King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 23:15 Mean?

Ezekiel 23:15 in the King James Version says “Girded with girdles upon their loins, exceeding in dyed attire upon their heads, all of them princes to look to, after t... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

Ezekiel 23:15 · KJV


Context

13

Then I saw that she was defiled, that they took both one way,

14

And that she increased her whoredoms: for when she saw men pourtrayed upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans pourtrayed with vermilion,

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:

16

And as soon as she saw them with her eyes, she doted upon them, and sent messengers unto them into Chaldea. as soon: Heb. at the sight of her eyes

17

And the Babylonians came to her into the bed of love, and they defiled her with their whoredom, and she was polluted with them, and her mind was alienated from them. Babylonians: Heb. children of Babel alienated: Heb. loosed, or, disjointed


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Girded with girdles upon their loins, exceeding in dyed attire upon their heads, all of them princes to look upon details military and royal splendor attracting Judah. After the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea, the land of their nativity identifies authentic Babylonian warriors. The phrase 'princes to look upon' (mar'eh—appearance) emphasizes visual appeal—they looked impressive, powerful, successful. Judah's attraction was aesthetic before political. Sin's progression: visual attraction, emotional desire, intellectual rationalization, volitional choice, behavioral pattern, enslaving habit (James 1:14-15). Eyes are sin's gateway (Genesis 3:6; Joshua 7:21; 2 Samuel 11:2; Matthew 5:28-29), requiring vigilant guarding.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Babylon's Neo-Babylonian Empire (626-539 BC) represented the era's most sophisticated civilization. Nebuchadnezzar II's reign showcased magnificent architecture (Ishtar Gate, Hanging Gardens), advanced military, and extensive wealth—all visible through diplomatic contact and increasingly frequent interaction with Judah.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does attraction to worldly power and beauty lead to spiritual compromise?
  2. What role do our eyes play in the progression toward sin?
  3. How can we guard our hearts by guarding what we see and desire?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
חֲגוֹרֵ֨י1 of 15

Girded

H2289

belted

אֵז֜וֹר2 of 15

with girdles

H232

something girt; a belt, also a band

בְּמָתְנֵיהֶ֗ם3 of 15

upon their loins

H4975

properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins

סְרוּחֵ֤י4 of 15

exceeding

H5628

to extend (even to excess)

טְבוּלִים֙5 of 15

in dyed attire

H2871

properly, dyed, i.e., a turban (probably as of colored stuff)

בְּרָ֣אשֵׁיהֶ֔ם6 of 15

upon their heads

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

מַרְאֵ֥ה7 of 15

to look to

H4758

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

שָׁלִשִׁ֖ים8 of 15

all of them princes

H7991

a triple, i.e., (as an officer) a general of the third rank (upward, i.e., the highest)

כֻּלָּ֑ם9 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

דְּמ֤וּת10 of 15

after the manner

H1823

resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like

בְּנֵֽי11 of 15

of the Babylonians

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בָבֶל֙12 of 15
H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

כַּשְׂדִּ֔ים13 of 15

of Chaldea

H3778

a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people

אֶ֖רֶץ14 of 15

the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מוֹלַדְתָּֽם׃15 of 15

of their nativity

H4138

nativity (plural birth-place); by implication, lineage, native country; also offspring, family


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 23:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 23:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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