Ezekiel 23:3
Ezekiel 23:3 in Multiple Translations
and they played in Egypt, prostituting themselves from their youth. Their breasts were fondled there, and their virgin bosoms caressed.
And they committed whoredoms in Egypt; they committed whoredoms in their youth: there were their breasts pressed, and there they bruised the teats of their virginity.
and they played the harlot in Egypt; they played the harlot in their youth; there were their breasts pressed, and there was handled the bosom of their virginity.
They were acting like loose women in Egypt; when they were young their behaviour was loose: there their breasts were crushed, even the points of their young breasts were crushed.
They became prostitutes in Egypt. In fact, they were prostitutes from the time they were young. They allowed their virgin breasts to be fondled and their nipples squeezed.
And they committed fornication in Egypt, they committed fornication in their youth: there were their breasts pressed, and there they bruised the teates of their virginitie.
And they go a-whoring in Egypt, In their youth they have gone a-whoring, There they have bruised their breasts, And there they have dealt with the loves of their virginity.
They played the prostitute in Egypt. They played the prostitute in their youth. Their breasts were fondled there, and their youthful nipples were caressed there.
And they committed lewd deeds in Egypt; they committed lewd deeds in their youth: there were their breasts pressed, and there they were first corrupted.
And they committed fornication in Egypt, in their youth they committed fornication: there were their breasts pressed down, and the teats of their virginity were bruised.
They lived in Egypt. And from the time that they were young women, they became prostitutes. In that land, men fondled their breasts and caressed their bosoms [DOU].
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 23:3
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 23:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּזְנֶ֣ינָה
בְ/מִצְרַ֔יִם
בִּ/נְעוּרֵי/הֶ֖ן
זָנ֑וּ
שָׁ֚מָּ/ה
מֹעֲכ֣וּ
שְׁדֵי/הֶ֔ן
וְ/שָׁ֣ם
עִשּׂ֔וּ
דַּדֵּ֖י
בְּתוּלֵי/הֶֽן
וַ/תִּזְנֶ֣ינָה
zânâh
H2181
to fornicate
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
בְ/מִצְרַ֔יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
Prep | N-proper
בִּ/נְעוּרֵי/הֶ֖ן
nâʻûwr
H5271
youth
Prep | N-cp | Suff
זָנ֑וּ
zânâh
H2181
to fornicate
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
שָׁ֚מָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
there
Adv | Suff
מֹעֲכ֣וּ
mâʻak
H4600
to bruise
V-Pual-Perf-3cp
שְׁדֵי/הֶ֔ן
shad
H7699
breast
N-md | Suff
וְ/שָׁ֣ם
shâm
H8033
there
Conj | Adv
עִשּׂ֔וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
דַּדֵּ֖י
dad
H1717
breast
N-md
בְּתוּלֵי/הֶֽן
bᵉthûwlîym
H1331
virginity
N-cp | 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 23:3
וַ/תִּזְנֶ֣ינָה
zânâh
H2181
"to fornicate"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
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.
בְ/מִצְרַ֔יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
Prep | 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.
בִּ/נְעוּרֵי/הֶ֖ן
nâʻûwr
H5271
"youth"
Prep | 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.
זָנ֑וּ
zânâh
H2181
"to fornicate"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
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.
שָׁ֚מָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv | Suff
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
מֹעֲכ֣וּ
mâʻak
H4600
"to bruise"
V-Pual-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to press or crush something, like piercing or squeezing, and is used to describe being handled or crushed. It appears in various forms, such as being stuck or pressed. In the Bible, it's often translated as 'bruised' or 'pressed'.
Definition: 1) to press, squeeze 1a) (Qal) to be crushed 1b) (Pual) to be handled, be pressed
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: bruised, stuck, be pressed. See also: Leviticus 22:24; 1 Samuel 26:7; Ezekiel 23:3.
שְׁדֵי/הֶ֔ן
shad
H7699
"breast"
N-md | Suff
The Hebrew word for breast, describing a woman's or animal's breast as swollen. It is used in the Bible to describe nursing or motherly care. The KJV translates it as 'breast' or 'pap'.
Definition: 1) breast, bosom, (female) breast 1a) breast (of woman) 1b) breast (of animal) 1c) breast (of both human and animal) Also means: shod (שֹׁד "breast" H7699B)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: breast, pap, teat. See also: Genesis 49:25; Isaiah 28:9; Psalms 22:10.
וְ/שָׁ֣ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Conj | Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
עִשּׂ֔וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
דַּדֵּ֖י
dad
H1717
"breast"
N-md
The breast is a symbol of love and nurturing, often referring to the seat of emotions. In the Bible, it represents a place of comfort and closeness. It can also mean the nipple or teat, providing sustenance.
Definition: breast, nipple, teat
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: breast, teat. See also: Proverbs 5:19; Ezekiel 23:8; Ezekiel 23:21.
בְּתוּלֵי/הֶֽן
bᵉthûwlîym
H1331
"virginity"
N-cp | Suff
Virginity refers to the state of being a virgin, and the tokens that prove it, as discussed in biblical laws and customs.
Definition: virginity
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] maid, virginity. See also: Leviticus 21:13; Deuteronomy 22:20; Ezekiel 23:8.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 23:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 23:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:3
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 23:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:3
- Sermons on Ezekiel 23:3
Context — The Two Adulterous Sisters
1Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
2“Son of man, there were two women, daughters of the same mother,
3and they played in Egypt, prostituting themselves from their youth. Their breasts were fondled there, and their virgin bosoms caressed.
4The older was named Oholah, and her sister was named Oholibah. They became Mine and gave birth to sons and daughters. As for their identities, Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem. 5Oholah prostituted herself while she was still Mine. She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians—warriorsCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 17:7 | They must no longer offer their sacrifices to the goat demons to which they have prostituted themselves. This will be a permanent statute for them for the generations to come.’ |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | Joshua 24:14 | Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; cast aside the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 23:19 | Yet she multiplied her promiscuity, remembering the days of her youth, when she had prostituted herself in the land of Egypt |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 29:16 | For you yourselves know how we lived in the land of Egypt and how we passed through the nations on the way here. |
| 6 | Hosea 2:15 | There I will give back her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor into a gateway of hope. There she will respond as she did in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt. |
| 7 | 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. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 20:8 | But they rebelled against Me and refused to listen. None of them cast away the abominations before their eyes, and they did not forsake the idols of Egypt. So I resolved to pour out My wrath upon them and vent My anger against them in the land of Egypt. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 23:21 | So you revisited the indecency of your youth, when the Egyptians caressed your bosom and pressed your young breasts. |
Ezekiel 23:3 Summary
Ezekiel 23:3 describes how two sisters, representing the nations of Israel and Judah, became corrupted from a young age by idolatrous and immoral practices. This corruption is compared to the way a young woman's purity and innocence can be lost. The Bible warns us against allowing the world to shape our values and morals, as seen in Romans 12:2 and 1 John 2:15-17. By staying close to God and following His teachings, we can remain pure and devoted to Him, just like a bride is devoted to her husband, as seen in Ephesians 5:25-33.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the sisters to have 'played in Egypt' in Ezekiel 23:3?
This phrase suggests that from a young age, the sisters were involved in idolatrous and immoral practices, similar to those found in Egypt, as warned against in Exodus 23:33 and Deuteronomy 7:3-4.
How does the image of 'their breasts being fondled' relate to the spiritual condition of the sisters?
This image is a metaphor for the way the sisters allowed foreign influences to shape their spiritual lives, much like the way Hosea 2:13 describes how God's people were seduced by idols.
What is the significance of 'their virgin bosoms caressed' in this context?
This phrase highlights the corruption of innocence and purity, as seen in the way God originally intended for His people to remain pure and devoted to Him, as in 2 Corinthians 11:2-3.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of Ezekiel?
Ezekiel 23:3 sets the stage for the prophet's condemnation of Israel's and Judah's spiritual adultery, as seen in the rest of the chapter, and serves as a reminder of God's call to faithfulness and purity, as in Ezekiel 18:30-32.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be 'playing in Egypt' or compromising my spiritual purity in my own life?
- How can I guard my heart against the corrupting influences of the world, as described in 1 John 2:15-17?
- What does it mean for me to remain 'pure and devoted' to God, as seen in 2 Corinthians 11:2-3, and how can I cultivate this in my life?
- In what ways can I seek to 'return to my first love' and rekindle my devotion to God, as encouraged in Revelation 2:4-5?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:3
And they committed whoredoms in Egypt,.... When they were but one body, one nation; and while they sojourned as strangers in that land they learned and practised the idolatries of it, Joshua 24:14,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:3
And they committed whoredoms in Egypt; they committed whoredoms in their youth: there were their breasts pressed, and there they bruised the teats of their virginity. They committed whoredoms in Egypt.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:3
They committed whoredoms in Egypt; when they came down into Egypt, and sojourned there: possibly they might commit bodily whoredoms, but spiritual whoredoms, i.e. idolatry, they did certainly commit, as appears ,8, which see; in a low condition, by converse with the idolatrous Egyptians they fell in with their idolatry. In their youth; early; though it is no where said when they began, yet by this it appears that it was not long after their coming down into Egypt. There were their breasts pressed: this and what follows is an allusion, which illustrates what was before spoken; while they were constant to God and his worship, they were as beautiful, chaste, and lovely virgins; when seduced to idolatry, they became as loathsome harlots or strumpets.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:3
Ezekiel 23:3 And they committed whoredoms in Egypt; they committed whoredoms in their youth: there were their breasts pressed, and there they bruised the teats of their virginity.Ver. 3. And they committed whoredoms in Egypt.] See Ezekiel 20:8 Joshua 24:14. They committed whoredoms in their youth.] Like the strumpet Quartilla in Petronius, who said, Iunonem ego meam iratam habeam, si unquam me meminerim virginem fuisse. There were their breasts pressed.] Violatam virginitatem mammarum laxitas consequitur. Petron. Satyricon.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:3
(3) In Egypt.—The idolatries of Israel in Egypt have already been spoken of in the Note to Ezekiel 20:8. (See also Ezekiel 23:19 below.)
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 23:3
3. The two kingdoms are represented ideally as already existing in Egypt. This is not so far from the truth. The great tribes of Judah and Ephraim from the first stood apart, and in their attitude there lay already the germs of the two kingdoms, as appears in the song of Deborah. On the idea of the prophet that idolatry was practised in Egypt, cf. ch. Ezekiel 20:8, Ezekiel 16:26.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:3
3. They committed whoredoms in Egypt — It is plain from this that Ezekiel knew that Israel had broken faith with the one God in Goshen.
Sermons on Ezekiel 23:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Guidelines to Freedom Part 1 - Who Takes First Place? by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the transformative power of the Ten Commandments for believers. He explains that the law of God reveals our sinfulness and leads us to salva |
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Decisions by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of making decisions in life. He uses examples from biblical stories such as Jonah and Pilate to illustrate the consequences o |
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Dangers in Spiritualist Practices by Jim Logan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of not synchronizing Spiritistic teachings with Christianity. He refers to the book of Joshua, specifically chapter 24, where J |
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Houston Colonial Hills Conference 1995-05 Joshua 24:14 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making decisions in life, particularly decisions that align with God's will. He encourages listeners to be people of prayer |
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No Other Name by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of fearing and serving the Lord in sincerity and truth. He refers to the book of Joshua chapter 24, where Joshua gives his fin |
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A Warning to Us All Relativism by Mark Woodhouse | In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading from Joshua chapter 24, emphasizing the importance of fearing and serving the Lord in sincerity and truth. He warns against the dange |
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Ford at Southside-st.louis 04 Joshua 24; by Stan Ford | Stan Ford emphasizes the critical choice each individual must make regarding whom they will serve, drawing from Joshua 24. He reflects on Joshua's leadership and the importance of |