Ezekiel 23:41
Ezekiel 23:41 in Multiple Translations
You sat on a couch of luxury with a table spread before it, on which you had set My incense and My oil,
And satest upon a stately bed, and a table prepared before it, whereupon thou hast set mine incense and mine oil.
and sit upon a stately bed, with a table prepared before it, whereupon thou didst set mine incense and mine oil.
And she took her seat on a great bed, with a table put ready before it on which she put my perfume and my oil.
You sat on an expensive couch, with my incense and my oil on a table placed in front of it.
And satest vpon a costly bed, and a table prepared before it, whereupon thou hast set mine incense and mine oyle.
And thou hast sat on a couch of honour, And a table arrayed before it, And My perfume and My oil placed on it.
and sat on a stately bed, with a table prepared before it, whereupon you set my incense and my oil.
And sattest upon a stately bed and a table prepared before it, upon which thou hast set my incense and my oil.
Thou sattest on a very fine bed, and a table was decked before thee: whereupon thou didst set my incense, and my ointment.
They sat on a beautiful couch, with a table in front of it on which they had put incense and olive oil that belonged to me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 23:41
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 23:41 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/יָשַׁבְתְּ֙
עַל
מִטָּ֣ה
כְבוּדָּ֔ה
וְ/שֻׁלְחָ֥ן
עָר֖וּךְ
לְ/פָנֶ֑י/הָ
וּ/קְטָרְתִּ֥/י
וְ/שַׁמְנִ֖/י
שַׂ֥מְתְּ
עָלֶֽי/הָ
וְ/יָשַׁבְתְּ֙
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-2fs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מִטָּ֣ה
miṭṭâh
H4296
bed
N-fs
כְבוּדָּ֔ה
kᵉbûwddâh
H3520
glorious
N-fs
וְ/שֻׁלְחָ֥ן
shulchân
H7979
table
Conj | N-ms
עָר֖וּךְ
ʻârak
H6186
to arrange
V-Qal-Inf-c
לְ/פָנֶ֑י/הָ
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
וּ/קְטָרְתִּ֥/י
qᵉṭôreth
H7004
incense
Conj | N-fs | Suff
וְ/שַׁמְנִ֖/י
shemen
H8081
oil
Conj | N-ms | Suff
שַׂ֥מְתְּ
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
עָלֶֽי/הָ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 23:41
וְ/יָשַׁבְתְּ֙
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-2fs
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
מִטָּ֣ה
miṭṭâh
H4296
"bed"
N-fs
This word refers to a bed or couch, often used for sleeping or eating. In the Bible, it can also refer to a sofa or a bier for carrying the dead. It is a physical object for rest or relaxation.
Definition: couch, bed, bier
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: bed(-chamber), bier. See also: Genesis 47:31; 2 Kings 1:16; Psalms 6:7.
כְבוּדָּ֔ה
kᵉbûwddâh
H3520
"glorious"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means wealth or magnificence, describing something as having great value or importance, like riches or a stately carriage. It is used to convey a sense of abundance or grandeur. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's glory.
Definition: glorious
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: carriage, all glorious, stately. See also: Judges 18:21; Psalms 45:14; Ezekiel 23:41.
וְ/שֻׁלְחָ֥ן
shulchân
H7979
"table"
Conj | N-ms
A shulchan refers to a table, often used for meals or sacred purposes, like a king's table. It symbolizes a place of community and sharing.
Definition: 1) table 1a) table 1a1) of king's table, private use, sacred uses
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: table. See also: Exodus 25:23; 1 Kings 13:20; Psalms 23:5.
עָר֖וּךְ
ʻârak
H6186
"to arrange"
V-Qal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to value or arrange things in order. It is used in various contexts, like setting up an army for battle or estimating the value of something, as seen in 1 Kings 10.
Definition: 1) to arrange, set or put or lay in order, set in array, prepare, order, ordain, handle, furnish, esteem, equal, direct, compare 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to arrange or set or lay in order, arrange, state in order, set forth (a legal case), set in place 1a2) to compare, be comparable
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: put (set) (the battle, self) in array, compare, direct, equal, esteem, estimate, expert (in war), furnish, handle, join (battle), ordain, (lay, put, reckon up, set) (in) order, prepare, tax, value. See also: Genesis 14:8; 1 Chronicles 12:39; Psalms 5:4.
לְ/פָנֶ֑י/הָ
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
וּ/קְטָרְתִּ֥/י
qᵉṭôreth
H7004
"incense"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
Incense refers to a sweet smoke from burning sacrifices, used in worship and perfume. It symbolizes a pleasing aroma to God, found in Leviticus and other books.
Definition: 1) incense, smoke, odour of (burning) sacrifice 1a) sweet smoke of sacrifice 1b) incense 1c) perfume
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: (sweet) incense, perfume. See also: Exodus 25:6; Numbers 7:50; Psalms 66:15.
וְ/שַׁמְנִ֖/י
shemen
H8081
"oil"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for oil, often referring to olive oil, which was highly valued in ancient times. It symbolizes richness, anointing, and healing, and is used in various biblical contexts, including rituals and medicinal practices.
Definition: 1) fat, oil 1a) fat, fatness 1b) oil, olive oil 1b1) as staple, medicament or unguent 1b2) for anointing 1c) fat (of fruitful land, valleys) (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 176 OT verses. KJV: anointing, [idiom] fat (things), [idiom] fruitful, oil(-ed), ointment, olive, [phrase] pine. See also: Genesis 28:18; Deuteronomy 8:8; Psalms 23:5.
שַׂ֥מְתְּ
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
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 23:41
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 23:41 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:41
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:41
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:41
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:41
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:41
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:41
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 23:41
- Sermons on Ezekiel 23:41
Context — Judgment on Both Sisters
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. 43Then I said of her who had grown old in adulteries: ‘Now let them use her as a prostitute, for that is all she is!’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Esther 1:6 | Hangings of white and blue linen were fastened with cords of fine white and purple material to silver rings on the marble pillars. Gold and silver couches were arranged on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 44:17 | Instead, we will do everything we vowed to do: We will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and offer drink offerings to her, just as we, our fathers, our kings, and our officials did in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. At that time we had plenty of food and good things, and we saw no disaster. |
| 3 | Isaiah 65:11 | But you who forsake the LORD, who forget My holy mountain, who set a table for Fortune and fill bowls of mixed wine for Destiny, |
| 4 | Ezekiel 44:16 | They alone shall enter My sanctuary and draw near to My table to minister before Me. They will keep My charge. |
| 5 | Amos 6:4 | You lie on beds inlaid with ivory, and lounge upon your couches. You dine on lambs from the flock and calves from the stall. |
| 6 | Isaiah 57:7 | On a high and lofty hill you have made your bed, and there you went up to offer sacrifices. |
| 7 | Hosea 2:8–9 | For she does not acknowledge that it was I who gave her grain, new wine, and oil, who lavished on her silver and gold— which they crafted for Baal. Therefore I will take back My grain in its time and My new wine in its season; I will take away My wool and linen, which were given to cover her nakedness. |
| 8 | Amos 2:8 | They lie down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge. And in the house of their God, they drink wine obtained through fines. |
| 9 | Proverbs 7:16–17 | I have decked my bed with coverings, with colored linen from Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, with aloes, and with cinnamon. |
| 10 | Malachi 1:7 | By presenting defiled food on My altar. But you ask, ‘How have we defiled You ?’ By saying that the table of the LORD is contemptible. |
Ezekiel 23:41 Summary
Ezekiel 23:41 describes a scene where God's people are using the things that belong to their relationship with God for their own selfish and idolatrous purposes. They have become complacent and comfortable in their sin, and are using God's gifts, such as incense and oil, for their own pleasure. This is a warning to us today to be careful not to use God's gifts for our own selfish desires, but to use them for worship and obedience to Him, as seen in Romans 12:1-2 and 1 Corinthians 10:31. By remembering that our lives are to be lived for God's glory, we can avoid the pitfalls of idolatry and spiritual complacency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the couch of luxury represent in Ezekiel 23:41?
The couch of luxury represents a place of comfort and indulgence, where the people of Israel had become complacent and idolatrous, even using God's offerings for their own pleasure, as seen in Ezekiel 23:41, where they set God's incense and oil on a table before it, similar to the idolatrous practices condemned in Deuteronomy 32:15.
Why did God's people use His incense and oil in their idolatrous practices?
God's people used His incense and oil in their idolatrous practices because they had become corrupt and were using God's gifts for their own selfish desires, rather than for worship and obedience to Him, as commanded in Exodus 30:23-33 and Exodus 40:9-11.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual adultery?
This verse relates to the concept of spiritual adultery because it describes God's people using the things that belonged to their spiritual marriage with God for their own idolatrous purposes, thus committing spiritual adultery, as warned against in Jeremiah 3:20 and Hosea 1:2.
What is the significance of the table spread before the couch of luxury?
The table spread before the couch of luxury represents the preparation and deliberate effort that the people of Israel put into their idolatrous practices, making it a deliberate and premeditated sin, as seen in Ezekiel 23:40-41, and similar to the warnings given in Proverbs 23:6-8 and Isaiah 65:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be using God's gifts for my own selfish desires, rather than for worship and obedience to Him?
- How can I ensure that my heart remains faithful to God, and that I do not fall into the trap of spiritual adultery?
- What are some modern-day equivalents of the 'couch of luxury' that can lead us astray from our devotion to God?
- In what ways can I practically apply the lessons from Ezekiel 23:41 to my own life, to avoid the pitfalls of idolatry and spiritual complacency?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:41
And satest upon a stately bed,.... Or honourable (g), a bed of state: either a throne, a royal seat under a canopy, on which the king of Judah sat to receive foreign ambassadors; or a stately bed at
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:41
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 23:41
Safest; it is a table gesture, as appears, she was prepared to feast them. Upon a stately bed; a magnificent, rich bed, on which women sat to feast, when men leant on their sides, which would not have been a comely posture to a woman. Table prepared; table furnished with choicest provision, such as made for feasts, when solemn sacrifices were offered, or when vows were paid, as the harlot, ,15. Set mine incense: this assures us that idolatrous worship was acted by her in compliance with the Chaldeans, offered to their idols, and then feasted the idolaters, with what God had given her, when they confirmed their leagues, and swore by false gods.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:41
Ezekiel 23:41 And satest upon a stately bed, and a table prepared before it, whereupon thou hast set mine incense and mine oil.Ver. 41. And satest.] For entertainment sake. Whereupon thou hast set mine incense] So fighting against me, as it were, with mine own weapons, and abusing my best gifts to my greatest dishonour, contrary to Proverbs 3:9.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:41
(41) A stately bed is rather the couch or divan used for reclining at a feast. “Mine incense and mine oil” (comp. Ezekiel 16:18) may be taken simply as the products of the land, the good gifts of God which Israel bestowed upon the heathen; but as both of these were especially used in sacrifices, it is better to connect with this the perversion to the worship of the idols of the heathen of what should have been Jehovah’s only.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:41
Verse 41. And satest upon a stately bed] Hast raised a stately altar to thy idols; probably alluding to that which Ahaz ordered to be made, after the similitude of that which he saw at Damascus. The bed here is in allusion to the sofas on which the ancients were accustomed to recline at their meals; or to the couches on which they place Asiatic brides, with incense pots and sweetmeats on a table before them.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 23:41
41. a table prepared] i.e. spread. hast set mine incense] didst set. The words indicate that service of other gods is referred to under the figure of the harlot’s entertainment.
Sermons on Ezekiel 23:41
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Priests of the Lord - 2 by Chip Brogden | Chip Brogden preaches about the importance of ministering to the Lord in the inner court, emphasizing the need to draw near to God, stand before Him, and offer ourselves as living |
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The False Gospel of Prosperity by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the dire state of the world, with one billion people near starvation and millions unemployed. He emphasizes the persecution faced by God's c |
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Through the Bible - Amos, Obadiah by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the evil and luxurious lifestyle of the people in Judah and Israel. He criticizes their complacency and lack of concern for the state of the |
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The True Discipleship Broadcast-1983-06 True Discipleship by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the Sermon on the Plane, where Jesus shares revolutionary teachings with both the multitude and his disciples. Jesus reveals that he will go |
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Social Conditions by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the alarming increase in the consumption of cigarettes and intoxicants, despite the efforts of reformers and prohibitionists, revealing the na |
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Hosea and Gomer - God's Endtime Strategy by Art Katz | Art Katz explores God's endtime strategy for restoring Israel through the metaphor of Hosea and Gomer, illustrating God's deep grief over Israel's unfaithfulness. He emphasizes tha |
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Hosea 2:8 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of recognizing the true source of our blessings, which ultimately come from God. He warns against the tragic misuse of gifts when we fail to a |