Ezekiel 23:43

Translations

Modern

Then I said of her who had grown old in adulteries: ‘Now let them use her as a prostitute, for that is all she is!’

Traditional

Then said I unto her that was old in adulteries, Will they now commit whoredoms with her, and she with them?

Literal

And I said of her who was worn out in adulteries, ‘Now will they commit prostitutions with her—and she also!’

Latin

Et dixi ei, quæ attrita est in adulteriis: Nunc fornicabitur in fornicatione sua etiam hæc.

Original

Hebrew

English

Then I said of her who had grown old in adulteries: ‘Now let them use her as a prostitute, for that is all she is!’

Notes

Ezekiel 23:36–43

The prophet again took the role of a prosecuting attorney. A prosecuting attorney is a person who brings charges against someone in court. His task was to confront Jerusalem with her sins (detailed in Ezekiel 22).

Jerusalem and Samaria were supposed to be holy cities, set apart for God. Instead, they had become like worn-out prostitutes. This picture shows that they had been unfaithful to God. Their only attraction was their availability, meaning they were ready to give themselves to anyone.

The prophet used this strong image to show how serious their unfaithfulness was. They had turned away from the Lord and given their loyalty to other gods and foreign nations.

Ezekiel 23:1–49

This chapter, like chapter 16, tells the history of the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel and Judah. It does this through an extended metaphor (a comparison that continues through many verses).

In this comparison, Samaria and Jerusalem, the capital cities, are described as two immoral women. The language is strong and direct.

This metaphor shows that their judgment was certain and deserved.

Events

Prophecies of Ezekielc. 593 BC

Related verses

Ezekiel 23:3
…and they played in Egypt, prostituting themselves from their youth. Their breasts were fondled there, and their virgin bosoms caressed.
Psalm 106:6
We have sinned like our fathers; we have done wrong and acted wickedly.
Ezra 9:7
From the days of our fathers to this day, our guilt has been great. Because of our iniquities, we and our kings and priests have been delivered into the hands of the kings of the earth and subjected to the sword and to captivity, to pillage and humiliation, as we are this day.
Daniel 9:16
O Lord, in keeping with all Your righteous acts, I pray that Your anger and wrath may turn away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; for because of our sins and the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people are a reproach to all around us.
Jeremiah 13:23
Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Neither are you able to do good—you who are accustomed to doing evil.

Glossary

Aholah Aholibah Ezekiel, Book of Oholah and Oholibah

Topics

Idolatry: Wicked Practices of Licentiousness of Prophecies Concerning Israel: Captivity of Great Wickedness is the Cause of Their Adversity

Ezekiel 23:43

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