What does Ezekiel 23:7 mean?
"Thus she committed her whoredoms with them, with all them that were the chosen men of Assyria, and with all on whom she doted: with all their idols she defiled herself." - Ezekiel 23:7

Ezekiel 23:7 in the King James Version reads, "Thus she committed her whoredoms with them, with all them that were the chosen men of Assyria, and with all on whom she doted: with all their idols she defiled herself." This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Ezekiel that speaks to the faithlessness and idolatry of the people of Israel.
In this particular passage, God is comparing the unfaithfulness of the Israelites to that of two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, who symbolize the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel. Oholah and Oholibah are depicted as prostitutes who have engaged in sexual relationships with other nations, specifically Assyria and Babylon, and have worshipped their idols. This can be understood as a metaphor for the Israelites’ spiritual unfaithfulness, and their turning away from God to worship foreign gods.
One of the key themes in this verse is that of faithfulness and idolatry. The verse describes how the Israelites defiled themselves with the idols of Assyria and doted on their chosen men. This reflects the Israelites' departure from their covenant with God and their pursuit of other gods. This theme of faithfulness and idolatry is a recurring one throughout the Bible, as the Israelites grapple with the temptation to worship false gods and turn away from the one true God.
Another important theme in this verse is that of spiritual purity. The imagery of whoredom and defilement is used to illustrate the spiritual impurity of the Israelites’ actions. By engaging in idolatry and worshiping foreign gods, they are seen as defiling themselves and turning away from the purity of their relationship with God. This theme underscores the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and staying faithful to God in the face of temptation and worldly influences.
The context of this verse is also significant. The book of Ezekiel was written during a time of great turmoil for the Israelites. The kingdom of Judah had been conquered by the Babylonians, and the people had been exiled from their land. The prophet Ezekiel was called to bring a message of repentance and hope to the exiled Israelites, and to warn them of the consequences of their unfaithfulness. Within this context, the verse serves as a powerful rebuke to the Israelites for their spiritual unfaithfulness and a call to return to God.
In terms of symbolism, the verse employs the metaphor of sexual infidelity to symbolize the Israelites’ spiritual unfaithfulness. The use of this imagery serves to emphasize the seriousness of the Israelites’ actions and to underscore the depth of their betrayal of God. The verse also symbolizes the love and devotion that the Israelites should have towards God as a form of marriage, and the betrayal as infidelity.
In conclusion, Ezekiel 23:7 is a powerful and evocative verse that speaks to the themes of faithfulness, idolatry, and spiritual purity. It serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of remaining faithful to Him. Within the context of the book of Ezekiel, the verse carries a message of repentance and hope for the Israelites, urging them to return to God and renew their covenant with Him. Ultimately, the verse serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring importance of faithfulness and devotion in the relationship between humanity and the divine.
Have questions about Ezekiel 23:7?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Ezekiel 23:7 Artwork
Ezekiel 23:7 - "Thus she committed her whoredoms with them, with all them that were the chosen men of Assyria, and with all on whom she doted: with all their idols she defiled herself."
"Thus she committed her whoredoms with them, with all them that were the chosen men of Assyria, and with all on whom she doted: with all their idols she defiled herself." - Ezekiel 23:7
Ezekiel 7:23 - "¶ Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence."
"¶ Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence." - Ezekiel 7:23
Ezekiel 41:23 - "And the temple and the sanctuary had two doors."
Ezekiel 22:23 - "¶ And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 33:23 - "Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 23:1 - "The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 21:7
Ezekiel 23:2 - "Son of man, there were two women, the daughters of one mother:"
Ezekiel 23:13 - "Then I saw that she was defiled, that they took both one way,"
Ezekiel 37:7
Ezekiel 30:23 - "And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries."
Ezekiel 27:23 - "Haran, and Canneh, and Eden, the merchants of Sheba, Asshur, and Chilmad, were thy merchants."
matthew 7:23
Genesis 23-7
Ezekiel 37 1-7
Ezekiel 23:23 - "The Babylonians, and all the Chaldeans, Pekod, and Shoa, and Koa, and all the Assyrians with them: all of them desirable young men, captains and rulers, great lords and renowned, all of them riding upon horses."
"And the temple and the sanctuary had two doors." - Ezekiel 41:23
Ezekiel 23:43 - "Then said I unto her that was old in adulteries, Will they now commit whoredoms with her, and she with them?"
Ezekiel 23:26 - "They shall also strip thee out of thy clothes, and take away thy fair jewels."
Ezekiel 23:33 - "Thou shalt be filled with drunkenness and sorrow, with the cup of astonishment and desolation, with the cup of thy sister Samaria."
Ezekiel 48:23 - "As for the rest of the tribes, from the east side unto the west side, Benjamin shall have a portion."
Ezekiel 16:23 - "And it came to pass after all thy wickedness, (woe, woe unto thee! saith the Lord GOD;)"
Ezekiel 34:7 - "¶ Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;"
Ezekiel 23:31 - "Thou hast walked in the way of thy sister; therefore will I give her cup into thine hand."
Ezekiel 23:5 - "And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbours,"
Ezekiel 23:20 - "For she doted upon their paramours, whose flesh is as the flesh of asses, and whose issue is like the issue of horses."
1 Chronicles 23:7 - "¶ Of the Gershonites were, Laadan, and Shimei."
Ezekiel 13:18-23 Add the verse in the artwork written in words