Ezekiel 23:40
And furthermore, that ye have sent for men to come from far, unto whom a messenger was sent; and, lo, they came: for whom thou didst wash thyself, paintedst thy eyes, and deckedst thyself with ornaments,
Original Language Analysis
וְאַ֗ף
And furthermore
H637
וְאַ֗ף
And furthermore
Strong's:
H637
Word #:
1 of 18
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שָׁל֤וּחַ
that ye have sent
H7971
שָׁל֤וּחַ
that ye have sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
3 of 18
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
לַֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים
H376
לַֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
4 of 18
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)
בָ֔אוּ
and lo they came
H935
בָ֔אוּ
and lo they came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
5 of 18
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
מִמֶּרְחָ֑ק
from far
H4801
מִמֶּרְחָ֑ק
from far
Strong's:
H4801
Word #:
6 of 18
remoteness, i.e., (concretely) a distant place; often (adverbially) from afar
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מַלְאָ֜ךְ
unto whom a messenger
H4397
מַלְאָ֜ךְ
unto whom a messenger
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
8 of 18
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
שָׁל֤וּחַ
that ye have sent
H7971
שָׁל֤וּחַ
that ye have sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
9 of 18
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
בָ֔אוּ
and lo they came
H935
בָ֔אוּ
and lo they came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
12 of 18
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לַאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
לַאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
רָחַ֛צְתְּ
for whom thou didst wash
H7364
רָחַ֛צְתְּ
for whom thou didst wash
Strong's:
H7364
Word #:
14 of 18
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
עֵינַ֖יִךְ
thy eyes
H5869
עֵינַ֖יִךְ
thy eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
16 of 18
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Cross References
Jeremiah 4:30And when thou art spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life.2 Kings 9:30And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.Isaiah 57:9And thou wentest to the king with ointment, and didst increase thy perfumes, and didst send thy messengers far off, and didst debase thyself even unto hell.
Historical Context
Judah's diplomacy with Egypt, Babylon, and other powers involved elaborate reception ceremonies. Kings sought to impress foreign envoys with wealth and beauty, hoping to secure advantageous treaties. This diplomatic seduction brought foreign religious influence and compromise, as alliances required acknowledging partners' deities through treaty ceremonies.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we 'beautify ourselves' to attract worldly approval and alliances?
- What does our attempt to impress others reveal about spiritual priorities?
- Why is seeking validation from the world a form of spiritual adultery?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And furthermore, that ye have sent for men to come from far introduces new accusation—soliciting foreign alliances and their religious practices. Unto whom a messenger was sent details active pursuit. And, lo, they came: for whom thou didst wash thyself, paintedst thy eyes, and deckedst thyself with ornaments describes preparations like a prostitute adorning herself for clients. The imagery is deliberately provocative—Judah beautified herself to attract foreign powers. Washing, eye-painting (kohl), and jewelry all suggest sexual availability. Applying cosmetics appears repeatedly in contexts of seduction or questionable character (2 Kings 9:30; Jeremiah 4:30). Judah's frantic beautification for foreign allies reveals desperation disguised as sophisticated diplomacy.