Ezekiel 23 14

Ezekiel 23:14 kjv

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

Ezekiel 23:14 nkjv

But she increased her harlotry; She looked at men portrayed on the wall, Images of Chaldeans portrayed in vermilion,

Ezekiel 23:14 niv

"But she carried her prostitution still further. She saw men portrayed on a wall, figures of Chaldeans portrayed in red,

Ezekiel 23:14 esv

But she carried her whoring further. She saw men portrayed on the wall, the images of the Chaldeans portrayed in vermilion,

Ezekiel 23:14 nlt

"Then she carried her prostitution even further. She fell in love with pictures that were painted on a wall ? pictures of Babylonian military officers, outfitted in striking red uniforms.

Ezekiel 23 verses

Ezekiel 23 14 Meaning

The verse describes the illicit and idolatrous practices of Samaria and Jerusalem, comparing their actions to the lewd imagery of a Babylonian woman. It specifically refers to "imagined things" or "vain images" that became objects of worship, leading to their spiritual and political downfall. The focus is on the visual nature of their sin and the symbolic representations they adopted from surrounding pagan cultures.

Ezekiel 23 14 Context

Ezekiel chapter 23 presents a powerful allegory comparing the spiritual infidelity of Samaria (Oholah) and Jerusalem (Oholibah) to that of two harlot sisters. The northern kingdom of Israel (Samaria) had long since fallen, while Judah (Jerusalem) was nearing its own destruction. God uses this vivid imagery to condemn their wholesale adoption of Canaanite and Assyrian pagan practices, which included a debased form of worship and illicit sexual conduct. Verse 14 specifically highlights the visual nature of their idolatry, where they not only embraced but actively depicted various idols, particularly those associated with Babylonian culture. This external corruption reflected and fueled their internal spiritual decay, making them spiritually unclean and ripe for divine judgment. The chapter underscores that their covenant relationship with God was broken through these detestable actions.

Ezekiel 23 14 Word Analysis

• And: Connects clauses, indicating a sequence of actions or further description.
• she: Refers to Oholibah, representing Jerusalem.
• utterly: Emphasizes the completeness and thoroughness of her actions.
• grinded: A strong word suggesting destruction or wearing down, possibly referencing the pulverized nature of ingredients for idolatrous incense or rituals, or a figurative crushing under the weight of her sins. In a ritualistic context, it could imply preparing offerings or symbolic actions related to fertility cults.
• by the way: Implies public and readily available display or engagement in these practices, rather than something done in secret.
• and: Continues the description of her sin.
• pictured: Highlights the visual element. "Picture" can also mean "form" or "represent." This signifies the deliberate and artistic depiction of various gods and symbolic figures, moving beyond simple belief to active, tangible representation of their idolatry.
• or: Presents an alternative form of the same sin.
• images: Refers to carved figures, statues, or idols, representing the many foreign gods they embraced.
• of: Indicates possession or origin.
• Chaldean: Specifically points to the influence and imagery of Babylon, a dominant empire known for its polytheistic religion and symbolic representations.
• divers: Means "various" or "different kinds," indicating the multiplicity of deities and their associated imagery that Jerusalem adopted.
• colours: Suggests the richness and variety of the painted or decorated idols, further emphasizing the allure and the extent of their visual, sensory engagement with idolatry. The use of colors could also link to specific symbolic meanings within pagan systems.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "utterly with pictures of Chaldeans": This phrase captures the essence of Jerusalem's capitulation to foreign idolatry, emphasizing not just the adoption of deities but their entire visual and symbolic system, derived specifically from Babylonian culture. The act of "picturing" them suggests a deliberate engagement with these foreign representations, moving from abstract worship to concrete, visible icons.

Ezekiel 23 14 Bonus Section

The reference to "pictures of Chaldeans" specifically connects Jerusalem's downfall to the religious practices and cultural milieu of Babylon. This is significant because Babylon was the power that eventually conquered Jerusalem and initiated the Babylonian Exile. The verse prophetically condemns the very influences that would seal Judah's fate. The imagery also evokes the splendor and potentially seductive nature of Babylonian art and religious symbolism, highlighting how Jerusalem became captivated by these external forms rather than remaining steadfast in its worship of God. The thoroughness of their engagement, implied by "utterly" and the detailed "pictures," signifies a complete absorption into foreign cultural and religious life.

Ezekiel 23 14 Commentary

Jerusalem's spiritual decline is starkly illustrated as it completely abandoned Yahweh and embraced the full spectrum of Babylonian idolatrous imagery. The verse reveals that their sin was not merely internal belief but outwardly expressed through detailed and colorful representations of foreign gods. This visual and tangible devotion to pagan icons, particularly those from Chaldea (Babylon), marked a profound betrayal of their covenant with God. They engaged with these images in public and accessible ways, illustrating the pervasive nature of their apostasy. The focus on "pictured images" underscores a corrupted form of worship that valued crafted representations over genuine devotion to the invisible God. This complete immersion in foreign religious symbolism directly led to their ultimate destruction and exile.