Ezekiel 23:5
Ezekiel 23:5 in Multiple Translations
Oholah prostituted herself while she was still Mine. She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians—warriors
And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbours,
And Oholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbors,
And Oholah was untrue to me when she was mine; she was full of desire for her lovers, even for the Assyrians, her neighbours,
Oholah prostituted herself while she was still married to me. She wanted to have sex with her lovers, the Assyrians.
And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine, and she was set on fire with her louers, to wit, with the Assyrians her neighbours,
And go a-whoring doth Aholah under Me, And she doteth on her lovers, On the neighbouring Assyrians,
“Oholah played the prostitute when she was mine. She doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbors,
And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbors.
And Oolla committed fornication against me, and doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians that came to her,
Oholah acted like a prostitute while she was still my wife. She desired to have sex with those she loved—soldiers from Assyria.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 23:5
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 23:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּ֥זֶן
אָהֳלָ֖ה
תַּחְתָּ֑/י
וַ/תַּעְגַּב֙
עַֽל
מְאַהֲבֶ֔י/הָ
אֶל
אַשּׁ֖וּר
קְרוֹבִֽים
וַ/תִּ֥זֶן
zânâh
H2181
to fornicate
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אָהֳלָ֖ה
ʼOhŏlâh
H170
Oholah
N-proper
תַּחְתָּ֑/י
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep | Suff
וַ/תַּעְגַּב֙
ʻăgab
H5689
to lust
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מְאַהֲבֶ֔י/הָ
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Piel | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אַשּׁ֖וּר
ʼAshshûwr
H804
Asshur
N-proper
קְרוֹבִֽים
qârôwb
H7138
near
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 23:5
וַ/תִּ֥זֶן
zânâh
H2181
"to fornicate"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To fornicate means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, often used to describe idolatry in the Bible. It can also refer to a person being a cult prostitute or causing others to be unfaithful.
Definition: 1) to commit fornication, be a harlot, play the harlot 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be a harlot, act as a harlot, commit fornication 1a2) to commit adultery 1a3) to be a cult prostitute 1a4) to be unfaithful (to God) (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to play the harlot 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to commit adultery 1c2) to force into prostitution 1c3) to commit fornication
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) commit fornication, [idiom] continually, [idiom] great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) whore, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go a-whoring, whorish. See also: Genesis 34:31; Isaiah 57:3; Psalms 73:27.
אָהֳלָ֖ה
ʼOhŏlâh
H170
"Oholah"
N-proper
Oholah was a symbolic name for Samaria, representing a woman who was unfaithful to God, like an adulteress. It means 'her own tent', highlighting Samaria's separate ways.
Definition: A woman living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezk.23.4; sister of: Oholibah (H0172) § Aholah = "her own tent" Samaria as an adulteress with Assyria (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Aholah. See also: Ezekiel 23:4; Ezekiel 23:36; Ezekiel 23:44.
תַּחְתָּ֑/י
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
וַ/תַּעְגַּב֙
ʻăgab
H5689
"to lust"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.
עַֽל
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.
מְאַהֲבֶ֔י/הָ
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Piel | Suff
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
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.
קְרוֹבִֽים
qârôwb
H7138
"near"
Adj
This Hebrew word means near, describing something close in place, time, or relationship. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe family relationships. The word is used to describe a close connection.
Definition: 1) near 1a) of place 1b) of time 1c) of personal relationship 1c1) kinship
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: allied, approach, at hand, [phrase] any of kin, kinsfold(-sman), (that is) near (of kin), neighbour, (that is) next, (them that come) nigh (at hand), more ready, short(-ly). See also: Genesis 19:20; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 15:3.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 23:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 23:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:5
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 23:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:5
- Sermons on Ezekiel 23:5
Context — The Two Adulterous Sisters
3and they played in Egypt, prostituting themselves from their youth. Their breasts were fondled there, and their virgin bosoms caressed.
4The older was named Oholah, and her sister was named Oholibah. They became Mine and gave birth to sons and daughters. As for their identities, Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 5:13 | When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah his wound, then Ephraim turned to Assyria and sent to the great king. But he cannot cure you or heal your wound. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 17:3 | Shalmaneser king of Assyria attacked him, and Hoshea became his vassal and paid him tribute. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 16:7 | So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me from the hands of the kings of Aram and Israel, who are rising up against me.” |
| 4 | 2 Kings 15:19 | Then Pul king of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver in order to gain his support and strengthen his own grip on the kingdom. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 50:38 | A drought is upon her waters, and they will be dried up. For it is a land of graven images, and the people go mad over idols. |
| 6 | Hosea 8:9–10 | For they have gone up to Assyria like a wild donkey on its own. Ephraim has hired lovers. Though they hire allies among the nations, I will now round them up, and they will begin to diminish under the oppression of the king of princes. |
| 7 | 2 Kings 17:7–18 | All this happened because the people of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They had worshiped other gods and walked in the customs of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites, as well as in the practices introduced by the kings of Israel. The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city, they built high places in all their cities. They set up for themselves sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. They burned incense on all the high places like the nations that the LORD had driven out before them. They did wicked things, provoking the LORD to anger. They served idols, although the LORD had told them, “You shall not do this thing.” Yet through all His prophets and seers, the LORD warned Israel and Judah, saying, “Turn from your wicked ways and keep My commandments and statutes, according to the entire Law that I commanded your fathers and delivered to you through My servants the prophets.” But they would not listen, and they stiffened their necks like their fathers, who did not believe the LORD their God. They rejected His statutes and the covenant He had made with their fathers, as well as the decrees He had given them. They pursued worthless idols and themselves became worthless, going after the surrounding nations that the LORD had commanded them not to imitate. 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. They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire and practiced divination and soothsaying. They devoted themselves to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. So the LORD was very angry with Israel, and He removed them from His presence. Only the tribe of Judah remained, |
| 8 | Ezekiel 16:28 | Then you prostituted yourself with the Assyrians, because you were not yet satisfied. Even after that, you were still not satisfied. |
| 9 | 1 Kings 14:9 | You have done more evil than all who came before you. You have proceeded to make for yourself other gods and molten images to provoke Me, and you have flung Me behind your back. |
| 10 | 1 Kings 16:31–32 | And as if it were not enough for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he even married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he then proceeded to serve and worship Baal. First, Ahab set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria. |
Ezekiel 23:5 Summary
[Ezekiel 23:5 tells us that even though God had a special relationship with Oholah (who represents Samaria), she still chose to pursue other lovers, which is a picture of idolatry and unfaithfulness. This means that when we turn to other things or people instead of God, it's like we're being unfaithful to Him. As seen in Deuteronomy 6:5, God wants us to love Him with all our heart, soul, and might. We can learn from Oholah's mistake by remembering that God is the one true love that we should pursue above all else, and that He is jealous for our affection, as stated in Exodus 20:5.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Oholah prostituted herself while she was still Mine?
This means that even though God had a special relationship with Oholah (who represents Samaria), she still chose to pursue other lovers, symbolizing the idolatry and unfaithfulness of the Israelites, as seen in Ezekiel 23:5 and also in Hosea 1:2-3.
Who are the Assyrians in this verse and why are they significant?
The Assyrians were a powerful and warrior-like nation that the Israelites were drawn to and idolized, as mentioned in Ezekiel 23:5-7, and their influence led the Israelites away from God, similar to the warnings in Deuteronomy 28:49-50.
Is this verse only talking about ancient Israel's history or is there a spiritual application for us today?
While Ezekiel 23:5 is rooted in ancient Israel's history, the spiritual principle of idolatry and unfaithfulness to God is still relevant today, as seen in scriptures like 1 Corinthians 10:21-22 and James 4:4, reminding us to remain faithful to God and not pursue other 'lovers' or idols.
How does God view the actions of Oholah in this verse?
God views Oholah's actions as a form of spiritual adultery, as seen in Ezekiel 23:5 and also in Jeremiah 3:8-10, highlighting the seriousness of turning away from Him and pursuing other loves or idols.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'lovers' or idols in my life that I may be pursuing instead of God, and how can I turn back to Him?
- How can I remain faithful to God in a world that often promotes idolatry and unfaithfulness, and what scriptures can encourage me in this pursuit?
- What are some ways that I can 'prostitute' myself to worldly desires or idols, even unintentionally, and how can I guard against this?
- How does God's view of spiritual adultery in Ezekiel 23:5 and other scriptures impact my understanding of my relationship with Him?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:5
And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine,.... His married wife, and so ought to have cleaved to him alone: or, under me (o); under his cover, power, and protection, and therefore it was their
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:5
And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbours, Aholah played the harlot when she was mine - literally, 'when she was under me,' - i:e.,
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:5
Aholah, the kingdom of Israel, or the ten tribes, played the harlot; united in confederacy in civil concerns, and in idolatry as to religious concerns, with the Assyrians. When she was mine; when under my government and protection, or in my presence, or before I had abdicated and cast her off. Doted; were madly enamoured with the Assyrian idols, temples, and manner of worship. Her lovers; whom she loved, not that I find they so much loved her. The Assyrians; so often mentioned, nothing needs be said of them. Her neighbours; so they were now by their seizing of Syria, and possessing it as their own .
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:5
Ezekiel 23:5 And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians [her] neighbours,Ver. 5. And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine.] Fornicata est sub me, under colour and covert of a marriage made with me. See what a fair gloss Jeroboam set upon his foul idolatry. On the Assyrians, her neighbours.] So they were now become, by the conquest of Syria.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:5
(5) The Assyrians her neighbours.—Or, the Assyrians drawing near. They are described in Ezekiel 23:40 as those who “come from far.” The nearness here spoken of is to be understood not locally, but spiritually, of sympathy in idolatry. Of the earlier connection between Israel and Assyria there is little remaining record. In 2 Kings 15:19-20, it is said that Pul exacted tribute of Menahem, and the mention seems to imply a still earlier intercourse. According to the Assyrian records, Jehu was tributary to Shalmaneser; Assyria, as representing the great northern power, in contrast to Egypt on the south, is probably used here in a sense broad enough to include also Syria.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:5
Verse 5. And Aholah played the harlot] Without entering into detail here, or following the figures, they both became idolatrous, and received the impure rites of the Egyptians, Assyrians, and Chaldeans, of which connexion the prophet speaks here as he did in Ezekiel 16:15 c., which see. In this chapter there are many of what we would call indelicate expressions, because a parallel is run between idolatry and prostitution, and the circumstances of the latter illustrate the peculiarities of the former. In such cases, perhaps, the matter alone was given to the prophet, and he was left to use his own language, and amplify as he saw good. Ezekiel was among the Jews what Juvenal was among the Romans,-a rough reprover of the most abominable vices. They both spoke of things as they found them stripped vice naked, and scourged it publicly. The original is still more rough than the translation; and surely there is no need of a comment to explain imagery that is but too generally understood. I have said enough on Ezekiel 16:15 c,, and to that I must refer the reader. It is true that there are a few things here in the shade that might be illustrated by anatomy and it would not be difficult to do it: but they are not necessary to salvation, and I shall not take off the covering. They were sufficiently understood by those for whose use they were originally designed.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 23:5
5–10. The intrigues of Samaria with Assyria 5. when she was mine] though my wife, lit. under me. Assyrians her neighbours] In Ezekiel 16:26 the Egyptians are called Israel’s “neighbours,” but the Assyrians could hardly be so called, and indeed in Ezekiel 23:40 are referred to as “far off.” The word may mean “warriors” (the similar word “war” or “battle” 2 Samuel 17:11 and often). Corn, suggests, “famous,” the term used in Ezekiel 23:23. The verse should be connected with Ezekiel 23:6, as appears from Ezekiel 23:12—even on the Assyrians, warriors clothed with blue.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:5
5. And Aholah played the harlot — The wife deserts her husband and joins herself to the handsomely uniformed Assyrians. Nahum represents Nineveh as the grand courtesan of the nations.
Sermons on Ezekiel 23:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Dry Land by Glenn Meldrum | In this sermon, the preacher describes the reality of the brokenness and sinfulness in society. He talks about the various problems that exist in people's lives, such as domestic v |
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Balm in Gilead by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the desperate state of God's people, emphasizing the deep wounds of sin and the need for a profound realization of one's sinful nature to fully apprecia |
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More Pearls From Philpot by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the deep-rooted sin of idolatry in the human heart, emphasizing the need to keep ourselves from idols as warned in 1 John 5:21. He describes how idolatr |
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John 5:40 to End. the Defense Concluded. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the rejection of Christ by the chief Jews, emphasizing how Jesus, like a two-edged sword, convicts the conscience of those who do not love God. M |
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Commentary Notes - Jeremiah by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler preaches about the life and prophecies of the Prophet Jeremiah, highlighting his call at a young age, his tender and retiring personality, and his unwavering commit |