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Ezekiel 23:8

Ezekiel 23:8 in Multiple Translations

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.

Neither left she her whoredoms brought from Egypt: for in her youth they lay with her, and they bruised the breasts of her virginity, and poured their whoredom upon her.

Neither hath she left her whoredoms since the days of Egypt; for in her youth they lay with her, and they handled the bosom of her virginity; and they poured out their whoredom upon her.

And she has not given up her loose ways from the time when she was in Egypt; for when she was young they were her lovers, and by them her young breasts were crushed, and they let loose on her their unclean desire.

She didn't stop her prostitution that she started in Egypt—men sleeping with her when she was young, squeezing her virgin breasts and using her to satisfy their sexual appetite.

Neither left she her fornications, learned of the Egyptians: for in her youth they lay with her, and they bruised the breasts of her virginitie, and powred their whoredome vpon her.

And her whoredoms out of Egypt she hath not forsaken, For with her they lay in her youth, And they dealt with the loves of her virginity, And they pour out their whoredoms on her.

She hasn’t left her prostitution since leaving Egypt; for in her youth they lay with her. They caressed her youthful nipples and they poured out their prostitution on her.

Neither left she her lewd deeds brought from Egypt: for in her youth they lay with her, and they first corrupted her, and poured their impurities upon her.

Moreover also she did not forsake her fornications which she had committed in Egypt: for they also lay with her in her youth, and they bruised the breasts of her virginity, and poured out their fornication upon her.

When she was a young woman in Egypt, she started being a prostitute, and young men caressed her breasts and had sex with her; and when she became older, she did not quit acting like a prostitute.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 23:8

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 23:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/אֶת תַּזְנוּתֶ֤י/הָ מִ/מִּצְרַ֨יִם֙ לֹ֣א עָזָ֔בָה כִּ֤י אוֹתָ/הּ֙ שָׁכְב֣וּ בִ/נְעוּרֶ֔י/הָ וְ/הֵ֥מָּה עִשּׂ֖וּ דַּדֵּ֣י בְתוּלֶ֑י/הָ וַ/יִּשְׁפְּכ֥וּ תַזְנוּתָ֖/ם עָלֶֽי/הָ
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
תַּזְנוּתֶ֤י/הָ taznûwth H8457 fornication N-fp | Suff
מִ/מִּצְרַ֨יִם֙ Mitsrayim H4714 Egypt Prep | N-proper
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
עָזָ֔בָה ʻâzab H5800 Forsaken V-Qal-Perf-3fs
כִּ֤י kîy H3588 for Conj
אוֹתָ/הּ֙ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
שָׁכְב֣וּ shâkab H7901 to lie down V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בִ/נְעוּרֶ֔י/הָ nâʻûwr H5271 youth Prep | N-cp | Suff
וְ/הֵ֥מָּה hêm H1992 they(masc.) Conj | Pron
עִשּׂ֖וּ ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Piel-Perf-3cp
דַּדֵּ֣י dad H1717 breast N-md
בְתוּלֶ֑י/הָ bᵉthûwlîym H1331 virginity N-cp | Suff
וַ/יִּשְׁפְּכ֥וּ shâphak H8210 to pour Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
תַזְנוּתָ֖/ם taznûwth H8457 fornication N-fs | Suff
עָלֶֽי/הָ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 23:8

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | 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.
תַּזְנוּתֶ֤י/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.
מִ/מִּצְרַ֨יִם֙ 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.
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
עָזָ֔בָה ʻâzab H5800 "Forsaken" V-Qal-Perf-3fs
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
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.
אוֹתָ/הּ֙ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff
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.
שָׁכְב֣וּ shâkab H7901 "to lie down" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
בִ/נְעוּרֶ֔י/הָ 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.
וְ/הֵ֥מָּה hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
עִשּׂ֖וּ 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.
דַּדֵּ֣י 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.
בְתוּלֶ֑י/הָ 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.
וַ/יִּשְׁפְּכ֥וּ shâphak H8210 "to pour" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To pour or spill something out, like blood or a liquid. In the Bible, it can mean to shed blood or to pour out one's heart in prayer or complaint. For example, in Psalm 42:4, the writer pours out his soul to God.
Definition: : pour 1) to pour, pour out, spill 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to shed (blood) 1a3) to pour out (anger or heart) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be poured out, be shed 1c) (Pual) to be poured out, be shed 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be poured out 1d2) to pour out oneself
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (up), gush out, pour (out), shed(-der, out), slip. See also: Genesis 9:6; Jeremiah 6:6; Psalms 22:15.
תַזְנוּתָ֖/ם taznûwth H8457 "fornication" N-fs | 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.
עָלֶֽי/הָ 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.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 23:8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ezekiel 23:19 Yet she multiplied her promiscuity, remembering the days of her youth, when she had prostituted herself in the land of Egypt
2 Ezekiel 23:3 and they played in Egypt, prostituting themselves from their youth. Their breasts were fondled there, and their virgin bosoms caressed.
3 Exodus 32:4 He took the gold from their hands, and with an engraving tool he fashioned it into a molten calf. And they said, “These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!”
4 2 Kings 10:29 but he did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit—the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan.
5 2 Kings 17:16 They abandoned all the commandments of the LORD their God and made for themselves two cast idols of calves and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the host of heaven and served Baal.
6 1 Kings 12:28 After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.”
7 Ezekiel 23:21 So you revisited the indecency of your youth, when the Egyptians caressed your bosom and pressed your young breasts.

Ezekiel 23:8 Summary

This verse is talking about how the people of Israel continued to sin and worship false gods, even after they had experienced God's love and mercy. They started doing this when they were in Egypt, and they didn't stop even when they got to the Promised Land. It's like they were in a bad relationship and couldn't break free, as seen in Ezekiel 23:8. We can learn from this that our sinful habits can be hard to break, but with God's help, we can turn back to Him and start fresh, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Psalm 51:10.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Egypt in Ezekiel 23:8?

Egypt represents a place of spiritual bondage and corruption, as seen in Exodus 1:14, where the Israelites were oppressed, and in Revelation 11:8, where it symbolizes a place of spiritual decay.

Why did God allow the prostitution to continue?

According to Romans 1:24, God gave them over to their sinful desires, and as seen in Ezekiel 23:8, the prostitution continued because they did not give up their sinful ways, even after experiencing God's judgment and mercy.

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

This verse illustrates the concept of spiritual adultery, as seen in Hosea 1:2, where God commands Hosea to marry a prostitute to symbolize Israel's unfaithfulness to Him, and in James 4:4, where it is written that friendship with the world is enmity with God.

What can we learn from the fact that she did not give up her prostitution?

We can learn that sinful habits and patterns can be deeply ingrained, as seen in Ezekiel 23:8, and that only through repentance and faith in God can we break free from them, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:17 and 1 John 1:9.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I may be engaging in spiritual prostitution, and how can I turn back to God?
  2. How can I avoid being conformed to the world and its sinful desires, as warned against in Romans 12:2?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender to God and seek His mercy and forgiveness, as seen in 1 John 1:9?
  4. How can I cultivate a deeper love and commitment to God, and avoid the temptation of worldly desires, as warned against in 1 John 2:15-17?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:8

Neither left she her idols brought from Egypt,.... Though the Israelites took in the gods of the Assyrians into their worship, they did not relinquish the golden calves set up at Dan and Bethel, in

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:8

Neither left she her whoredoms brought from Egypt: for in her youth they lay with her, and they bruised the breasts of her virginity, and poured their whoredom upon her.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:8

Neither left she her whoredoms brought from Egypt; though she took in so many gods of the Assyrians, yet she did not renounce or cast off the gods of Egypt, but kept them too. It is plain the Israelites learnt idolatry in Egypt, carried it with them out of Egypt, and retained it to the last. In her youth, & c. see .

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:8

Ezekiel 23:8 Neither left she her whoredoms [brought] from Egypt: for in her youth they lay with her, and they bruised the breasts of her virginity, and poured their whoredom upon her.Ver. 8. Neither left she her idols brought from Egypt.] Witness her two golden calves brought therehence by Jeroboam, in imitation of Apis, a calf dedicated by the Egyptians to Serapis, their chief idol. “ Quis nescit, qualia demens Aegyptus portenta colat? ” - Juvenal. For in her youth.] See on Ezekiel 23:3. And poured their whoredoms upon her.] This kind of language and the like is here and elsewhere used, not to teach men to speak or do foul things, but the contrary. Of Petronius’ s Satyricon it is said, Tolle obscaena, et tollis omni: and that he was impurissimus scriptor purissimae Latinitatis. Of our prophet it may as truly be said, Tolle sancta et tollis omnia. See on Ezekiel 23:2.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 23:8

8. Samaria intrigued with Assyria and Egypt alternately, or different parties simultaneously. Hosea 7:11, “Ephraim is like a silly dove, without understanding; they call unto Egypt, they go unto Assyria.”

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:8

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 23:8

SermonDescription
Jim Cymbala When Things Don't Make Sense by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in the invisible, rather than relying on physical signs and experiences. He warns against seeking tangible
T. Austin-Sparks The Spirit of Service by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of devotion to God's purpose for his people. He emphasizes that serving God in the utmost way requires complete dedication and
From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons Days of the Golden Calf - Jonathan Cahn by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons In this sermon, Jonathan Cahn discusses the story of the golden calf from the book of Exodus. He emphasizes how the Israelites, despite being called out and chosen by God, fell int
David Guzik (1 Kings) a Great Victory, and the Aftermath of It by David Guzik In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. He highlights the passion and commitment of the prophets of Baal, but emphasizes that their de
A.W. Pink Elijah’s Dramatic Appearance by A.W. Pink A.W. Pink discusses the dramatic appearance of Elijah during a dark period in Israel's history, marked by rampant idolatry and wicked kings. He highlights the spiritual decline ini
John A. Broadus Lessons for the Tempted by John A. Broadus The preacher delves into the meaning of 'qualified' in the Bible, emphasizing that believers are made fit and sufficient through the completed act of Jesus' crucifixion, allowing t
Thomas Brooks One Sin Never Goes Alone by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks emphasizes that small sins often lead to greater sins, illustrating this with biblical examples such as Cain, Ahab, Jeroboam, and Judas. He warns that yielding to min

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