Ezekiel 23:29

KJV

And they shall deal with thee hatefully, and shall take away all thy labour, and shall leave thee naked and bare: and the nakedness of thy whoredoms shall be discovered, both thy lewdness and thy whoredoms.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall deal {H6213} with thee hatefully {H8135}, and shall take away {H3947} all thy labour {H3018}, and shall leave {H5800} thee naked {H5903} and bare {H6181}: and the nakedness {H6172} of thy whoredoms {H2183} shall be discovered {H1540}, both thy lewdness {H2154} and thy whoredoms {H8457}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and they will deal with you in hatred, seize everything you have worked for, and leave you naked and exposed - the full shame of your whoring will be exposed, your lewdness and your fornicating.

Berean Standard Bible

They will treat you with hatred, take all for which you have worked, and leave you naked and bare, so that the shame of your prostitution will be exposed. Your indecency and promiscuity

American Standard Version

and they shall deal with thee in hatred, and shall take away all thy labor, and shall leave thee naked and bare; and the nakedness of thy whoredoms shall be uncovered, both thy lewdness and thy whoredoms.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 23:29 delivers a stark prophetic indictment against Jerusalem (Oholibah), vividly depicting the severe and humiliating divine judgment awaiting her due to persistent spiritual infidelity. The verse foretells how the very nations with whom Judah formed illicit political and religious alliances would turn against her with intense animosity, plundering her wealth and exposing her utter nakedness and shame. This divine retribution underscores the inescapable consequences of abandoning God's covenant for idolatry and worldly schemes, culminating in public disgrace, complete desolation, and the full revelation of her pervasive sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 23 functions as an extended and powerful allegory, portraying the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria, personified as Oholah) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah (Jerusalem, personified as Oholibah) as two sisters who engaged in spiritual prostitution. Their "whoredom" symbolizes their persistent idolatry and their unholy political alliances with pagan nations like Assyria, Egypt, and Babylon, rather than maintaining exclusive trust in the Lord. Verse 29 specifically details the climactic and devastating judgment against Oholibah (Jerusalem), following a detailed indictment of her escalating unfaithfulness, as seen in passages like [Ezekiel 23:5-21](/ezekiel/23-5-21 "Ezekiel 23:5-21 - Oholibah's Adulteries and Alliances"). It serves as the direct consequence of God's declaration that He would stir up her former lovers against her, as articulated in [Ezekiel 23:22](/ezekiel/23-22 "Ezekiel 23:22 - God's Judgment on Oholibah's Lovers"). The verse thus functions as a grim summary of the impending devastation and public humiliation that awaits Jerusalem as a result of her profound covenant betrayal.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies of Ezekiel were delivered during the Babylonian exile, a period of immense national crisis and theological reckoning for Judah. At the time of this particular prophecy, Jerusalem, though not yet utterly destroyed, was under severe threat from the burgeoning power of the Babylonian Empire. Historically, Judah had repeatedly demonstrated a wavering loyalty to Yahweh, seeking security through treaties and alliances with dominant regional empires such as Egypt and Assyria, often adopting their idolatrous practices and religious syncretism. This spiritual and political apostasy is precisely what the prophet condemns as "whoredom." Culturally, nakedness and public exposure in the ancient Near East constituted the ultimate forms of humiliation, disgrace, and loss of honor, frequently inflicted upon conquered enemies or those found guilty of severe moral transgressions. The vivid imagery of being "naked and bare" and having "whoredoms discovered" would have resonated deeply with Ezekiel's audience as a profound statement of utter shame, complete vulnerability, and the stripping away of all dignity, mirroring the historical reality of Jerusalem's impending siege, destruction, and the subsequent exile by the Babylonians.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes pervasive within the book of Ezekiel and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment for Unfaithfulness**, emphasizing that God's justice is an inescapable reality for those who betray His covenant. Judah's spiritual adultery and political apostasy inevitably lead to her downfall, demonstrating God's righteous indignation against persistent sin and rebellion. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Public Shame and Exposure of Sin**. The act of being "left naked and bare" and having "whoredoms discovered" signifies not only physical desolation but also the complete stripping away of dignity and the public revelation of hidden sins, a common prophetic motif found in passages like [Isaiah 47:3](/isaiah/47-3 "Isaiah 47:3 - Babylon's Nakedness and Shame") and [Nahum 3:5](/nahum/3-5 "Nahum 3:5 - God Will Expose Nineveh's Nakedness"). This serves as a stark reminder that God will ultimately bring all hidden things to light, as affirmed in [Luke 12:2](/luke/12-2 "Luke 12:2 - Nothing Hidden That Will Not Be Revealed"). Thirdly, the phrase "take away all thy labour" speaks to the theme of **Loss and Desolation**, indicating the complete plundering of Jerusalem's wealth, resources, and all the achievements born of her national existence. It portrays the utter ruin that accompanies divine judgment, leaving the nation desolate and barren, a severe fulfillment of the curses for disobedience outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hatefully (Hebrew, _sinʼâh'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to hate," this word conveys an intense, active enmity and profound hostility. In this context, it describes the deep animosity with which Judah's former allies, now instruments of God's judgment, would turn upon her. It emphasizes the complete reversal of their relationship from desired partners to vengeful adversaries, reflecting the depth of God's righteous anger being channeled through these nations.
* **Labour (Hebrew, _yᵉgîyaʻ'_):** This term refers to the product of toil, work, or effort, encompassing one's produce, property, or accumulated wealth. The phrase "take away all thy labour" signifies the complete plundering and confiscation of Jerusalem's material possessions, economic achievements, and the very fruit of her national existence. It speaks to the utter desolation and impoverishment that would result from the Babylonian conquest, leaving the nation stripped of all its resources and accomplishments.
* **Discovered (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to denude," "to reveal," or "to uncover," often specifically in a disgraceful sense. When applied to "the nakedness of thy whoredoms," it powerfully depicts the public exposure of Jerusalem's spiritual infidelity and moral depravity. This is not merely a private revelation but a public unveiling of her shame, signifying that her hidden sins and illicit alliances would be laid bare for all to see, leading to utter humiliation and the profound loss of honor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall deal with thee hatefully":** This clause signifies a dramatic and hostile shift in the relationship between Jerusalem and the very nations she had courted (primarily Babylon, but also referencing past alliances with Assyria and Egypt). Instead of receiving favor, protection, or benefit from these alliances, these nations, now acting as agents of God's judgment, would treat her with intense animosity and active hostility, reflecting the divine wrath against her profound unfaithfulness.
* **"and shall take away all thy labour":** This refers to the comprehensive plundering of Jerusalem's wealth, resources, and all the material gains she had accumulated through her efforts and national life. It speaks to the complete economic devastation and confiscation of property that would accompany the invasion, leaving the city and its inhabitants utterly destitute and deprived of all their possessions and the fruit of their toil.
* **"and shall leave thee naked and bare":** This vivid and graphic imagery portrays Jerusalem stripped of all protection, dignity, and material possessions. "Naked" implies extreme vulnerability and profound shame, while "bare" emphasizes utter destitution, exposure, and the absence of any covering or defense. It symbolizes the complete loss of national honor, security, and material comfort, leaving her utterly defenseless and publicly disgraced.
* **"and the nakedness of thy whoredoms shall be discovered, both thy lewdness and thy whoredoms":** This climactic phrase reveals the ultimate, humiliating purpose of the judgment: the public exposure of Jerusalem's spiritual prostitution and moral depravity. "Nakedness of thy whoredoms" refers to the shameful reality of her idolatry and unholy alliances being laid bare for all to see. The emphatic repetition of "lewdness" (Hebrew: *zimmâh*, signifying moral depravity, wicked schemes, or heinous crime) and "whoredoms" (Hebrew: *taznûwth*, referring to harlotry, especially spiritual idolatry) underscores the pervasive, scandalous, and undeniable nature of her sin, which would be openly revealed for all to witness her profound disgrace and the justness of her judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 23:29 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of severe judgment and profound disgrace. The entire chapter employs **Allegory**, where the two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, personify the kingdoms of Samaria and Jerusalem, respectively, allowing complex theological concepts of covenant infidelity to be conveyed through a relatable, albeit shocking, narrative. **Personification** is evident as Jerusalem (Oholibah) is vividly portrayed as a woman engaging in prostitution, making her unfaithfulness tangible, morally reprehensible, and deeply offensive to God. The central **Metaphor** of "whoredom" is consistently used to describe Israel and Judah's spiritual idolatry and their illicit political alliances, equating covenant breaking with sexual infidelity, thereby highlighting its profound severity and offensive nature to a holy God. Furthermore, the verse utilizes powerful **Imagery** of "nakedness and bareness" and the "discovery of whoredoms." This imagery viscerally conveys humiliation, vulnerability, destitution, and public shame, evoking a strong emotional reaction in the audience and underscoring the utter disgrace of Jerusalem's downfall. The **Repetition** of "whoredoms" at the end of the verse ("both thy lewdness and thy whoredoms") serves to emphasize the pervasive, undeniable, and comprehensive nature of Judah's sin, reinforcing the justice and inevitability of the impending divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 23:29 powerfully articulates the theological principle that God is a jealous God who demands exclusive devotion from His covenant people. The severe judgment meted out to Jerusalem is a direct consequence of her spiritual idolatry and her reliance on human alliances rather than divine faithfulness. This passage underscores the truth that sin, particularly covenant unfaithfulness and spiritual apostasy, inevitably leads to devastating consequences, including public shame, loss of dignity, and material desolation. It reveals God's unwavering commitment to justice, demonstrating that He will not tolerate persistent rebellion and that what is done in secret will ultimately be exposed. The imagery of nakedness and plundering serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual and material ruin that results from a broken relationship with God, highlighting the sanctity of the covenant and the gravity of its breach.

* [Deuteronomy 28:48](/deuteronomy/28-48 "Deuteronomy 28:48 - Curses for Disobedience and Service to Enemies")
* [Hosea 2:10](/hosea/2-10 "Hosea 2:10 - God Will Expose Israel's Shame and Nakedness")
* [Revelation 17:16](/revelation/17-16 "Revelation 17:16 - The Beast and the Harlot's Desolation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 23:29 serves as a timeless and potent warning against spiritual compromise and divided loyalties, resonating deeply with believers today. It compels us to critically examine the objects of our ultimate trust and devotion. Any pursuit or alliance—be it wealth, power, human approval, worldly ideologies, or self-sufficiency—that supplants God as our primary source of security, identity, and worship constitutes a contemporary form of spiritual "whoredom." While believers in Christ are under grace and not under the law, this passage reminds us that persistent unfaithfulness and rebellion, even within a covenant relationship, can lead to painful natural consequences, a loss of spiritual vitality, and a fractured relationship with God. God's justice ensures that all hidden sin will eventually be exposed, which should motivate us to live lives of integrity, genuine repentance, and unwavering devotion to Him. Our call is to maintain an exclusive and passionate commitment to the Lord, recognizing that true security, lasting fulfillment, and genuine honor are found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "alliances" or sources of security might I be trusting in more than God in my life today, subtly or overtly?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be engaging in "spiritual whoredom" by compromising my exclusive devotion to Christ and His kingdom?**
* **How does the biblical concept of God exposing hidden sin motivate me toward greater integrity, transparency, and genuine repentance?**
* **What concrete steps can I take to cultivate a more exclusive, passionate, and unwavering devotion to God in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "nakedness" in this verse?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, nakedness was a profoundly powerful symbol of utter humiliation, shame, vulnerability, and destitution. When God declares that Jerusalem will be left "naked and bare" and that the "nakedness of thy whoredoms shall be discovered," it signifies far more than a physical stripping away of possessions. It represents a complete loss of honor, dignity, and protection. It means her spiritual infidelity and moral depravity would be publicly exposed for all to see, bringing about ultimate disgrace and an irreversible loss of reputation. This imagery is a common and potent motif in prophetic literature to depict the consequences of idolatry and covenant breaking, as vividly seen in passages like [Isaiah 47:3](/isaiah/47-3 "Isaiah 47:3 - Babylon's Humiliation") and [Lamentations 1:8](/lamentations/1-8 "Lamentations 1:8 - Jerusalem's Nakedness and Shame").

**Does "whoredoms" in Ezekiel 23:29 refer to literal sexual immorality?**

Answer: While the term "whoredoms" (Hebrew: *zânûwn* or *taznûwth*) can certainly refer to literal sexual immorality, in the context of Ezekiel 23 and much of the prophetic literature, it is primarily employed as a powerful and graphic metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness. It describes Israel and Judah's idolatry—their worship of other gods and participation in pagan cults—and their illicit political alliances with pagan nations. These actions were seen as a profound betrayal of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, who was metaphorically depicted as their husband. Just as physical adultery breaks a marriage covenant, spiritual "whoredom" broke the divine covenant, representing the gravest form of rebellion against God's exclusive claim on His people. This metaphorical usage is central to understanding the theological message of books like [Hosea](/hosea/1 "Hosea 1 - Hosea's Marriage as a Metaphor for Israel's Unfaithfulness") and [Jeremiah 3](/jeremiah/3 "Jeremiah 3 - Israel's Spiritual Harlotry").

**Who are "they" who will deal hatefully and take away Jerusalem's labor?**

Answer: "They" refers to the very nations with whom Jerusalem (Oholibah) had formed unholy alliances and sought security, particularly the Babylonians and their allied forces. God explicitly declares that He would stir up these "lovers" against her, as stated in [Ezekiel 23:22](/ezekiel/23-22 "Ezekiel 23:22 - God's Judgment on Oholibah's Former Lovers"), turning them into instruments of His divine judgment. This highlights the profound irony and just nature of God's retribution: those Judah trusted in more than God would become the very agents of her destruction, plundering her wealth, exposing her shame, and bringing about her desolation. This judgment culminated historically in the Babylonian siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, as meticulously recorded in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and the Exile").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 23:29, with its stark portrayal of divine judgment, public nakedness, and the exposure of sin, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a direct messianic prophecy, but in the ultimate solution Christ provides for humanity's pervasive spiritual "whoredom" and its devastating consequences. Humanity, like Oholibah, has continually turned away from God, pursuing idols, false securities, and self-serving alliances, leaving us spiritually naked and utterly exposed before a holy and just God ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned and Fall Short of the Glory of God")). The "labour" of our self-righteousness, our attempts to earn favor, and our efforts to cover our shame are utterly insufficient and are "taken away" in the face of divine judgment ([Isaiah 64:6](/isaiah/64-6 "Isaiah 64:6 - Our Righteousness as Filthy Rags")). Christ, however, is the perfectly faithful covenant partner whom Israel failed to be. He bore the full weight of humanity's sin and shame, enduring public nakedness and profound humiliation on the cross, so that our "nakedness of whoredoms" might be covered by His perfect righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His sacrificial death, the "lewdness and whoredoms" of our rebellion are not merely exposed but are fully atoned for, allowing us to be clothed with His salvation and righteousness ([Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Clothed in Garments of Salvation")). Thus, while Ezekiel 23:29 depicts the just and terrifying consequences of unfaithfulness, Christ offers the pathway to radical restoration, covering our shame, redeeming our brokenness, and reconciling us to God through His ultimate act of covenant faithfulness ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")).

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 16:39

And I will also give thee into their hand, and they shall throw down thine eminent place, and shall break down thy high places: they shall strip thee also of thy clothes, and shall take thy fair jewels, and leave thee naked and bare.

Ezekiel 23:45

And the righteous men, they shall judge them after the manner of adulteresses, and after the manner of women that shed blood; because they [are] adulteresses, and blood [is] in their hands.

Ezekiel 23:47

And the company shall stone them with stones, and dispatch them with their swords; they shall slay their sons and their daughters, and burn up their houses with fire.

Ezekiel 23:25

And I will set my jealousy against thee, and they shall deal furiously with thee: they shall take away thy nose and thine ears; and thy remnant shall fall by the sword: they shall take thy sons and thy daughters; and thy residue shall be devoured by the fire.

Ezekiel 23:26

They shall also strip thee out of thy clothes, and take away thy fair jewels.

Ezekiel 23:18

So she discovered her whoredoms, and discovered her nakedness: then my mind was alienated from her, like as my mind was alienated from her sister.

Deuteronomy 28:47

Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all [things];