Ezekiel 23:3

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

זָנ֑וּ

H2181

And they committed whoredoms

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

בְמִצְרַ֔יִם

H4714

in Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

בִּנְעוּרֵיהֶ֖ן

H5271

in their youth

(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)

זָנ֑וּ

H2181

And they committed whoredoms

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

שָׁ֚מָּה

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

מֹעֲכ֣וּ

H4600

pressed

to press, i.e., to pierce, emasculate, handle

שְׁדֵיהֶ֔ן

H7699

there were their breasts

the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging)

וְשָׁ֣ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

עִשּׂ֔וּ

H6213

and there they bruised

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#10

דַּדֵּ֖י

H1717

the teats

the breast (as the seat of love, or from its shape)

#11

בְּתוּלֵיהֶֽן׃

H1331

of their virginity

(collectively and abstractly) virginity; by implication and concretely, the tokens of it

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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