King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 23:44 Mean?

Ezekiel 23:44 in the King James Version says “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 Ahol...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 23:44 · KJV

Context

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.

46

For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will bring up a company upon them, and will give them to be removed and spoiled. to be: Heb. for a removing and spoil

Read Ezekiel 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Yet they went in unto her strengthens the metaphor—despite everything, her lovers still came to her. As they go in unto a woman that playeth the harlot makes explicit that professional prostitution is the model, not seduced innocence. Jerusalem is not victim but willing participant, indeed active pursuer. So went they in unto Oholah and unto Oholibah, the lewd women emphasizes both sisters' identical character. Lewd (zimmah) denotes premeditated depravity, not impulsive sin. This is calculated, commercial, shameless immorality—selling themselves for political advantage. The shift from seduced victim to commercial prostitute represents moral descent. Initially corrupted by others, they became corrupting influences themselves, actively pursuing evil. This is apostasy's progression from tempted to tempter.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Judah's foreign policy had become purely mercenary and opportunistic. She played Assyria against Babylon, Egypt against both, seeking maximum advantage with no moral principle. This geopolitical prostitution brought ruin. The cynical realpolitik destroyed rather than preserved the nation, as political expediency divorced from moral principle always does.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does victimhood transition into perpetration?
  2. What is the difference between being tempted and actively seeking evil?
  3. How do we recognize when we've become corrupting influences rather than corrupted innocents?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
בָּ֗אוּ1 of 14

“Yet they went in”

H935

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

אֵלֶ֔יהָ2 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בָּ֗אוּ3 of 14

“Yet they went in”

H935

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

אֶל4 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִשֹּׁ֖ת5 of 14

“unto a woman”

H802

a woman

זוֹנָ֑ה6 of 14

“that playeth the harlot”

H2181

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

כֵּ֣ן7 of 14
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

בָּ֗אוּ8 of 14

“Yet they went in”

H935

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

אֶֽל9 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָֽהֳלָה֙10 of 14

“unto Aholah”

H170

oholah, a symbolic name for samaria

וְאֶל11 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָ֣הֳלִיבָ֔ה12 of 14

“and unto Aholibah”

H172

oholibah, a symbolic name for judah

אִשֹּׁ֖ת13 of 14

“unto a woman”

H802

a woman

הַזִּמָּֽה׃14 of 14

“the lewd”

H2154

a plan, especially a bad one

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 23:44 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 23:44 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 23:9-13Ezekiel 23:3

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