Ezekiel 23:19

KJV

Yet she multiplied her whoredoms, in calling to remembrance the days of her youth, wherein she had played the harlot in the land of Egypt.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yet she multiplied {H7235} her whoredoms {H8457}, in calling to remembrance {H2142} the days {H3117} of her youth {H5271}, wherein she had played the harlot {H2181} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Still she kept increasing her whoring, remembering the days when she was young, fornicating in the land of Egypt

Berean Standard Bible

Yet she multiplied her promiscuity, remembering the days of her youth, when she had prostituted herself in the land of Egypt

American Standard Version

Yet she multiplied her whoredoms, remembering the days of her youth, wherein she had played the harlot in the land of Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 23:19 graphically depicts Judah's (Aholibah's) profound and escalating spiritual unfaithfulness, portraying her as a harlot who not only continued but intensified her illicit relationships. This verse highlights a dangerous regression, as Judah deliberately recalled and re-engaged with the sinful idolatry and political alliances she had formed with Egypt in her formative years. It underscores the depth of her rebellion against Yahweh's covenant, setting the stage for the severe divine judgment that would befall her.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 23 is a continuation of the prophet's extended and disturbing allegory of Israel's (Aholah, representing Samaria/Northern Kingdom) and Judah's (Aholibah, representing Jerusalem/Southern Kingdom) spiritual harlotry, building upon the foundational imagery established in [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Harlotry"). This chapter specifically details Aholibah's escalating promiscuity, moving from alliances with Assyria to Babylon, and then, as highlighted in verse 19, a particularly egregious return to her initial infatuation with Egypt. This verse marks a critical point where Judah's unfaithfulness is not merely a new transgression but a conscious and intensified regression to past sins, demonstrating a deep-seated spiritual depravity and a profound rejection of God's covenant. The graphic and shocking imagery serves to expose the severity of their betrayal and to justify the impending divine judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Ezekiel's prophecy in the early 6th century BCE, Judah was precariously positioned between the dominant geopolitical powers of Babylon to the east and Egypt to the southwest. Historically, Israel and Judah had a long, complex, and often unfaithful relationship with Egypt. Despite being miraculously delivered from Egyptian bondage during the Exodus, they frequently looked to Egypt for military and political alliances rather than trusting in Yahweh for their security and provision (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help")). This reliance often led to the adoption of Egyptian idolatrous practices, directly violating the first commandment. The "days of her youth" refer to the nation's formative period, including the wilderness wanderings and early settlement, where idolatry was a recurring issue, frequently influenced by surrounding cultures, including Egypt. Culturally, the covenant between Yahweh and Israel was understood as a marriage bond, making spiritual unfaithfulness akin to adultery, a grave and deeply personal betrayal.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 23:19 powerfully contributes to several key themes within Ezekiel's prophecy and the broader prophetic literature. **Persistent Unfaithfulness** is central, illustrating Judah's unyielding inclination to turn away from God despite repeated warnings, judgments, and demonstrations of divine faithfulness. The phrase "multiplied her whoredoms" emphasizes the increasing depth and breadth of her idolatry and political reliance on pagan powers, highlighting a destructive cycle of sin. Another crucial theme is **The Allure of Past Sins**, as "calling to remembrance the days of her youth, wherein she had played the harlot in the land of Egypt" points to a dangerous nostalgia for former sinful ways, suggesting a deliberate choice to re-engage with practices God had explicitly condemned. This reflects a failure to truly repent and a preference for worldly security over divine trust, as seen in the warnings against relying on Egypt in [Jeremiah 2:18-19](/jeremiah/2-18 "Jeremiah 2:18-19 - Going to Egypt for water"). Ultimately, the graphic depiction of **Spiritual Adultery** underscores the heinous nature of Judah's betrayal of her covenant with Yahweh, thereby justifying the impending **Divine Judgment** through the Babylonian exile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **multiplied (Hebrew, _râbâh'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to increase (in whatever respect)." In this context, it signifies the exponential growth and intensification of Judah's spiritual harlotry. It's not merely a continuation of past sins, but a deliberate and abundant escalation, indicating a deep-seated and pervasive unfaithfulness that has grown beyond measure and become deeply ingrained.
* **whoredoms (Hebrew, _taznûwth'_):** Derived from the root _zânâh_, this noun specifically denotes "harlotry" or "fornication." In prophetic contexts, as here, it is a potent figurative term for idolatry and spiritual infidelity, representing the breaking of the covenant relationship with Yahweh by pursuing other gods or illicit political alliances. Its use emphasizes the heinous nature of Judah's betrayal, akin to a spouse's ultimate and repeated unfaithfulness.
* **played the harlot (Hebrew, _zânâh'_):** This primitive root means "to commit adultery," often of the female, and figuratively, "to commit idolatry." It highlights the active, intentional, and repeated nature of Judah's spiritual unfaithfulness. The repetition of this root (also in _taznûwth_) underscores the central accusation against Judah: her consistent and deliberate abandonment of Yahweh for illicit spiritual and political liaisons, particularly with Egypt, demonstrating a willful rejection of her covenant vows.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yet she multiplied her whoredoms,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the escalating and pervasive nature of Judah's sin. The term "whoredoms" (Hebrew: _taznûwth_) is a potent metaphor for spiritual idolatry and unfaithfulness to God's covenant. "Multiplied" (Hebrew: _râbâh_) indicates that her unfaithfulness was not a singular event or a minor deviation, but a pervasive and intensifying pattern of breaking her exclusive relationship with Yahweh through the worship of other gods and reliance on foreign, pagan powers. This highlights a deliberate and increasing rebellion.
* **"in calling to remembrance the days of her youth,"**: This phrase suggests a conscious, deliberate act of recollection and a dangerous nostalgia for past sinful ways. "Calling to remembrance" (Hebrew: _zâkar_) implies an active mental engagement, not merely a passive memory. "The days of her youth" (Hebrew: _nâʻûwr_) refers to the early history of the nation of Israel, particularly the period after the Exodus when they were forming their identity and covenant with God. This recollection is not for repentance or learning from mistakes, but for a return to and intensification of former sinful patterns.
* **"wherein she had played the harlot in the land of Egypt."**: This final clause specifies the particular historical sin Judah is recalling and re-engaging with. "Played the harlot" (Hebrew: _zânâh_) reiterates the theme of spiritual infidelity, emphasizing the active nature of her betrayal. The "land of Egypt" (Hebrew: _Mitsrayim_) points to the nation's earliest and most persistent temptation to rely on foreign powers and adopt their idolatrous practices, rather than trusting in God alone. This highlights a cyclical pattern of rebellion, where past sins are not overcome but embraced anew and even intensified.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 23:19 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of spiritual betrayal and the severity of Judah's sin. The overarching device is **Allegory**, where the prophet uses the narrative of two harlot sisters, Aholah and Aholibah, to represent the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Within this allegory, **Metaphor** is powerfully employed, as "whoredoms" and "playing the harlot" serve as a vivid and shocking metaphor for idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. This **Personification** of Judah as a wanton woman underscores the intimate and betrayed relationship between God and His people, making the sin deeply personal and offensive. The phrase "calling to remembrance" suggests a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human memory, choice, and even a perverse longing to the nation. The graphic nature of the language also contributes to **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme extent of Judah's spiritual depravity and making the divine judgment seem justified in light of such profound and persistent betrayal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 23:19 profoundly illustrates the biblical theme of covenant infidelity and its dire consequences. It reveals God's perspective on His people's spiritual unfaithfulness, likening it to the most grievous betrayal in human relationships—adultery. This verse emphasizes that Judah's sin was not merely a lapse but a deliberate, multiplied, and nostalgic return to the very idolatry and worldly alliances from which God had delivered them in their "youth" in Egypt. Theologically, it underscores God's demand for exclusive devotion and His righteous judgment against those who continually profane His covenant. It also highlights the dangerous allure of past sins and the human tendency to seek security and gratification in worldly alliances and false gods rather than in the one true God, demonstrating a profound spiritual amnesia regarding God's past mercies and power.

* [Ezekiel 16:35-39](/ezekiel/16-35 "Ezekiel 16:35-39 - God's Judgment on Jerusalem's Harlotry")
* [Jeremiah 2:18-19](/jeremiah/2-18 "Jeremiah 2:18-19 - Israel's Folly in Seeking Egypt and Assyria")
* [Hosea 4:12](/hosea/4-12 "Hosea 4:12 - Israel's Spiritual Harlotry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 23:19 serves as a stark warning to all who claim to be in covenant with God. It challenges us to examine the nature of our own devotion and to confront any tendencies to "multiply our whoredoms" by seeking fulfillment, security, or identity outside of God. This can manifest today not only as overt idolatry but also as an unhealthy reliance on wealth, power, worldly approval, or even past sinful habits that we romanticize or return to. The "calling to remembrance the days of her youth" should prompt us to reflect on any "Egypts" in our own past—patterns of sin, worldly dependencies, or false comforts—that we might be tempted to revisit instead of pressing forward in holiness. Our call is to exclusive devotion to Christ, trusting Him alone for our provision, protection, and purpose, and actively resisting the allure of spiritual backsliding, which often stems from a failure to remember God's faithfulness and our deliverance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "multiplying my whoredoms" by prioritizing worldly things or self-reliance over my exclusive relationship with God?**
* **Are there "days of my youth" or past sinful patterns that I am tempted to "call to remembrance" or return to, rather than fully embracing the new life and freedom in Christ?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more exclusive trust in God, so that I do not look to "Egypt" (worldly systems, false securities, or past comforts) for my needs, but solely to Him?**

### FAQ
**Why is Judah's unfaithfulness described as "whoredom" or "harlotry" in Ezekiel?**

Answer: The description of Judah's unfaithfulness as "whoredom" or "harlotry" is a powerful and deliberate metaphor used by Ezekiel and other prophets (e.g., [Hosea 1](/hosea/1 "Hosea 1 - Hosea's Marriage to a Harlot")) to convey the severity of their sin. In the Old Testament, the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel/Judah is often depicted as a marriage. God is the faithful husband, and His people are His bride. Just as physical adultery breaks the sacred bond of marriage, spiritual "whoredom"—which encompasses idolatry (worshipping other gods) and illicit political alliances (trusting foreign nations instead of God)—breaks the exclusive covenant relationship with Yahweh. This metaphor highlights the intimate nature of the betrayal, the deep offense to God's holiness, and the profound consequences of their spiritual infidelity. It underscores that their sin was not merely a mistake but a deliberate act of unfaithfulness against their divine spouse, a profound spiritual adultery.

**What does "calling to remembrance the days of her youth, wherein she had played the harlot in the land of Egypt" signify?**

Answer: This phrase signifies Judah's dangerous and deliberate regression to past sinful patterns, specifically those associated with their earliest national history and their relationship with Egypt. "The days of her youth" refers to the formative period of Israel as a nation, including their time in Egypt and the wilderness. Even after being delivered from Egyptian bondage, Israel often looked back to Egypt for security or adopted Egyptian idolatrous practices, rather than trusting in God alone (e.g., [Numbers 14:4](/numbers/14-4 "Numbers 14:4 - Desire to Return to Egypt")). "Calling to remembrance" implies a conscious, active choice to revisit and even intensify these old ways. It's not accidental backsliding but a deliberate re-engagement with the very "whoredoms" that marked their early history. This highlights a profound spiritual malaise: instead of learning from past mistakes and growing in faithfulness, Judah actively sought to repeat and multiply her ancient betrayals, demonstrating a deep-seated and persistent rebellion against God's covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 23:19, with its graphic portrayal of Judah's spiritual harlotry and persistent unfaithfulness, powerfully sets the stage for the necessity of Christ. The "whoredoms" of Judah, her relentless pursuit of idols and worldly alliances, reveal the pervasive sinfulness of humanity and our inherent inability to maintain a faithful covenant relationship with God. This verse, therefore, points to the profound need for a new covenant, one not dependent on human faithfulness but on divine grace and a perfect mediator. Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of this need. He is the perfectly faithful Son, who never "played the harlot" or turned away from God, remaining obedient even unto death on the cross ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ takes upon Himself the "whoredoms" of our sin, paying the penalty for our spiritual adultery and making a way for reconciliation with God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Furthermore, in Christ, believers are united to Him as His pure and spotless bride ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church as His Bride")), establishing a new covenant relationship that is eternal and secured by His perfect faithfulness, not our fleeting obedience ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant")). Thus, Ezekiel's stark warning of judgment for unfaithfulness ultimately magnifies the grace and redemptive power found in Jesus, who offers true cleansing, steadfast love, and an unbreakable covenant for all who believe.

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 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.

Ezekiel 23:21

Thus thou calledst to remembrance the lewdness of thy youth, in bruising thy teats by the Egyptians for the paps of thy youth.

Ezekiel 20:7

Then said I unto them, Cast ye away every man the abominations of his eyes, and defile not yourselves with the idols of Egypt: I [am] the LORD your God.

Amos 4:4

Come to Bethel, and transgress; at Gilgal multiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning, [and] your tithes after three years:

Ezekiel 16:29

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

Ezekiel 23:14

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

Ezekiel 23:8

Neither left she her whoredoms [brought] from Egypt: for in her youth they lay with her, and they bruised the breasts of her virginity, and poured their whoredom upon her.