King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 23:43 Mean?

Ezekiel 23:43 in the King James Version says “Then said I unto her that was old in adulteries, Will they now commit whoredoms with her, and she with them? whoredoms: ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then said I unto her that was old in adulteries, Will they now commit whoredoms with her, and she with them? whoredoms: Heb. her whoredoms”

Ezekiel 23:43 · KJV

Context

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

43

Then said I unto her that was old in adulteries, Will they now commit whoredoms with her, and she with them? whoredoms: Heb. her whoredoms

44

Yet they went in unto her, as they go in unto a woman that playeth the harlot: so went they in unto Aholah and unto Aholibah, the lewd women.

45

And the righteous men, they shall judge them after the manner of adulteresses, and after the manner of women that shed blood; because they are adulteresses, and blood is in their hands.

Read Ezekiel 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then said I unto her that was old in adulteries marks Jerusalem as experienced, habitual, persistent in sin. Not a novice or one-time offender but a veteran adulteress, practiced and shameless. Will they now commit whoredoms with her, and she with them? expresses divine astonishment—even now, after all this exposure, will she continue? The question format emphasizes the irrational persistence of sin. Despite exposure, warning, and approaching judgment, Jerusalem continues adultery. This reveals sin's addictive, irrational nature. It persists against self-interest, reason, warning, and consequence. Only grace breaks sin's power; natural consequences alone don't reform the heart. Apart from regeneration, we persist in destroying ourselves despite every rational and experiential reason to stop.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

By Ezekiel's time, Judah had centuries of idolatry, multiple warnings from prophets (Isaiah, Micah, Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Jeremiah), the example of Israel's fall (722 BC), and current exile of elites (597 BC). Yet rebellion continued. Those remaining in Jerusalem persisted in false confidence and idolatry despite overwhelming evidence of God's displeasure. Irrationality of sin is starkly demonstrated.

Reflection Questions

  1. What makes sin persist despite clear warnings and consequences?
  2. Why are external pressures insufficient to produce lasting change?
  3. What does sin's irrational persistence teach about the necessity of regeneration?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וָאֹמַ֕ר1 of 7

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לַבָּלָ֖ה2 of 7

“I unto her that was old”

H1087

worn out

נִֽאוּפִ֑ים3 of 7

“in adulteries”

H5004

adultery

עַתָּ֛4 of 7
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

יִזְנ֥הּ5 of 7

“Will they now commit”

H2181

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

תַזְנוּתֶ֖הָ6 of 7

“whoredoms”

H8457

harlotry, i.e., (figuratively) idolatry

וָהִֽיא׃7 of 7
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

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 23:43 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 23:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 23:3Jeremiah 13:23Ezra 9:7Psalms 106:6Daniel 9:16

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ezekiel 23 with CommentaryAll Ezekiel ChaptersComplete Ezekiel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes