Ezekiel 23:3
And they committed whoredoms in Egypt; they committed whoredoms in their youth: there were their breasts pressed, and there they bruised the teats of their virginity.
Original Language Analysis
זָנ֑וּ
And they committed whoredoms
H2181
זָנ֑וּ
And they committed whoredoms
Strong's:
H2181
Word #:
1 of 11
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
בִּנְעוּרֵיהֶ֖ן
in their youth
H5271
בִּנְעוּרֵיהֶ֖ן
in their youth
Strong's:
H5271
Word #:
3 of 11
(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)
זָנ֑וּ
And they committed whoredoms
H2181
זָנ֑וּ
And they committed whoredoms
Strong's:
H2181
Word #:
4 of 11
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
שָׁ֚מָּה
H8033
שָׁ֚מָּה
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
5 of 11
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
שְׁדֵיהֶ֔ן
there were their breasts
H7699
שְׁדֵיהֶ֔ן
there were their breasts
Strong's:
H7699
Word #:
7 of 11
the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging)
וְשָׁ֣ם
H8033
עִשּׂ֔וּ
and there they bruised
H6213
עִשּׂ֔וּ
and there they bruised
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
9 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
Leviticus 17:7And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils, after whom they have gone a whoring. This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations.Ezekiel 16:22And in all thine abominations and thy whoredoms thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth, when thou wast naked and bare, and wast polluted in thy blood.Joshua 24:14Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.
Historical Context
Archaeological evidence confirms Israel absorbed Egyptian religious practices during their 400-year sojourn. The golden calf incident (Exodus 32) reflected Egyptian bull-worship, particularly the Apis bull cult.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual compromises from your 'youth' (early Christian life) might still influence your walk with God?
- How does recognizing the depth of your own sin increase appreciation for God's patient grace?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The phrase 'in their youth' refers to Israel's bondage in Egypt before the Exodus and Sinai covenant. Even in slavery, Israel began adopting Egyptian idolatry (Exodus 32, Joshua 24:14), revealing the depth of human sin and the persistence of spiritual rebellion. This establishes a pattern of unfaithfulness from the very beginning of their national existence.