Ezekiel 23:7
Ezekiel 23:7 in Multiple Translations
She offered sexual favors to all the elite of Assyria. She defiled herself with all the idols of those for whom she lusted.
Thus she committed her whoredoms with them, with all them that were the chosen men of Assyria, and with all on whom she doted: with all their idols she defiled herself.
And she bestowed her whoredoms upon them, the choicest men of Assyria all of them; and on whomsoever she doted, with all their idols she defiled herself.
And she gave her unclean love to them, all of them the noblest men of Assyria: and she made herself unclean with the images of all who were desired by her.
She gave away herself sexually to all the important men of Assyria. She made herself unclean by her worship of all the idols of those men she wanted to have sex with.
Thus she committed her whoredome with them, euen with all them that were the chosen men of Asshur, and with all on whome she doted, and defiled her selfe with all their idoles.
And she giveth her whoredoms on them, The choice of the sons of Asshur, All of them — even all on whom she doted, By all their idols she hath been defiled.
She gave herself as a prostitute to them, all of them the choicest men of Assyria. She defiled herself with the idols of whomever she lusted after.
Thus she committed her lewd deeds with them, with all them that were the chosen men of Assyria, and with all on whom she doted: with all their idols she defiled herself.
And she committed her fornications with those chosen men, all sons of the Assyrians: and she defiled herself with the uncleanness of all them on whom she doted.
She acted like a prostitute toward all the important Assyrian officials, and became unacceptable to me by worshiping all the idols of the men she wanted to have sex with.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 23:7
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 23:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּתֵּ֤ן
תַּזְנוּתֶ֨י/הָ֙
עֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
מִבְחַ֥ר
בְּנֵֽי
אַשּׁ֖וּר
כֻּלָּ֑/ם
וּ/בְ/כֹ֧ל
אֲשֶׁר
עָֽגְבָ֛ה
בְּ/כָל
גִּלּוּלֵי/הֶ֖ם
נִטְמָֽאָה
וַ/תִּתֵּ֤ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
תַּזְנוּתֶ֨י/הָ֙
taznûwth
H8457
fornication
N-fp | Suff
עֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
מִבְחַ֥ר
mibchâr
H4005
best
N-ms
בְּנֵֽי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
אַשּׁ֖וּר
ʼAshshûwr
H804
Asshur
N-proper
כֻּלָּ֑/ם
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
וּ/בְ/כֹ֧ל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | Prep | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עָֽגְבָ֛ה
ʻăgab
H5689
to lust
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
גִּלּוּלֵי/הֶ֖ם
gillûwl
H1544
idol
N-mp | Suff
נִטְמָֽאָה
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 23:7
וַ/תִּתֵּ֤ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
תַּזְנוּתֶ֨י/הָ֙
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.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
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.
מִבְחַ֥ר
mibchâr
H4005
"best"
N-ms
This word means best or choicest, describing something of the highest quality. It is used to describe God's chosen people in the Bible.
Definition: choicest, best Also means: miv.chor (מִבְחוֹר "choice" H4004)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: choice(-st), chosen. See also: Genesis 23:6; Jeremiah 22:7; Isaiah 22:7.
בְּנֵֽי
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.
אַשּׁ֖וּר
ʼAshshûwr
H804
"Asshur"
N-proper
Asshur was the second son of Shem and the ancestor of the Assyrians, mentioned in Genesis 10:22. The name Asshur means 'a step'.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.22; son of: Shem (H8035); brother of: Elam (H5867C), Arpachshad (H0775), Lud (H3865) and Aram (H0758) § Asshur or Assyria = "a step" 1) the second son of Shem, eponymous ancestor of the Assyrians 2) the people of Assyria 3) the nation, Assyria 4) the land, Assyria or Asshur
Usage: Occurs in 138 OT verses. KJV: Asshur, Assur, Assyria, Assyrians. See H838 (אָשֻׁר). See also: Genesis 2:14; Isaiah 7:20; Psalms 83:9.
כֻּלָּ֑/ם
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
וּ/בְ/כֹ֧ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֲשֶׁר
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.
עָֽגְבָ֛ה
ʻăgab
H5689
"to lust"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
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.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
גִּלּוּלֵי/הֶ֖ם
gillûwl
H1544
"idol"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to an idol, which is an object worshipped as a god. It literally means a log or a round piece of wood, but it's used to describe false gods and idols in the Bible. It's often used in a negative sense to criticize idol worship.
Definition: idols
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: idol. See also: Leviticus 26:30; Ezekiel 18:12; Jeremiah 50:2.
נִטְמָֽאָה
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
"to defile"
V-Niphal-Perf-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.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 23:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 23:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:7
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 23:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:7
- Sermons on Ezekiel 23:7
Context — The Two Adulterous Sisters
5Oholah prostituted herself while she was still Mine. She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians—warriors
6clothed in blue, governors and commanders, all desirable young men, horsemen mounted on steeds.
7She offered sexual favors to all the elite of Assyria. She defiled herself with all the idols of those for whom she lusted.
8She 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. 9Therefore I delivered her into the hands of her lovers, the Assyrians for whom she lusted.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 5:3 | I know all about Ephraim, and Israel is not hidden from Me. For now, O Ephraim, you have turned to prostitution; Israel is defiled. |
| 2 | Hosea 6:10 | In the house of Israel I have seen a horrible thing: Ephraim practices prostitution there, and Israel is defiled. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 22:3–4 | and tell her that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘O city who brings her own doom by shedding blood within her walls and making idols to defile herself, you are guilty of the blood you have shed, and you are defiled by the idols you have made. You have brought your days to a close and have come to the end of your years. Therefore I have made you a reproach to the nations and a mockery to all the lands. |
| 4 | 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.’ |
| 5 | Genesis 10:22 | The sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram. |
| 6 | Psalms 106:39 | They defiled themselves by their actions and prostituted themselves by their deeds. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 16:15 | 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. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 23:30 | have brought these things upon you, because you have prostituted yourself with the nations and defiled yourself with their idols. |
Ezekiel 23:7 Summary
[Ezekiel 23:7 tells us that the Israelites, represented by Oholah, gave in to their desires and worshipped the idols of the nations they lusted after. This verse teaches us that when we prioritize our own desires above our relationship with God, we can become entangled in spiritual idolatry, as warned in 1 John 2:15-17. By staying close to God and prioritizing our faith, we can avoid the dangers of spiritual adultery and remain faithful to Him, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105 and Matthew 22:37-38.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the phrase 'She defiled herself with all the idols of those for whom she lusted' in Ezekiel 23:7?
This phrase suggests that the Israelites not only engaged in physical idolatry but also spiritual idolatry, as they became entangled with the false gods of the nations they lusted after, much like the warnings given in Exodus 34:15-16 and Deuteronomy 7:3-4.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual adultery in the Bible?
Ezekiel 23:7 illustrates the concept of spiritual adultery, where the Israelites, represented by Oholah, committed spiritual infidelity by turning to other nations and their idols, rather than remaining faithful to God, as seen in Jeremiah 3:8-10 and Hosea 1:2-3.
What can we learn from the fact that Oholah 'offered sexual favors to all the elite of Assyria'?
This verse teaches us about the dangers of compromising our values and faith in order to gain favor or acceptance from the world, as warned in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 and James 4:4.
How does this verse apply to our lives today?
Ezekiel 23:7 reminds us to be cautious of the influences and temptations that can lead us away from God, and to remain faithful and committed to Him, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 and 2 Peter 1:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some modern-day 'idols' that I may be unknowingly worshiping, and how can I redirect my affections to God?
- In what ways can I protect myself from the influences of the world and remain faithful to God, as seen in Ezekiel 23:7 and Romans 12:2?
- How can I apply the lesson of Oholah's spiritual adultery to my own life, and what steps can I take to avoid a similar fate?
- What role does gratitude and a deepening relationship with God play in preventing spiritual adultery, as seen in Ezekiel 23:7 and Psalm 107:1?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:7
Thus she committed her whoredoms with them,.... Entered into alliance with them, and joined them in their idolatrous worship: with all them that were the chosen men of Assyria; before described by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:7
Thus she committed her whoredoms with them, with all them that were the chosen men of Assyria, and with all on whom she doted: with all their idols she defiled herself.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:7
Thus, by the eye and familiar converse, she fell to idolatry. Committed her whoredoms: see . With all them; she embraced the friendship and religion of all of them, and relied on the Assyrian’ s idols for deliverance and peace. And with all, i.e. other nations with whom she had commerce and made leagues, on whom she doted; like an adulterous wife, she was mad in her love to them, to their persons, customs, idols, and religion, with all which she polluted herself.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:7
Ezekiel 23:7 Thus she committed her whoredoms with them, with all them [that were] the chosen men of Assyria, and with all on whom she doted: with all their idols she defiled herself.Ver. 7. Thus she committed her whoredoms with them.] Heb., She bestowed her whoredoms upon them; she was no niggard. A little entreaty served turn. Cuilibet sui copiam faciebat, such was her idol madness.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:7
(7) With all their idols.—The reality breaks through the figure, and leaves no doubt of the meaning of the allegory.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 23:7
7. with all their idols] The alliance with Assyria brought in Assyrian idolatry, cf. 2 Kings 23:11, where horses and chariots of the sun are mentioned, and also the altars on the roofs, where incense was burnt to the host of heaven, Ezekiel 23:12, Jeremiah 19:13.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:7
7-10. This vile creature is not even true to her Assyrian paramour, but continues the adultery with Egypt began in her youth.
Sermons on Ezekiel 23:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
When Should We Seek Revival by Alan Bartley | This sermon is a powerful call to seek revival in the church, emphasizing the need for repentance, prayer, and a return to God's presence. The speaker highlights the consequences o |
|
Will You Judge the Bloody City? by Carter Conlon | This sermon challenges the listeners to take a stand for righteousness in the face of societal decline, addressing issues like abortion, homosexuality, and moral decay. It emphasiz |