Ezekiel 23:14
And that she increased her whoredoms: for when she saw men pourtrayed upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans pourtrayed with vermilion,
Original Language Analysis
וַתּ֖וֹסֶף
And that she increased
H3254
וַתּ֖וֹסֶף
And that she increased
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
1 of 12
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
תַּזְנוּתֶ֑יהָ
her whoredoms
H8457
תַּזְנוּתֶ֑יהָ
her whoredoms
Strong's:
H8457
Word #:
3 of 12
harlotry, i.e., (figuratively) idolatry
וַתֵּ֗רֶא
for when she saw
H7200
וַתֵּ֗רֶא
for when she saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
4 of 12
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אַנְשֵׁי֙
H376
אַנְשֵׁי֙
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 12
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
מְחֻקֶּ֣ה
pourtrayed
H2707
מְחֻקֶּ֣ה
pourtrayed
Strong's:
H2707
Word #:
6 of 12
to carve; by implication, to delineate; also to entrench
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
צַלְמֵ֣י
the images
H6754
צַלְמֵ֣י
the images
Strong's:
H6754
Word #:
9 of 12
a phantom, i.e., (figuratively) illusion, resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol
כַשְׂדִּ֔יים
of the Chaldeans
H3778
כַשְׂדִּ֔יים
of the Chaldeans
Strong's:
H3778
Word #:
10 of 12
a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people
Cross References
Ezekiel 8:10So I went in and saw; and behold every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, pourtrayed upon the wall round about.Jeremiah 22:14That saith, I will build me a wide house and large chambers, and cutteth him out windows; and it is cieled with cedar, and painted with vermilion.
Historical Context
Babylonian art featured prominent wall reliefs in brilliant colors, especially red vermilion. As Babylonian power grew (post-626 BC under Nabopolassar and Nebuchadnezzar), such imagery became familiar to Judeans through trade, diplomacy, and envoys. King Jehoiakim likely saw such images during his vassalage to Babylon.
Questions for Reflection
- How do images and media shape our desires and spiritual direction?
- What 'wall paintings' of worldly success and glory tempt us today?
- How does visual stimulation bypass rational discernment to capture our hearts?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And that she increased her whoredoms marks escalation—Judah didn't maintain Israel's level but exceeded it. For when she saw men pourtrayed upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans pourtrayed with vermilion indicates new forms of idolatry. Wall paintings in vivid red pigment depicted Babylonian gods and rituals. This verse captures how visual media stimulates desire and worship. Judah saw attractive images and lusted for what they represented. Modern parallels abound: advertising, entertainment, social media all shape desire through images. What we behold shapes what we become (2 Corinthians 3:18). Judah gazed at Babylon's glory and wanted it, demonstrating the eye as sin's gateway.