Ezekiel 23 20

Ezekiel 23:20 kjv

For she doted upon their paramours, whose flesh is as the flesh of asses, and whose issue is like the issue of horses.

Ezekiel 23:20 nkjv

For she lusted for her paramours, Whose flesh is like the flesh of donkeys, And whose issue is like the issue of horses.

Ezekiel 23:20 niv

There she lusted after her lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission was like that of horses.

Ezekiel 23:20 esv

and lusted after her lovers there, whose members were like those of donkeys, and whose issue was like that of horses.

Ezekiel 23:20 nlt

She lusted after lovers with genitals as large as a donkey's and emissions like those of a horse.

Ezekiel 23 verses

Ezekiel 23 20 Meaning

This verse describes the unfaithfulness of Jerusalem (often symbolized as Oholibah) by comparing her sexual desires and actions to those of the Babylonians. Specifically, it highlights her lust for men with enlarged genitals, which reflects a deep moral and spiritual corruption. The imagery used emphasizes her base desires and her descent into sin.

Ezekiel 23 20 Context

Ezekiel chapter 23 portrays the spiritual adultery of the northern kingdom of Israel (Samaria, or Oholah) and the southern kingdom of Judah (Jerusalem, or Oholibah) through allegorical narratives. Oholibah, representing Judah, is depicted as having even more deeply engaged in idolatry and sexual immorality than her sister Oholah, who had already been destroyed. This verse, verse 20, specifically details Oholibah's craving for companionship with the Egyptians. The historical context involves the political and religious entanglements of Judah with foreign powers, particularly Egypt, which ultimately led to its downfall.

Ezekiel 23 20 Word Analysis

• And (וְ - ve): Conjunction linking clauses, indicating progression or addition.
• she saw (וַתֵּרֶא - vatere'): Imperfect tense of the verb "to see" (רָאָה - ra'ah), signifying "and she saw." This implies an observation leading to an action or desire.
• her paramours (מְנָאֳפֶיהָ - mena'apheyha): Plural of "adulterer" (מְאַף - me'aph), derived from the verb "to commit adultery." Refers to her unlawful lovers, those with whom she engaged in illicit sexual relations, signifying her betrayal of God.
• the (אֶת - 'et): Direct object marker.
• Assyrians (אַשּׁוּרִים - 'ashshurim): The people of Assyria, a powerful empire known for its military might and its influence over Israel and Judah. In this context, they represent foreign alliances and attractions that Israel and Judah pursued instead of relying on God.
• the Chaldeans (וְכַשְׂדִּיִם - ve'kasdim): The people of Chaldea, synonymous with Babylon, another powerful empire that eventually conquered Jerusalem. Their inclusion highlights the continuous pattern of seeking help and alliance from foreign, idolatrous nations.
• also (גַּם - gam): Adverb meaning "also," "even," or "too." Emphasizes the totality of her lust, encompassing more than just the immediate object of desire.
• men (אֲנָשִׁים - 'anashim): Hebrew for "men."
• whose (אֲשֶׁר - 'asher): Relative pronoun, meaning "who" or "which."
• going in (בָּאִים - ba'im): Present participle of the verb "to come" or "to go" (בּוֹא - bo'). Suggests entering, implying physical proximity or association.
• to (אֶל - 'el): Preposition indicating direction toward.
• her (יֵשׁוּב - yeshuv): This Hebrew word actually means "population," "dwelling," or "coming home." However, in some translations and contexts it could refer to their male seed or offspring when related to sexual unions, but the more common interpretation here for sexual unions refers to the masculine generation or offspring from their male bodies, more precisely, their generative power/potency that comes into the women. The key understanding is its association with virility.
• you (אוֹתָהּ - otah): Feminine singular pronoun, "her."
• with (בִּֽ־ - bi-): Preposition "in" or "with," attached to the following noun.
• she (לְבַב לֵב - levav lev): "Heart." The word "heart" is repeated here for emphasis. It signifies the seat of desire and intent, indicating a deep internal longing and attraction. The term often refers to the innermost being, the will, mind, and emotions.
• longed (אִוָּה - 'ivvah): Hiphil (causative) form of the verb "to desire" or "to covet" (אָוָה - 'avah). Denotes an intense craving or yearning, showing her active desire and consent to sin.
• for (בָּהּ - bah): Preposition "in" or "on," attached to the pronoun.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "whose going in to you is of asses, and a vigorous outflow from their loins." This phrase (אִישׁ יִשּׁוּב יֵשׁוּב לַאֲשֶׁר עַל יָלַיד) describes the object of her lust. The comparison to "asses" (חֲמֹרִים - chamorim) in many translations signifies extreme sexual virility, brutishness, and fertility associated with the male reproductive power or "issue" (יֵשׁוּב - yeshuv). The "vigorous outflow" (מוֹצָא לְבוּב - motza levuv) emphasizes this strong generative potency, referring to their seed or strength in reproduction. This imagery highlights Oholibah's perversion, her attraction to raw, unrestrained, and even brutish male sexuality, far removed from the purity God desired for his people.

Ezekiel 23 20 Bonus Section

The allegorical names Oholah ("Her Tent") and Oholibah ("My Tent Is In Her") from Ezekiel 23 are significant. Oholah, representing the Northern Kingdom, had established her own separate worship (idolatrous temples), hence "Her Tent." Oholibah, representing the Southern Kingdom (Judah), initially was YHWH's (the Lord's) covenant partner, and "My Tent Is In Her" suggests a continuation of this relationship. However, her subsequent actions show a violation of this unique bond, making the name a testament to her corrupted state. Her attractions are not just political or spiritual, but deeply personal and sensual, illustrating that unfaithfulness to God is a betrayal of love and intimacy. The graphic language serves to shock the audience, emphasizing the gravity of sin and the loss of God’s presence due to sin.

Ezekiel 23 20 Commentary

Jerusalem, represented by Oholibah, mirrors the deep corruption of her sister Samaria. Her desire for the Egyptians and other foreign nations is depicted as a lust for those who are seen as powerful and virile, described in this verse with strong, even crude, imagery. This points to her turning away from her covenant relationship with God for the temporary security and perceived vigor offered by human alliances and idolatrous practices. The detailed description of her desires underscores the depth of her spiritual whoredom and the moral decay that had taken root within her. Her sin is not merely external; it is deeply rooted in her inner desires, her "heart."