Ezekiel 23:40
Ezekiel 23:40 in Multiple Translations
Furthermore, you sisters sent messengers for men who came from afar; and behold, when they arrived, you bathed for them, painted your eyes, and adorned yourself with jewelry.
And furthermore, that ye have sent for men to come from far, unto whom a messenger was sent; and, lo, they came: for whom thou didst wash thyself, paintedst thy eyes, and deckedst thyself with ornaments,
And furthermore ye have sent for men that come from far, unto whom a messenger was sent, and, lo, they came; for whom thou didst wash thyself, paint thine eyes, and deck thyself with ornaments,
And she even sent for men to come from far away, to whom a servant was sent, and they came: for whom she was washing her body and painting her eyes and making herself fair with ornaments.
They even kept on sending messengers for men to come from far away. When the men arrived, you would get yourselves ready for them by bathing, doing your eye makeup, and putting on your jewelry.
And howe much more is it that they sent for men to come from farre vnto whom a messenger was sent, and loe, they came? for whome thou diddest wash thy selfe, and paintedst thine eyes, and deckedst thee with ornaments,
And also that they send to men coming from afar, Unto whom a messenger is sent, And lo, they have come in for whom thou hast washed, Painted thine eyes, and put on adornment.
“Furthermore you sisters have sent for men who come from far away, to whom a messenger was sent, and behold, they came; for whom you washed yourself, painted your eyes, decorated yourself with ornaments,
And furthermore, that ye have sent for men to come from far, to whom a messenger was sent; and lo, they came: for whom thou didst wash thyself, paint thy eyes, and deck thyself with ornaments,
They sent for men coming from afar, to whom they had sent a messenger: and behold they came: for whom thou didst wash thyself, and didst paint thy eyes, and wast adorned with women’s ornaments.
They sent messages to men in countries far away. And when those men arrived, the women of those two cities bathed themselves for them, painted their eyebrows, and put on jewelry.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 23:40
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 23:40 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַ֗ף
כִּ֤י
תִשְׁלַ֨חְנָה֙
לַֽ/אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
בָּאִ֖ים
מִ/מֶּרְחָ֑ק
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
מַלְאָ֜ךְ
שָׁל֤וּחַ
אֲלֵי/הֶם֙
וְ/הִנֵּה
בָ֔אוּ
לַ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
רָחַ֛צְתְּ
כָּחַ֥לְתְּ
עֵינַ֖יִ/ךְ
וְ/עָ֥דִית
עֶֽדִי
וְ/אַ֗ף
ʼaph
H637
also
Conj | Adv
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תִשְׁלַ֨חְנָה֙
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
לַֽ/אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-mp
בָּאִ֖ים
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal
מִ/מֶּרְחָ֑ק
merchâq
H4801
distance
Prep | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
מַלְאָ֜ךְ
mălʼâk
H4397
messenger
N-ms
שָׁל֤וּחַ
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Qal-Inf-c
אֲלֵי/הֶם֙
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
וְ/הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
בָ֔אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לַ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
רָחַ֛צְתְּ
râchats
H7364
to wash
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
כָּחַ֥לְתְּ
kâchal
H3583
to paint
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
עֵינַ֖יִ/ךְ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
וְ/עָ֥דִית
ʻâdâh
H5710
to advance
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-2fs
עֶֽדִי
ʻădîy
H5716
ornament
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 23:40
וְ/אַ֗ף
ʼaph
H637
"also"
Conj | Adv
The Hebrew word for 'also' or 'addition', used to connect ideas or show a relationship between them, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean 'though' or 'yet', indicating a contrast. This word is often used to add emphasis or provide more information.
Definition: conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater) 1) also, yea, though, so much the more adv 2) furthermore, indeed Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: also, [phrase] although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, [phrase] how much less (more, rather than), moreover, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 16:6; Psalms 16:7.
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תִשְׁלַ֨חְנָה֙
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
לַֽ/אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | 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.
בָּאִ֖ים
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal
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.
מִ/מֶּרְחָ֑ק
merchâq
H4801
"distance"
Prep | N-ms
Merchaq means a distant place or far country, often used to describe a location that is far away. It can also imply a sense of remoteness or separation. This word is used in the Bible to describe geographical distance.
Definition: distant place, distance, far country
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: (a-, dwell in, very) far (country, off). See also H1023 (בֵּית הַמֶּרְחָק). See also: Psalms 138:6; Isaiah 33:17; Proverbs 25:25.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
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.
מַלְאָ֜ךְ
mălʼâk
H4397
"messenger"
N-ms
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
שָׁל֤וּחַ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
אֲלֵי/הֶם֙
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.
וְ/הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
בָ֔אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
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.
לַ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | 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.
רָחַ֛צְתְּ
râchats
H7364
"to wash"
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
The Hebrew word for washing or bathing, used in Exodus 30:19 where priests had to wash their hands and feet before entering the temple. It means to clean or purify oneself, as seen in 2 Kings 5:10 where Elisha tells Naaman to wash in the Jordan River.
Definition: : wash 1) to wash, wash off, wash away, bathe 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wash, wash off, wash away 1a2) to wash, bathe (oneself) 1b) (Pual) to be washed 1c) (Hithpael) to wash oneself 2a) (Hithpael Passive) to be regarded clean, trustworthy
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: bathe (self), wash (self). See also: Genesis 18:4; Leviticus 16:4; Psalms 26:6.
כָּחַ֥לְתְּ
kâchal
H3583
"to paint"
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
Kachal means to paint, specifically with a cosmetic like stibium, and is used to describe adorning eyes with paint.
Definition: (Qal) to paint (eyes), adorn with paint
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: paint. See also: Ezekiel 23:40.
עֵינַ֖יִ/ךְ
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
וְ/עָ֥דִית
ʻâdâh
H5710
"to advance"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-2fs
This verb means to adorn or decorate oneself with ornaments, and is used in 2 Samuel 1:24 to describe the Israelites' adornment. It also appears in Ezekiel 23:40, where it talks about the decorating of a bed.
Definition: 1) to pass on, advance, go on, pass by, remove 1a) (Qal) to pass on, put on 1b) (Hiphil) to remove Aramaic equivalent: a.dah (עֲדָה "to pass on/over/away" H5709)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: adorn, deck (self), pass by, take away. See also: Job 28:8; Jeremiah 31:4; Proverbs 25:20.
עֶֽדִי
ʻădîy
H5716
"ornament"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to ornaments or fine clothing, and can also describe the trappings of horses. It is used in books like Esther and Ezekiel to describe luxurious items. The word is about beautiful or impressive things.
Definition: 1) ornaments 1a) ornaments 1b) trappings (of horses)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] excellent, mouth, ornament. See also: Exodus 33:4; Isaiah 49:18; Psalms 32:9.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 23:40
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- Ezekiel 23:40 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:40
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:40
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:40
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:40
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:40
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:40
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 23:40
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 23:40
- Sermons on Ezekiel 23:40
Context — Judgment on Both Sisters
38They have also done this to Me: On that very same day, they defiled My sanctuary and profaned My Sabbaths.
39On the very day they slaughtered their children for their idols, they entered My sanctuary to profane it. Yes, they did this inside My house.
40Furthermore, you sisters sent messengers for men who came from afar; and behold, when they arrived, you bathed for them, painted your eyes, and adorned yourself with jewelry.
41You sat on a couch of luxury with a table spread before it, on which you had set My incense and My oil, 42accompanied by the sound of a carefree crowd. Drunkards were brought in from the desert along with men from the rabble, who put bracelets on your wrists and beautiful crowns on your head.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 9:30 | Now when Jehu arrived in Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it. So she painted her eyes, adorned her head, and looked down from a window. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 4:30 | And you, O devastated one, what will you do, though you dress yourself in scarlet, though you adorn yourself with gold jewelry, though you enlarge your eyes with paint? You adorn yourself in vain; your lovers despise you; they want to take your life. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 16:13–16 | So you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was made of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour, honey, and oil. You became very beautiful and rose to be queen. Your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, for it was perfect in the splendor I bestowed on you, declares the Lord GOD. But because of your fame, you trusted in your beauty and played the harlot. You lavished your favors on everyone who passed by, and your beauty was theirs for the asking. You took some of your garments and made colorful high places for yourself, and on them you prostituted yourself. Such things should not have happened; never should they have occurred! |
| 4 | Isaiah 57:9 | You went to Molech with oil and multiplied your perfumes. You have sent your envoys a great distance; you have descended even to Sheol itself. |
| 5 | Isaiah 3:18–23 | In that day the Lord will take away their finery: their anklets and headbands and crescents; their pendants, bracelets, and veils; their headdresses, ankle chains, and sashes; their perfume bottles and charms; their signet rings and nose rings; their festive robes, capes, cloaks, and purses; and their mirrors, linen garments, tiaras, and shawls. |
| 6 | Ruth 3:3 | Therefore wash yourself, put on perfume, and wear your best clothes. Go down to the threshing floor, but do not let the man know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. |
| 7 | Proverbs 7:10 | Then a woman came out to meet him, with the attire of a harlot and cunning of heart. |
| 8 | Esther 2:12 | In the twelve months before her turn to go to King Xerxes, the harem regulation required each young woman to receive beauty treatments with oil of myrrh for six months, and then with perfumes and cosmetics for another six months. |
| 9 | 2 Kings 20:13–15 | And Hezekiah received the envoys and showed them all that was in his treasure house—the silver, the gold, the spices, and the precious oil, as well as his armory—all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his palace or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them. Then the prophet Isaiah went to King Hezekiah and asked, “Where did those men come from, and what did they say to you?” “They came from a distant land,” Hezekiah replied, “from Babylon.” “What have they seen in your palace?” Isaiah asked. “They have seen everything in my palace,” answered Hezekiah. “There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them.” |
| 10 | Ezekiel 23:13 | And I saw that she too had defiled herself; both of them had taken the same path. |
Ezekiel 23:40 Summary
[Ezekiel 23:40 describes how the Israelites sought out relationships with people from other nations, trying to appeal to them and gain their approval. This represents a spiritual problem, where they were more focused on pleasing the world than on following God. In simple terms, this verse is saying that when we try to fit in with the world and please its standards, we can lose sight of what's truly important - our relationship with God (see Matthew 6:24, James 4:4). We should prioritize our faith and devotion to Him above all else.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the sisters sending messengers for men who came from afar in Ezekiel 23:40?
This action represents the Israelites' spiritual adultery, as they sought out foreign alliances and idols, rather than trusting in God (see Exodus 34:15, Deuteronomy 31:16).
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual purity?
The act of bathing, painting eyes, and adorning oneself with jewelry for these men symbolizes the Israelites' desire to appeal to and please the world, rather than maintaining their spiritual purity and devotion to God (see 2 Corinthians 11:2-3, 1 Peter 3:3-4).
What is the role of jewelry and adornment in this verse?
The jewelry and adornment mentioned in Ezekiel 23:40 represent the Israelites' focus on external appearances and worldly attractions, rather than cultivating a heart of humility and obedience to God (see Isaiah 3:16-24, 1 Timothy 2:9-10).
How does this verse apply to Christians today?
This verse serves as a warning to believers to remain faithful and devoted to God, avoiding the temptation to compromise their spiritual purity by conforming to the world's standards (see Romans 12:2, James 4:4).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be 'sending messengers' to the world, seeking its approval and validation rather than God's?
- How can I maintain my spiritual purity in a world that often values external appearances and worldly attractions?
- In what ways can I 'adorn' myself with the qualities of Christ, such as humility, kindness, and compassion (see Colossians 3:12-14)?
- What are some potential consequences of prioritizing worldly relationships and attractions over my relationship with God?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:40
And furthermore, that ye have sent for men to come from far,.... From Egypt, Assyria, and Chaldea, to treat with them, and enter into alliances and confederacies with them, and to join them in their
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:40
The LORD said moreover unto me; Son of man, wilt thou judge Aholah and Aholibah? yea, declare unto them their abominations; A summing up of the sins of the two sisters, especially those of Judah.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:40
Sent for men: see . From far; from Chaldea. A messenger was sent; an embassy from the king of Judah, with advice of his princes, no doubt. They came: see . Wash thyself; after the manner of harlots, gottest all fine, clean, and delicate against thy paramours came; so idol temples built, altars beautified, sacrifices prepared, all to commend thyself to their alliance and help. Paintedst thy eyes; like a decayed harlot, madest up thy defects with paint. Deckedst thyself with ornaments; puttest on the rich clothing I gave thee, and with thy Husband’ s bounty allured adulterers to thy bed; so ,14: thus was God abused and provoked.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:40
Ezekiel 23:40 And furthermore, that ye have sent for men to come from far, unto whom a messenger [was] sent; and, lo, they came: for whom thou didst wash thyself, paintedst thy eyes, and deckedst thyself with ornaments,Ver. 40. Ye have sent for men.] Ye have trusted to foreign forces and carnal combinations. For whom thou didst wash thyself.] Omnino te comparas ut Thais impudentissima, ad pelliciendos et inescandos amatores; thou hast acted the whore to the life to inveigle thy paramours.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:40
(40) Paintedst thine eyes.—The figure is that of a lewd woman preparing herself for her paramour, and awaiting his arrival. Painting the eyes, or rather the lids and lashes, was an ancient custom, still preserved in the East. (Comp. 2 Kings 9:30.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:40
Verse 40. Thou didst wash thyself, paintedst thy eyes, and deckedst thyself with ornaments.] This is exactly the way in which a loose female in Bengal adorns herself to receive guests. She first bathes, then rubs black paint around her eyes, and then covers her body with ornaments.-WARD'S Customs.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 23:40
36–49. New exposure of the immoralities of Oholah and Oholibah (Ezekiel 23:36-44), and threat of their punishment (Ezekiel 23:45-49) The passage is not a continuation of Eze 23:1-35, but an independent description, parallel to these verses. (1) Ezekiel 23:36-37. The adulteries, that is, idolatries, and bloodshed of which the two women are guilty. (2) vv, 38, 39. Their profaning the house of Jehovah, and breaking; his Sabbaths—the former particularly in their entering his house fresh from the sacrifice of their children. (3) Ezekiel 23:40-44. Their alliances with idolatrous nations and receiving their gods, under the figure of a harlot receiving and entertaining men. (4) Ezekiel 23:45-49. Their punishment with the death of an adulteress at the hands of righteous men.—The text in some passages is extremely difficult.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 23:40
The figure is that of a woman decked in all her beauty, sitting on a couch (not bed) at a banquet prepared for those whom she has invited.
Sermons on Ezekiel 23:40
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Payday Someday by R.G. Lee | In this sermon, the preacher describes a man who is in desperate need of rescue. The man is trapped in a pit of his own making, and his body is trembling and convulsing. The preach |
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(Through the Bible) 2 Kings by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the stories and lessons from the 2nd book of Kings, highlighting the different kings who ruled Israel and Judah, the consequences of their actions, the impo |