Ezekiel 23:15

Ezekiel 23:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

wearing belts on their waists and flowing turbans on their heads; all of them looked like officers of the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their birth.

King James Version KJV

Girded with girdles upon their loins, exceeding in dyed attire upon their heads, all of them princes to look to, after the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea, the land of their nativity:

American Standard Version ASV

girded with girdles upon their loins, with flowing turbans upon their heads, all of them princes to look upon, after the likeness of the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their nativity.

Bible in Basic English BBE

With bands round their bodies and with head-dresses hanging round their heads, all of them looking like rulers, like the Babylonians, the land of whose birth is Chaldaea.

Free Bible Version FBV

They were wearing belts on their waists and large turbans on their heads. They all looked like Babylonian officers in Chaldea, the country where they were born.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And girded with girdles vpon their loynes, and with dyed attyre vpon their heads (looking all like princes after the maner of the Babylonians in Caldea, the land of their natiuitie)

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Girded with a girdle on their loins, Dyed attire spread out on their heads, The appearance of rulers — all of them, The likeness of sons of Babylon, Chaldea is the land of their birth.

World English Bible WEB

dressed with belts on their waists, with flowing turbans on their heads, all of them looking like princes, after the likeness of the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their birth.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Girded with girdles upon their loins, exceeding in dyed attire upon their heads, all of them princes to look to, after the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea, the land of their nativity:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And girded with girdles about their reins, and with dyed turbans on their heads, the resemblance of all the captains, the likeness of the sons of Babylon, and of the land of the Chaldeans wherein they were born,

Translation for Translators T4T

The menin the drawings had belts around their waists and long turbans on their heads. They all resembled officers from Babylonia [DOU] who rode in chariots.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 23:15

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 23:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB חֲגוֹרֵ֨י אֵז֜וֹר בְּ/מָתְנֵי/הֶ֗ם סְרוּחֵ֤י טְבוּלִים֙ בְּ/רָ֣אשֵׁי/הֶ֔ם מַרְאֵ֥ה שָׁלִשִׁ֖ים כֻּלָּ֑/ם דְּמ֤וּת בְּנֵֽי בָבֶל֙ כַּשְׂדִּ֔ים אֶ֖רֶץ מוֹלַדְתָּֽ/ם

חֲגוֹרֵ֨י châgôwr H2289 belted Adj

אֵז֜וֹר ʼêzôwr H232 girdle N-ms

בְּ/מָתְנֵי/הֶ֗ם môthen H4975 loin Prep | N-md | Suff

סְרוּחֵ֤י çârach H5628 to overrun V-Qal-Inf-c

טְבוּלִים֙ ṭâbûwl H2871 turban N-mp

בְּ/רָ֣אשֵׁי/הֶ֔ם rôʼsh H7218 head Prep | N-mp | Suff

מַרְאֵ֥ה marʼeh H4758 appearance N-ms

שָׁלִשִׁ֖ים shâlîysh H7991 third N-mp

כֻּלָּ֑/ם kôl H3605 all N-ms | Suff

דְּמ֤וּת dᵉmûwth H1823 likeness N-fs

בְּנֵֽי bên H1121 son N-mp

בָבֶל֙ Bâbel H894 Babylon N-proper

כַּשְׂדִּ֔ים Kasdîy H3778 Chaldea N-proper

אֶ֖רֶץ ʼerets H776 land N-cs

מוֹלַדְתָּֽ/ם môwledeth H4138 relatives N-fs | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 23:15

חֲגוֹרֵ֨י châgôwr H2289 "belted" Adj

To be belted or girded, wearing a cloth or belt around the waist, as described in biblical times. It means to be clothed or secured with a belt. This term is used to describe being prepared or dressed.

Definition: clothed, girded, girt

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: girded with. See also: Proverbs 31:24; Ezekiel 23:15.

אֵז֜וֹר ʼêzôwr H232 "girdle" N-ms

A girdle or belt, often used figuratively to represent God's power or faithfulness, such as in the prophet Isaiah's description of God's strength. It can also refer to a physical waistband or sash.

Definition: 1) waist-cloth, the innermost piece of clothing 1a) of God's power over kings (fig.) 1b) of faithfulness (metaph) 2) waistband

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: girdle. See also: 2 Kings 1:8; Jeremiah 13:4; Isaiah 5:27.

בְּ/מָתְנֵי/הֶ֗ם môthen H4975 "loin" Prep | N-md | Suff

Refers to the waist or small of the back, often translated as loins or hips, as seen in Proverbs 30:31. It can also describe the sides of an animal. The word is only used in plural form.

Definition: 1) loins, hips 1a) used with zar.zir (זַרְזִיר "greyhound" H2223) in Pr 30:31; perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning unknown

Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] greyhound, loins, side. See also: Genesis 37:34; Isaiah 20:2; Psalms 66:11.

סְרוּחֵ֤י çârach H5628 "to overrun" V-Qal-Inf-c

This verb means to extend or spread out, sometimes excessively. It can describe something growing out of control or being unrestrained. The KJV translates it as exceeding or spreading.

Definition: 1) to go free, be unrestrained, be overrun, exceed, overhang, grow luxuriously 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go free, be unrestrained, sprawl 1a1a) overrunning, spreading (participle) 1a2) to overhang 1b) (Niphal) to be let loose or dismissed or gone

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: exceeding, hand, spread, stretch self, banish. See also: Exodus 26:12; Ezekiel 17:6; Jeremiah 49:7.

טְבוּלִים֙ ṭâbûwl H2871 "turban" N-mp

A turban was a type of dyed attire, likely made of colored fabric. The Hebrew word for turban, tabul, refers to something that is dyed or colored. It is used in the Bible to describe a type of clothing.

Definition: turban

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: dyed attire. See also: Ezekiel 23:15.

בְּ/רָ֣אשֵׁי/הֶ֔ם rôʼsh H7218 "head" Prep | N-mp | Suff

This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.

Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum

Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.

מַרְאֵ֥ה marʼeh H4758 "appearance" N-ms

This Hebrew word refers to a sight or appearance, and can describe something beautiful or a supernatural vision. It encompasses various aspects of seeing, including physical and mental perceptions, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: 1) sight, appearance, vision 1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision 1b) what is seen 1c) a vision (supernatural) 1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)

Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision. See also: Genesis 2:9; Job 41:1; Isaiah 11:3.

שָׁלִשִׁ֖ים shâlîysh H7991 "third" N-mp

This Hebrew word refers to a high-ranking officer or captain, often carrying a shield. It also describes a musical instrument or a large quantity. The word is used in different contexts, including the stories of King David and his military leaders.

Definition: 1) third part 1a) name of a measure

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: captain, instrument of musick, (great) lord, (great) measure, prince, three (from the margin). See also: Exodus 14:7; 2 Kings 10:25; Psalms 80:6.

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.

דְּמ֤וּת dᵉmûwth H1823 "likeness" N-fs

This word refers to a likeness or resemblance, often used to describe something that is similar to something else. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, describing creation and God's relationship with humanity. It helps us understand how things are connected.

Definition: 1) likeness, similitude adv 2) in the likeness of, like as

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: fashion, like (-ness, as), manner, similitude. See also: Genesis 1:26; Ezekiel 1:16; Psalms 58:5.

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.

בָבֶל֙ Bâbel H894 "Babylon" N-proper

Babel refers to Babylon, a city and empire in the Bible, meaning confusion or mixing. It appears in Genesis 11:9 and is associated with the tower of Babel. The city was situated on the Euphrates River.

Definition: § Babel or Babylon = "confusion (by mixing)" Babel or Babylon, the ancient site and/or capital of Babylonia (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates

Usage: Occurs in 233 OT verses. KJV: Babel, Babylon. See also: Genesis 10:10; Jeremiah 29:22; Psalms 87:4.

כַּשְׂדִּ֔ים Kasdîy H3778 "Chaldea" N-proper

Chaldea refers to a region in Mesopotamia and its inhabitants, known for wisdom and astrology, as seen in Daniel 1:4. The Chaldeans lived near the Persian Gulf and were considered wise. They are mentioned in 2 Kings 25:11.

Definition: § Chaldea or Chaldeans = "clod-breakers" 1) a territory in lower Mesopotamia bordering on the Persian Gulf 2) the inhabitants of Chaldea, living on the lower Euphrates and Tigris 3) those persons considered the wisest in the land (by extension)

Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: Chaldeans, Chaldees, inhabitants of Chaldea. See also: Genesis 11:28; Jeremiah 37:13; Isaiah 13:19.

אֶ֖רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

מוֹלַדְתָּֽ/ם môwledeth H4138 "relatives" N-fs | Suff

Relatives or birthplace is the meaning of this word. It refers to family, native country, or circumstances of birth, and is used to describe heritage. It appears in various forms in the Bible.

Definition: 1) kindred, birth, offspring, relatives 1a) kindred 1b) birth, circumstances of birth 1c) one born, begotten, issue, offspring, female offspring

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: begotten, born, issue, kindred, native(-ity). See also: Genesis 11:28; Leviticus 18:11; Jeremiah 22:10.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 23:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ezekiel 23:15 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:15
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:15
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:15
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:15
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 23:15
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:15
Sermons on Ezekiel 23:15

Context — The Two Adulterous Sisters

13And I saw that she too had defiled herself; both of them had taken the same path. 14But Oholibah carried her prostitution even further. She saw the men portrayed on the wall, images of the Chaldeans, engraved in vermilion,

15wearing belts on their waists and flowing turbans on their heads; all of them looked like officers of the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their birth.

16At the sight of them, she lusted for them and sent messengers to them in Chaldea. 17Then the Babylonians came to her, to the bed of love, and in their lust they defiled her. But after she had been defiled by them, she turned away in disgust.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Judges 8:18	Next, Gideon asked Zebah and Zalmunna, “What kind of men did you kill at Tabor?” “Men like you,” they answered, “each one resembling the son of a king.”
2	1 Samuel 18:4	And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.
3	Isaiah 22:21	I will clothe him with your robe and tie your sash around him. I will put your authority in his hand, and he will be a father to the dwellers of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah.
4	2 Samuel 14:25	Now there was not a man in all Israel as handsome and highly praised as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the top of his head, he did not have a single flaw.

Ezekiel 23:15 Summary

Ezekiel 23:15 describes how Oholibah, a symbol of unfaithful Israel, is attracted to the powerful and prestigious men of Babylon, who are dressed in fine clothing and look like important officers. This attraction leads her into sin, as she begins to lust after them and eventually sends for them. This verse teaches us that when we prioritize the things of this world above our relationship with God, we can easily fall into sin, as seen in 1 John 2:15-17. By keeping our eyes fixed on God and seeking after Him above all else, we can avoid the dangers of worldly attractions and stay on the path of righteousness, as encouraged in Matthew 6:24.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the description of the men on the wall in Ezekiel 23:15 reveal about the nature of Oholibah's sin?

The fact that these men are described as wearing belts and flowing turbans, looking like officers of the Babylonians, suggests that Oholibah is drawn to the power and prestige of foreign nations, as seen in Ezekiel 23:14-17, and this attraction leads her further into sin, as warned against in Deuteronomy 7:3-4.

How does Ezekiel 23:15 relate to the concept of idolatry in the Bible?

This verse illustrates how the pursuit of earthly desires and attractions can lead to a form of idolatry, where the things of this world become more important than a relationship with God, as seen in Ezekiel 23:15 and supported by 1 John 2:15-17.

What does the phrase 'the land of their birth' in Ezekiel 23:15 signify?

This phrase emphasizes the origin of these men, highlighting that they are from Chaldea, which was a region in Babylon, and underscores the idea that Oholibah is being drawn to her ancestral roots and the sinful practices associated with them, as mentioned in Ezekiel 23:13-17.

How can we apply the warning in Ezekiel 23:15 to our own lives today?

This verse reminds us to be cautious of the influences and attractions of the world around us, lest we fall into sin, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:12, and to instead focus on our relationship with God, as encouraged in Matthew 6:24 and 1 John 2:15-17.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which the world's attractions can lead us away from God, and how can we guard against this in our own lives?
How does the description of the men on the wall in Ezekiel 23:15 relate to the concept of temptation, and what can we learn from this about resisting temptation in our own lives?
In what ways can a desire for power, prestige, or earthly attractions lead us into sin, and how can we cultivate a heart that seeks after God above all else?
What role does our 'birth' or upbringing play in shaping our desires and attractions, and how can we overcome any sinful tendencies that may have been ingrained in us from a young age?
How can we balance our appreciation for the things of this world with a commitment to following God, and what priorities should guide our decisions in this area?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:15

Girded with girdles upon their loins,.... As a token of dignity and authority; see Isaiah 11:5, which was the peculiar custom of the Babylonians, as Kimchi, from the Talmudists, observes: "exceeding

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:15

Girded with girdles upon their loins, exceeding in dyed attire upon their heads, all of them princes to look to, after the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea, the land of their nativity: Exceeding

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:15

With girdles upon their loins; with soldiers’ belts about their loins, which includes the rest of the garb, dress, or habit of soldiers. Exceeding in dyed attire; both rich, comely, large, and of divers colours, and those of the choicest that art or money could prepare. Princes to look to; of princely aspect and majesty. After the manner, agreeable to the garments, of the rich and proud Babylonians. Of Chaldea; which probably was the most fruitful part of that kingdom, and most pleasant, and where the pride and luxury of the inhabitants exceeded others.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:15

Ezekiel 23:15 Girded with girdles upon their loins, exceeding in dyed attire upon their heads, all of them princes to look to, after the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea, the land of their nativity:Ver. 15. Girded with girdles.] Rich clothes are oft but fine covers of the foulest shame. If every silken suit did cover a sanctified soul, it would be brave.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 23:15

15. girded with girdles] The “girdles” were properly not belts or sashes, but articles of clothing, tunics or waist-cloths (Isaiah 11:5). “It appears, however, from the monuments that the Assyrians used what was originally the waist-cloth as an ornamental sash” (note from Prof. W. R. Smith). exceeding in dyed attire] The word “exceeding in” means redundant; it is used of the curtains that “hung over” the sides of the tabernacle (Exodus 26:12-13), and possibly “dyed attire” may mean “turbans,” from being wound (Frd. Del. Baer Ez. p. xii.). The idea would be that the high turbans folded back and hung down. all of them princes] Or, heroes. The term is used of the choice warriors in chariots, Exodus 14:7; Exodus 15:4, but also more generally. after the manner of] Perhaps: the likeness of the Babylonians. It is doubtful if the word “likeness” can ever be rendered “in the manner of” or “like” (Isaiah 13:4). Here “likeness” resumes “images” Ezekiel 23:14.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:15

15. Girdles — It was a peculiarity of the Chaldeans, as shown by the monuments, that they used as a girdle the azar, or large shawl, which other Eastern people used as a waistcloth, confining their

Sermons on Ezekiel 23:15

	Sermon	Description
	(Through the Bible) 1 Samuel by Zac Poonen	This sermon delves into the contrasting lives of Saul and David in the book of 1 Samuel. It highlights Saul's downfall due to disobedience, fear of people, lack of repentance, and
	(Through the Bible) 2 Samuel 8-16 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of following God's rules and the consequences of violating them. He uses the story of Tamar, who was publicly humiliated and e

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