Ezekiel 23:18
So she discovered her whoredoms, and discovered her nakedness: then my mind was alienated from her, like as my mind was alienated from her sister.
Original Language Analysis
וַתְּגַ֖ל
So she discovered
H1540
וַתְּגַ֖ל
So she discovered
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
1 of 13
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
תַּזְנוּתֶ֔יהָ
her whoredoms
H8457
תַּזְנוּתֶ֔יהָ
her whoredoms
Strong's:
H8457
Word #:
2 of 13
harlotry, i.e., (figuratively) idolatry
וַתְּגַ֖ל
So she discovered
H1540
וַתְּגַ֖ל
So she discovered
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
3 of 13
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֶרְוָתָ֑הּ
her nakedness
H6172
עֶרְוָתָ֑הּ
her nakedness
Strong's:
H6172
Word #:
5 of 13
nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)
וַתֵּ֤קַע
was alienated
H3363
וַתֵּ֤קַע
was alienated
Strong's:
H3363
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, to sever oneself, i.e., (by implication) to be dislocated; figuratively, to abandon; causatively, to impale (and thus allow to drop to piece
נַפְשִׁ֖י
from her like as my mind
H5315
נַפְשִׁ֖י
from her like as my mind
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
מֵֽעָלֶ֔יהָ
H5921
מֵֽעָלֶ֔יהָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נַפְשִׁ֖י
from her like as my mind
H5315
נַפְשִׁ֖י
from her like as my mind
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Cross References
Psalms 78:59When God heard this, he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel:Psalms 106:40Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.Jeremiah 12:8Mine heritage is unto me as a lion in the forest; it crieth out against me: therefore have I hated it.Jeremiah 6:8Be thou instructed, O Jerusalem, lest my soul depart from thee; lest I make thee desolate, a land not inhabited.Jeremiah 8:12Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.Ezekiel 21:24Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have made your iniquity to be remembered, in that your transgressions are discovered, so that in all your doings your sins do appear; because, I say, that ye are come to remembrance, ye shall be taken with the hand.
Historical Context
By Ezekiel's time (593 BC, during exile), Jerusalem's approaching destruction was certain. God's mind was set. Despite Jeremiah's intercession and calls for repentance, the breach between God and Jerusalem was irreparable without judgment fire of exile. The 586 BC destruction fulfilled this alienation.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean when God's affection alienates from us?
- How do we know if we've crossed from divine patience to divine abandonment?
- Is there a point where judgment becomes inevitable regardless of repentance?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
So she discovered her whoredoms, and discovered her nakedness indicates Jerusalem's sin became public, undeniable. The repetition of 'discovered' (Hebrew galah—uncovered, revealed) emphasizes total exposure. Then my mind was alienated from her expresses divine revulsion—God's patience exhausted, affection withdrawn. Like as my mind was alienated from her sister declares Jerusalem's judgment mirrors Samaria's—same sin, same consequence. Consistency in divine judgment demonstrates God's impartiality and justice. He doesn't show favoritism based on lineage or past election. Privilege increases responsibility; Jerusalem's advantages made guilt worse. When God's affection alienates, hope dies. This judicial alienation is final apostasy's consequence—God gives them over (Romans 1:24, 26, 28).