King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 23:3 Mean?

Ezekiel 23:3 in the King James Version says “And they committed whoredoms in Egypt; they committed whoredoms in their youth: there were their breasts pressed, and th...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they committed whoredoms in Egypt; they committed whoredoms in their youth: there were their breasts pressed, and there they bruised the teats of their virginity.”

Ezekiel 23:3 · KJV

Context

1

The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying,

2

Son of man, there were two women, the daughters of one mother:

3

And they committed whoredoms in Egypt; they committed whoredoms in their youth: there were their breasts pressed, and there they bruised the teats of their virginity.

4

And the names of them were Aholah the elder, and Aholibah her sister: and they were mine, and they bare sons and daughters. Thus were their names; Samaria is Aholah, and Jerusalem Aholibah. Aholah: that is, His tent, or, tabernacle Aholibah: that is, My tabernacle in her

5

And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbours,

Read Ezekiel 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'in their youth' refers to Israel's bondage in Egypt before the Exodus and Sinai covenant. Even in slavery, Israel began adopting Egyptian idolatry (Exodus 32, Joshua 24:14), revealing the depth of human sin and the persistence of spiritual rebellion. This establishes a pattern of unfaithfulness from the very beginning of their national existence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Archaeological evidence confirms Israel absorbed Egyptian religious practices during their 400-year sojourn. The golden calf incident (Exodus 32) reflected Egyptian bull-worship, particularly the Apis bull cult.

Reflection Questions

  1. What spiritual compromises from your 'youth' (early Christian life) might still influence your walk with God?
  2. How does recognizing the depth of your own sin increase appreciation for God's patient grace?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
זָנ֑וּ1 of 11

“And they committed whoredoms”

H2181

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

בְמִצְרַ֔יִם2 of 11

“in Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

בִּנְעוּרֵיהֶ֖ן3 of 11

“in their youth”

H5271

(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)

זָנ֑וּ4 of 11

“And they committed whoredoms”

H2181

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

שָׁ֚מָּה5 of 11
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

מֹעֲכ֣וּ6 of 11

“pressed”

H4600

to press, i.e., to pierce, emasculate, handle

שְׁדֵיהֶ֔ן7 of 11

“there were their breasts”

H7699

the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging)

וְשָׁ֣ם8 of 11
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

עִשּׂ֔וּ9 of 11

“and there they bruised”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

דַּדֵּ֖י10 of 11

“the teats”

H1717

the breast (as the seat of love, or from its shape)

בְּתוּלֵיהֶֽן׃11 of 11

“of their virginity”

H1331

(collectively and abstractly) virginity; by implication and concretely, the tokens of it

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 23:3 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 23:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 17:7Ezekiel 16:22Joshua 24:14Ezekiel 23:19Deuteronomy 29:16Hosea 2:15

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Ezekiel 23 →

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