Ezekiel 23:14

KJV

And [that] she increased her whoredoms: for when she saw men pourtrayed upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans pourtrayed with vermilion,

KJV (with Strong's)

And that she increased {H3254} her whoredoms {H8457}: for when she saw {H7200} men {H582} pourtrayed {H2707} upon the wall {H7023}, the images {H6754} of the Chaldeans {H3778} pourtrayed {H2710} with vermilion {H8350},

Complete Jewish Bible

She prostituted herself more than ever; because she saw wall-carvings of men, depicting the Kasdim in vermilion

Berean Standard Bible

But Oholibah carried her prostitution even further. She saw the men portrayed on the wall, images of the Chaldeans, engraved in vermilion,

American Standard Version

And she increased her whoredoms; for she saw men portrayed upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans portrayed with vermilion,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 23:14 vividly describes Oholibah (representing Jerusalem and Judah) intensifying her spiritual infidelity, or "whoredoms," by becoming deeply enamored with the depicted grandeur and allure of the Chaldean (Babylonian) empire. Despite witnessing the severe judgment meted out to her sister Oholah (Samaria) for similar transgressions, Oholibah's fascination with foreign power, culture, and idolatry grew, symbolized by her gazing upon images of Chaldean men portrayed with striking vermilion on walls, signifying a profound betrayal of her covenant relationship with Yahweh and a further descent into spiritual depravity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel chapter 23 continues the extended allegory introduced in chapter 16, where God portrays Himself as a faithful husband to an unfaithful wife (Israel/Judah). Here, the metaphor is refined to two sisters, Oholah (Samaria, the northern kingdom of Israel) and Oholibah (Jerusalem, the southern kingdom of Judah). Both are depicted as engaging in escalating "whoredoms," a potent metaphor for their spiritual idolatry and their reliance on unholy political alliances with pagan nations rather than trusting in God alone. Verses 1-10 detail Oholah's harlotry and subsequent judgment by Assyria. Verses 11-35 then focus on Oholibah, whose sin is portrayed as even more egregious because she witnessed Oholah's downfall yet failed to repent. Verse 14 specifically highlights Oholibah's continued and intensified idolatry, particularly her fascination with Babylonian imagery, setting the stage for her impending judgment, which is elaborated upon in the subsequent verses of [Ezekiel 23](/ezekiel/23 "Ezekiel 23 - The Allegory of Oholah and Oholibah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the late monarchical period of Judah, leading up to the Babylonian exile. Both Israel and Judah, despite their covenant with Yahweh, frequently sought political and military alliances with powerful neighboring empires like Egypt, Assyria, and later Babylon, rather than relying on God's protection. These alliances often necessitated adopting the religious practices and cultural norms of the stronger power, leading to syncretism and outright idolatry. The "Chaldeans" refer to the Babylonians, who were rapidly rising to prominence as a dominant world power. Their culture was known for its sophisticated art, architecture, and military might. The mention of "men pourtrayed upon the wall" and "images...pourtrayed with vermilion" points to the common practice of depicting deities, kings, and military triumphs on palace walls or public structures, often using vibrant pigments. Vermilion, a striking red pigment, would have made these images particularly captivating and luxurious, symbolizing the seductive appeal of Babylonian culture and power that drew Judah into deeper spiritual compromise and eventual subjugation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the prophetic literature. The primary theme is **spiritual adultery and idolatry**, where Judah's pursuit of foreign gods and alliances is equated with a wife's unfaithfulness to her husband, Yahweh. This underscores the exclusive and intimate nature of God's covenant with His people. Another crucial theme is the **allure of worldly power and culture**, as Judah is depicted as being captivated by the perceived strength and sophistication of the Chaldeans, leading them to abandon divine trust for human alliances. This fascination is explicitly linked to the visual appeal of "images...pourtrayed with vermilion," highlighting the seductive nature of worldly glory. Finally, the verse emphasizes the **lack of repentance and escalation of sin**. Despite witnessing the devastating judgment on Samaria (Oholah) described earlier in [Ezekiel 23](/ezekiel/23 "Ezekiel 23 - The Allegory of Oholah and Oholibah"), Oholibah not only failed to learn but actively deepened her transgression, illustrating a profound spiritual blindness and stubbornness that ultimately sealed her fate, as foreshadowed in passages like [Ezekiel 22](/ezekiel/22 "Ezekiel 22 - The Sins of Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **increased (Hebrew, _yâçaph'_):** H3254. This primitive root means "to add or augment," often implying a continuation or intensification of an action. In Ezekiel 23:14, its use signifies that Oholibah's "whoredoms" were not merely ongoing but were actively growing in number and severity. She did not just maintain her previous level of spiritual infidelity; she deliberately compounded it, demonstrating a deepening commitment to her idolatrous practices and foreign alliances.
* **whoredoms (Hebrew, _taznûwth'_):** H8457. Derived from the root "zanah" (to commit fornication), this noun consistently refers to harlotry or prostitution. In the prophetic books, including Ezekiel, it is almost exclusively used metaphorically to denote spiritual unfaithfulness, idolatry, and the breaking of the covenant relationship with God. It underscores the profound betrayal of God's exclusive love and the intimate bond He desired with His people, treating their pursuit of other gods or reliance on foreign powers as a profound act of spiritual adultery.
* **pourtrayed (Hebrew, _châqâh'_ / _châqaq'_):** H2707 / H2710. These two closely related primitive roots both mean "to carve" or "to engrave," and by implication, "to delineate" or "to depict." H2707 is used for "men pourtrayed," while H2710 is used for "images...pourtrayed." Their combined use emphasizes the deliberate and artistic nature of the Chaldean representations. These were not casual sketches but carefully crafted, perhaps even monumental, depictions designed to impress and influence, highlighting the intentionality and visual allure of the foreign culture that captivated Oholibah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And that she increased her whoredoms":** This clause immediately establishes the continued and intensified nature of Oholibah's sin. Despite the warnings and the example of her sister Oholah's judgment, Judah did not repent but rather plunged deeper into spiritual infidelity, multiplying her acts of idolatry and unholy alliances. The use of "increased" signifies a deliberate and escalating pattern of rebellion against God's covenant.
* **"for when she saw men pourtrayed upon the wall":** This phrase introduces the specific catalyst for Oholibah's heightened transgression. Her sin was not merely abstract but was provoked by visual stimuli. "Men pourtrayed upon the wall" refers to depictions of Chaldean figures—likely warriors, kings, or deities—displayed prominently in public or private spaces, perhaps encountered through diplomatic exchanges or observations of Babylonian culture. This visual encounter ignited her desire and fascination.
* **"the images of the Chaldeans pourtrayed with vermilion":** This final clause provides further detail about the captivating nature of these foreign images. The "images of the Chaldeans" explicitly links the allure to the Babylonian empire, known for its power and sophistication. The detail "pourtrayed with vermilion" is highly significant. Vermilion, a vibrant red pigment, was costly and often associated with luxury, beauty, and perhaps even sensuality. Its use highlights the striking, attractive, and seductive quality of these foreign cultural representations, which held an irresistible appeal for Oholibah, drawing her further away from her covenant loyalty to God and into the embrace of pagan influences.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 23:14 is rich with **Allegory**, as the entire chapter uses the narrative of two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, to represent the spiritual history of Israel and Judah. This allows for a vivid and emotionally charged portrayal of their infidelity. The core of the verse employs a powerful **Metaphor** where "whoredoms" (Hebrew: _taznûwth_) stands for spiritual idolatry and unholy political alliances, equating the nation's betrayal of God with a wife's sexual infidelity. This metaphor underscores the intimate and exclusive nature of God's covenant relationship with His people. Furthermore, the verse utilizes strong **Imagery** through the description of "men pourtrayed upon the wall" and "images of the Chaldeans pourtrayed with vermilion." This visual imagery vividly conveys the seductive power of foreign culture and idolatry, making the abstract concept of spiritual unfaithfulness tangible and compelling. The "vermilion" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing the luxurious, captivating, and perhaps dangerous allure of worldly power and pagan aesthetics that drew Judah away from God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 23:14 profoundly illustrates the insidious nature of idolatry, not merely as the worship of false gods, but as a deep-seated spiritual infidelity born from a misplaced trust and a covetous desire for worldly power and prestige. Judah's fascination with the "images of the Chaldeans" reveals a heart that had grown cold to the covenant God, preferring the perceived glory and strength of human empires over the divine protection and provision. This verse serves as a stark reminder that true spiritual purity demands an undivided heart, constantly discerning between God's truth and the seductive allurements of the world. It highlights the principle that exposure to ungodly influences, when coupled with a lack of spiritual vigilance and a rebellious heart, inevitably leads to deeper sin and divine judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 6:14](/deuteronomy/6-14 "Deuteronomy 6:14 - Do not follow other gods")
* [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")
* [Hosea 4:12](/hosea/4-12 "Hosea 4:12 - Spiritual Prostitution")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 23:14 serves as a timeless warning against the subtle yet powerful draw of cultural and worldly idolatry. For believers today, the "images of the Chaldeans pourtrayed with vermilion" can represent anything that captivates our hearts and minds, diverting our ultimate allegiance from God. This might manifest as an unhealthy obsession with wealth, status, entertainment, or even political ideologies that promise security or fulfillment apart from Christ. The verse challenges us to critically examine what "walls" we are gazing upon—what influences, media, or aspirations are shaping our desires and values. Are we allowing the superficial attractiveness of worldly success or cultural trends to subtly erode our commitment to God's Word and His ways? Just as Oholibah's fascination led to deeper "whoredoms," our uncritical embrace of worldly allurements can lead to spiritual compromise and a diminished capacity to discern God's will. It calls us to cultivate a discerning spirit, to guard our hearts diligently, and to actively pursue a singular devotion to God, recognizing that true satisfaction and security are found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "images" or cultural trends in my life or society, though seemingly attractive, might be subtly drawing my heart away from God?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be placing trust in human systems or worldly promises rather than relying solely on God's sovereignty and provision?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize and resist the "vermilion" allure of things that promise fulfillment but ultimately lead to spiritual emptiness?**
* **Am I learning from the spiritual failures of others, both in biblical narratives and contemporary examples, or am I prone to repeating similar mistakes?**

### FAQ

**What does "whoredoms" mean in the context of Ezekiel 23:14?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 23:14, "whoredoms" (Hebrew: _taznûwth_) is a powerful and recurring metaphor used throughout the prophetic books to describe spiritual infidelity. It does not refer to literal sexual promiscuity, but rather to the nation of Judah's (represented by Oholibah) unfaithfulness to her covenant relationship with Yahweh. This unfaithfulness manifested primarily in two ways: first, through idolatry, by worshipping foreign gods and adopting pagan religious practices; and second, through forming unholy political alliances with powerful pagan nations like Assyria and Babylon, trusting in their military might rather than in God's protection. This metaphor underscores the intimate, exclusive, and sacred bond God desired with His people, viewing any deviation as a profound betrayal, akin to a wife's adultery against her husband. This theme is central to understanding God's judgment throughout [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "The Book of Ezekiel").

**Who were the "Chaldeans" and why were their images significant?**

Answer: The "Chaldeans" refer to the inhabitants of Chaldea, which was the region of southern Mesopotamia that became the heartland of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. They are synonymous with the Babylonians, who rose to become the dominant world power in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, eventually conquering Judah and destroying Jerusalem. Their images, "pourtrayed upon the wall," likely refer to artistic depictions of Babylonian deities, kings, military triumphs, or cultural scenes, often found in palaces or public buildings. These images were significant because they represented the power, sophistication, and cultural allure of Babylon. Judah, instead of trusting in God, was captivated by this worldly grandeur and sought to emulate or align with it, leading them further into idolatry and away from their covenant obligations. This fascination ultimately led to their downfall at the hands of the very people they admired, as seen in the historical accounts of [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem").

**What is the significance of "vermilion" in this verse?**

Answer: "Vermilion" (Hebrew: _shâshar_) refers to a vibrant, often expensive, red pigment. Its mention in Ezekiel 23:14 is highly significant because it emphasizes the striking visual appeal and luxurious nature of the Chaldean images that captivated Oholibah. The use of such a vivid color would have made these depictions particularly alluring, beautiful, and perhaps even sensuous. This detail underscores the seductive power of worldly glory and pagan culture. It suggests that Judah was not merely passively exposed to foreign influences but was actively drawn in by their perceived splendor and sophistication, highlighting the intentionality and depth of their spiritual compromise. The vividness of the vermilion symbolizes the powerful attraction that led Judah to abandon their covenant with God for the deceptive promises of worldly power and aesthetics, a theme echoed in other prophetic warnings against idolatry, such as those found in [Isaiah 44](/isaiah/44 "Isaiah 44 - God, the Only Savior").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 23:14, with its stark depiction of Judah's spiritual adultery and fascination with worldly images, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The "whoredoms" of Israel and Judah, their relentless pursuit of false gods and reliance on human power, reveal humanity's deep-seated propensity for idolatry and unfaithfulness to the Creator. Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God, comes to redeem a people enslaved by such spiritual prostitution, offering a new covenant where true devotion is made possible not by human effort, but by divine grace. The captivating "images of the Chaldeans pourtrayed with vermilion" represent the alluring idols of every age—anything that promises life, security, or satisfaction apart from God. In contrast, Christ is the true and living image of the invisible God, the one in whom all the fullness of God dwells ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")). He calls His followers to an undivided heart, to worship God in spirit and truth, and to resist the seductive allure of the world system, for "no one can serve two masters" ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Serving Two Masters")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus cleanses us from the stain of spiritual harlotry and empowers us by His Spirit to live lives of purity and singular devotion, making us His pure bride, eagerly awaiting His return ([Revelation 19:7](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - The Marriage of the Lamb")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant, offering a relationship based on grace and truth, where our hearts are no longer drawn to the fading glory of earthly images but captivated by His eternal beauty and saving power.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 8:10

So I went in and saw; and behold every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, pourtrayed upon the wall round about.

Jeremiah 22:14

That saith, I will build me a wide house and large chambers, and cutteth him out windows; and [it is] cieled with cedar, and painted with vermilion.

Jeremiah 50:2

Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, [and] conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces.

Isaiah 46:1

¶ Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages [were] heavy loaden; [they are] a burden to the weary [beast].

Ezekiel 16:29

Thou hast moreover multiplied thy fornication in the land of Canaan unto Chaldea; and yet thou wast not satisfied herewith.