Ezekiel 23:15
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:
Original Language Analysis
בְּמָתְנֵיהֶ֗ם
upon their loins
H4975
בְּמָתְנֵיהֶ֗ם
upon their loins
Strong's:
H4975
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins
טְבוּלִים֙
in dyed attire
H2871
טְבוּלִים֙
in dyed attire
Strong's:
H2871
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, dyed, i.e., a turban (probably as of colored stuff)
בְּרָ֣אשֵׁיהֶ֔ם
upon their heads
H7218
בְּרָ֣אשֵׁיהֶ֔ם
upon their heads
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
6 of 15
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
מַרְאֵ֥ה
to look to
H4758
מַרְאֵ֥ה
to look to
Strong's:
H4758
Word #:
7 of 15
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
שָׁלִשִׁ֖ים
all of them princes
H7991
שָׁלִשִׁ֖ים
all of them princes
Strong's:
H7991
Word #:
8 of 15
a triple, i.e., (as an officer) a general of the third rank (upward, i.e., the highest)
כֻּלָּ֑ם
H3605
כֻּלָּ֑ם
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דְּמ֤וּת
after the manner
H1823
דְּמ֤וּת
after the manner
Strong's:
H1823
Word #:
10 of 15
resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like
בְּנֵֽי
of the Babylonians
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
of the Babylonians
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בָבֶל֙
H894
בָבֶל֙
Strong's:
H894
Word #:
12 of 15
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
כַּשְׂדִּ֔ים
of Chaldea
H3778
כַּשְׂדִּ֔ים
of Chaldea
Strong's:
H3778
Word #:
13 of 15
a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people
Historical Context
Babylon's Neo-Babylonian Empire (626-539 BC) represented the era's most sophisticated civilization. Nebuchadnezzar II's reign showcased magnificent architecture (Ishtar Gate, Hanging Gardens), advanced military, and extensive wealth—all visible through diplomatic contact and increasingly frequent interaction with Judah.
Questions for Reflection
- How does attraction to worldly power and beauty lead to spiritual compromise?
- What role do our eyes play in the progression toward sin?
- How can we guard our hearts by guarding what we see and desire?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Girded with girdles upon their loins, exceeding in dyed attire upon their heads, all of them princes to look upon details military and royal splendor attracting Judah. After the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea, the land of their nativity identifies authentic Babylonian warriors. The phrase 'princes to look upon' (mar'eh—appearance) emphasizes visual appeal—they looked impressive, powerful, successful. Judah's attraction was aesthetic before political. Sin's progression: visual attraction, emotional desire, intellectual rationalization, volitional choice, behavioral pattern, enslaving habit (James 1:14-15). Eyes are sin's gateway (Genesis 3:6; Joshua 7:21; 2 Samuel 11:2; Matthew 5:28-29), requiring vigilant guarding.