary

[This verse is talking about how the kingdom of Judah had turned away from God and was chasing after other things that they thought would make them happy, but were actually hurting them. It's like when we try to fill a void in our hearts with things that are not from God, as seen in Jeremiah 2:13. God wants us to come to Him and find our satisfaction in Him, as promised in Psalm 16:11. By seeking other 'lovers', we are essentially committing spiritual adultery, which is a serious offense against God, as stated in Exodus 20:5.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this verse mean by 'lovers' and why does it describe them in such a graphic way?

The 'lovers' in this verse refer to the foreign nations and idols that Oholibah, a symbol for the kingdom of Judah, had turned to for comfort and security, as seen in Ezekiel 23:19. The graphic description emphasizes the depth of their sin and idolatry, as also warned against in Exodus 20:3-5.

Is this verse talking about literal lust or is it using metaphorical language?

This verse is using metaphorical language to describe the intense and passionate pursuit of idolatry and sin by the kingdom of Judah, as also described in Ezekiel 16:28-29 and Hosea 2:13.

How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual adultery in the Bible?

This verse illustrates the concept of spiritual adultery, where God's people turn away from their covenant relationship with Him to pursue other 'lovers', as seen in Jeremiah 3:8 and Hosea 1:2-3. This is a serious offense against God, as He is a jealous God, as stated in Exodus 20:5.

What is the significance of the comparison to donkeys and stallions in this verse?

The comparison to donkeys and stallions emphasizes the excessive and unnatural nature of the kingdom of Judah's pursuit of sin and idolatry, highlighting their complete disregard for God's laws and standards, as also seen in Deuteronomy 12:31 and Romans 1:26-27.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I may be 'lusting after lovers' in my own life, turning away from God's love and provision?
  2. How can I recognize and resist the temptation to pursue worldly desires and idols, and instead seek a deeper relationship with God?
  3. What are some ways that I can cultivate a greater sense of reverence and awe for God, recognizing His holiness and my own sinfulness?
  4. How can I apply the lessons of this verse to my own life, seeking to remain faithful to God and avoid the pitfalls of spiritual adultery?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:20

For she doted upon their paramours,.... Or "concubines" (z); the neighbouring nations and allies of the Egyptians, whose friendship the Jews courted, and whose idols they served: the Septuagint and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:20

For she doted upon their paramours, whose flesh is as the flesh of asses, and whose issue is like the issue of horses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:20

Doted: see . Upon their paramours; Egyptians, and the nations that were confederate with the Egyptians; looking on them as able to defend by their power, enrich by their trade, and make prosperous by their friendship. Whose flesh, & c.: in these terms the prophet expresseth the vehement desire of the Jews to Egyptian idolatry, compared to whoredom, and may, for aught I know, tax the lustful impudence of some of the Jewish women in their corporal uncleannesses with the Egyptians, who were it seems (by report of authors) naturally disposed for that vice, and fittest for unsatiable, lustful women: see .

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:20

Ezekiel 23:20 For she doted upon their paramours, whose flesh [is as] the flesh of asses, and whose issue [is like] the issue of horses.Ver. 20. Whose flesh is as the flesh of asses.] Qui sunt bene mentulati (honos sit nutibus) et qui semine abundant. Commodus the emperor, who had never a good property in him, was for this called the Ass, as Jerome noteth. And whose issue is as the issue of horses.] Fluxus equorum est fluxus eorum - that is, they are extremely libidinous and superstitious, so that there is no ho with them. Circumfluunt et exundant omni scelere et impietate copiosissime.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:20

(20) Their paramours.—The word is masculine, as indicating the abominable sins copied by the Israelites from the heathen, and asses and horses are introduced to show the intensity of lust. (Comp. Jeremiah 5:8.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:20

Verse 20. She doted upon their paramours] פלגשיהם pillagsheyhem, their harlots or concubines. Anciently harlot meant in our language either the male or female prostitute. Whose flesh is as the flesh of asses] See on Ezekiel 16:25.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:20

20. Compare notes Ezekiel 16:26, and see Jeremiah 5:8. The coarsest and most fleshly abominations just suited her taste.
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