Ezekiel 23 15

Ezekiel 23:15 kjv

Girded with girdles upon their loins, exceeding in dyed attire upon their heads, all of them princes to look to, after the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea, the land of their nativity:

Ezekiel 23:15 nkjv

Girded with belts around their waists, Flowing turbans on their heads, All of them looking like captains, In the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea, The land of their nativity.

Ezekiel 23:15 niv

with belts around their waists and flowing turbans on their heads; all of them looked like Babylonian chariot officers, natives of Chaldea.

Ezekiel 23:15 esv

wearing belts on their waists, with flowing turbans on their heads, all of them having the appearance of officers, a likeness of Babylonians whose native land was Chaldea.

Ezekiel 23:15 nlt

Handsome belts encircled their waists, and flowing turbans crowned their heads. They were dressed like chariot officers from the land of Babylonia.

Ezekiel 23 verses

Ezekiel 23 15 Meaning

The verse describes Israel's corrupt spiritual practices, specifically their worship of Babylonian gods and their adoption of Babylonian attire and customs as a symbol of their allegiance to this foreign power and its idolatrous practices. It highlights the seductive nature of these influences and Israel's willing participation in them, portraying a deep spiritual betrayal.

Ezekiel 23 15 Context

This verse is situated within Ezekiel chapter 23, where the prophet uses the allegorical portrayal of two unfaithful sisters, Oholah (Samaria) and Oholibah (Jerusalem), to describe the spiritual harlotry of Israel and Judah. Oholibah, representing Jerusalem and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, is depicted as having engaged in adultery with the Babylonians. This verse specifically focuses on her adoption of Babylonian customs as a physical manifestation of her apostasy. Historically, this refers to periods when Judah sought alliances and embraced cultural influences from Babylon, particularly during and after the Babylonian exile.

Ezekiel 23 15 Word analysis

• וַתֵּרֶא (vatreh): "And she saw" - implies observation, a step towards desire and emulation.

• חַכַּרְסֹומְּנִים (hakkarsomnim): "well-girt" or "decorated" - referring to a specific way of dressing, highlighting extravagance and allure. This implies adornment beyond necessity, a focus on worldly attractiveness. The root possibly relates to adornment or decoration, showing a conscious effort to enhance physical appearance for external appeal.

• כַּשְׂדִּיִּים (kasdim): "Chaldeans" or "Babylonians" - signifies the specific foreign power and its associated culture whose ways Israel adopted. This points to Babylonian idolatry and political influence.

• וּבְנֵי־בָבֶל (u'vene-babel): "and sons of Babel" - further emphasizing the people and their origins, associating the actions directly with the Babylonian nation.

• סָגְלִינְטִים (saglintim): "scarlet dyed" or "dyed with vermilion" - referring to the color of their attire, often associated with royalty, luxury, and sometimes prostitution or military status in ancient cultures. This vivid imagery underscores the sensory and alluring nature of the adopted customs. The specific hue suggests a deliberate and pronounced adoption of their style.

• אֲשֶׁר־אֹוֶלְתְּ: (asher-'o'leth): "which had dallied with" or "with whom she had played" - implies intimate association and sensual attraction, continuing the theme of spiritual unfaithfulness presented as sexual promiscuity. This phrase links the outward appearance directly to forbidden intimacy with foreign practices and powers.

• דֶּרֶךְ: (derech): "way" or "manner" - indicates that it was not just one aspect but their whole way of life that Israel was imitating.

• Haskell men, dyed red... and sons of Babel: The description of "well-girt Chaldeans" and "sons of Babel" highlights specific military or prominent figures in Babylonian society, whose attire was fashionable and perhaps even luxurious. The emphasis on their appearance suggests Israel was drawn to the outward glamour and perceived power of Babylon. The word for "girt" implies readiness, perhaps in battle or in ceremonial attire, and the colors symbolize status or sensual appeal. The imitation of their "way" meant adopting their worldview, allegiance, and religious practices, which were inherently idolatrous.

Ezekiel 23 15 Bonus section

The use of colors like "scarlet" or "vermilion" in ancient Near Eastern cultures often carried significant symbolism. Scarlet dye, frequently derived from insects or roots, was expensive and associated with royalty, power, and passion. It was a visible marker of wealth and status. By adopting this attire, Israel was essentially parading their allegiance to Babylon and its paganism. The Hebrew word translated as "well-girt" (hakkarsomnim) can also relate to a certain swagger or confidence, further indicating an attraction to the outward projection of Babylonian might and influence. This suggests that Judah's sin was not merely accidental but a conscious and desirable imitation of foreign decadence and spiritual corruption.

Ezekiel 23 15 Commentary

This verse vividly illustrates the spiritual seduction of Judah by the Babylonian empire. Oholibah, symbolizing Jerusalem, sees the Babylonians and is immediately captivated by their appearance and culture. She imitates their manner of dress, particularly their colored garments and fashionable attire, not just as a fashion choice but as a deep alignment with their identity and, by extension, their gods and worldview. This outward imitation reflects a profound inward spiritual betrayal of her covenant with the Lord. The verse serves as a powerful condemnation of syncretism – the mixing of true worship with idolatrous practices – and a warning against allowing foreign influences to dictate national and religious life. It shows how worldly allure can lead to spiritual compromise.