King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 23:40 Mean?

Ezekiel 23:40 in the King James Version says “And furthermore, that ye have sent for men to come from far, unto whom a messenger was sent; and, lo, they came: for who...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And furthermore, that ye have sent for men to come from far, unto whom a messenger was sent; and, lo, they came: for whom thou didst wash thyself, paintedst thy eyes, and deckedst thyself with ornaments, to come: Heb. coming”

Ezekiel 23:40 · KJV

Context

38

Moreover this they have done unto me: they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths.

39

For when they had slain their children to their idols, then they came the same day into my sanctuary to profane it; and, lo, thus have they done in the midst of mine house.

40

And furthermore, that ye have sent for men to come from far, unto whom a messenger was sent; and, lo, they came: for whom thou didst wash thyself, paintedst thy eyes, and deckedst thyself with ornaments, to come: Heb. coming

41

And satest upon a stately bed, and a table prepared before it, whereupon thou hast set mine incense and mine oil. stately: Heb. honourable

42

And a voice of a multitude being at ease was with her: and with the men of the common sort were brought Sabeans from the wilderness, which put bracelets upon their hands, and beautiful crowns upon their heads. of the: Heb. of the multitude of men Sabeans: or, drunkards

Read Ezekiel 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And furthermore, that ye have sent for men to come from far introduces new accusation—soliciting foreign alliances and their religious practices. Unto whom a messenger was sent details active pursuit. And, lo, they came: for whom thou didst wash thyself, paintedst thy eyes, and deckedst thyself with ornaments describes preparations like a prostitute adorning herself for clients. The imagery is deliberately provocative—Judah beautified herself to attract foreign powers. Washing, eye-painting (kohl), and jewelry all suggest sexual availability. Applying cosmetics appears repeatedly in contexts of seduction or questionable character (2 Kings 9:30; Jeremiah 4:30). Judah's frantic beautification for foreign allies reveals desperation disguised as sophisticated diplomacy.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Judah's diplomacy with Egypt, Babylon, and other powers involved elaborate reception ceremonies. Kings sought to impress foreign envoys with wealth and beauty, hoping to secure advantageous treaties. This diplomatic seduction brought foreign religious influence and compromise, as alliances required acknowledging partners' deities through treaty ceremonies.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we 'beautify ourselves' to attract worldly approval and alliances?
  2. What does our attempt to impress others reveal about spiritual priorities?
  3. Why is seeking validation from the world a form of spiritual adultery?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְאַ֗ף1 of 18

“And furthermore”

H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

כִּ֤י2 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שָׁל֤וּחַ3 of 18

“that ye have sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

לַֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים4 of 18
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

בָ֔אוּ5 of 18

“and lo they came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מִמֶּרְחָ֑ק6 of 18

“from far”

H4801

remoteness, i.e., (concretely) a distant place; often (adverbially) from afar

אֲשֶׁ֨ר7 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

מַלְאָ֜ךְ8 of 18

“unto whom a messenger”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

שָׁל֤וּחַ9 of 18

“that ye have sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֲלֵיהֶם֙10 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְהִנֵּה11 of 18
H2009

lo!

בָ֔אוּ12 of 18

“and lo they came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לַאֲשֶׁ֥ר13 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

רָחַ֛צְתְּ14 of 18

“for whom thou didst wash”

H7364

to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)

כָּחַ֥לְתְּ15 of 18

“thyself paintedst”

H3583

to paint (with stibium)

עֵינַ֖יִךְ16 of 18

“thy eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וְעָ֥דִית17 of 18

“and deckedst”

H5710

to advance, i.e., pass on or continue; causatively, to remove; specifically, to bedeck (i.e., bring an ornament upon)

עֶֽדִי׃18 of 18

“thyself with ornaments”

H5716

finery; generally an outfit; specifically, a headstall

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 23:40 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 23:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 4:302 Kings 9:30Ezekiel 16:13-16Isaiah 3:18-23Isaiah 57:9Ruth 3:3

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