Ezekiel 23:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they committed whoredoms {H2181} in Egypt {H4714}; they committed whoredoms {H2181} in their youth {H5271}: there were their breasts {H7699} pressed {H4600}, and there they bruised {H6213} the teats {H1717} of their virginity {H1331}.

Complete Jewish Bible

who were whores in Egypt - even as young girls they were whores. There they let their breasts be caressed, and there their virgin nipples were fondled.

Berean Standard Bible

and they played in Egypt, prostituting themselves from their youth. Their breasts were fondled there, and their virgin bosoms caressed.

American Standard Version

and they played the harlot in Egypt; they played the harlot in their youth; there were their breasts pressed, and there was handled the bosom of their virginity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 23:3 introduces a stark and extended allegory portraying the spiritual apostasy of Israel and Judah, personified as two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah. This verse specifically condemns their profound and early unfaithfulness, metaphorically described as "whoredoms," tracing their idolatry and illicit political alliances back to their formative years in Egypt. Through vivid and explicit sexual imagery, it emphasizes the deep-seated nature of their rebellion against God's covenant, highlighting a pattern of defilement that began at the very dawn of their national history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 23 is a profoundly disturbing yet theologically critical allegorical prophecy, situated within a broader section of Ezekiel's book (chapters 20-24) that meticulously details God's righteous judgment against Israel and Judah for their persistent rebellion and idolatry. Following a comprehensive historical indictment of Israel's unfaithfulness in [Ezekiel 20](/ezekiel/20 "Ezekiel 20 - Israel's Rebellions Throughout History"), and pronouncements of impending judgment in [Ezekiel 21](/ezekiel/21 "Ezekiel 21 - The Sword of the Lord") and [Ezekiel 22](/ezekiel/22 "Ezekiel 22 - Jerusalem's Sins and Judgment"), chapter 23 intensifies the accusation by personifying the two kingdoms as sisters: Oholah, representing Samaria and the Northern Kingdom, and Oholibah, symbolizing Jerusalem and the Southern Kingdom. This verse, [Ezekiel 23:3](/ezekiel/23-3 "Ezekiel 23:3 - Israel and Judah's Early Whoredoms"), serves as the foundational statement for the entire allegory, establishing the origin of their spiritual harlotry in Egypt. By pinpointing this early defilement, the verse sets the grim stage for the subsequent, detailed, and graphic recounting of their escalating unfaithfulness with Assyria and Babylon, underscoring the severity and long-standing nature of their covenant betrayal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop of [Ezekiel 23:3](/ezekiel/23-3 "Ezekiel 23:3 - Israel and Judah's Early Whoredoms") critically points to Israel's sojourn in Egypt, a period that, while foundational to their national identity and liberation, also exposed them to pervasive pagan influences. Despite God's miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage, the idolatrous tendencies acquired during their time there were deep-seated, as tragically evidenced by the golden calf incident at Mount Sinai, shortly after the Exodus (cf. [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf Incident")). Culturally, the ancient Near East was saturated with polytheism, often involving fertility cults and ritual prostitution as part of religious worship. Thus, the metaphor of "whoredom" would have been immediately and powerfully understood by Ezekiel's audience as a severe condemnation of spiritual infidelity and covenant breaking. Furthermore, the political alliances Israel and Judah repeatedly sought with powerful nations like Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon were seen by God as a profound betrayal of their exclusive covenant with Yahweh, who alone was meant to be their protector and provider. These alliances, frequently necessitating the adoption of foreign deities or practices, were tantamount to spiritual prostitution, exchanging the security of God's faithfulness for the fleeting and ultimately destructive support of pagan empires.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial themes that resonate throughout Ezekiel's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, the theme of **spiritual adultery and idolatry** is paramount, with "whoredoms" serving as a potent and recurring metaphor for Israel's unfaithfulness to their sacred covenant with God. Just as a wife's infidelity shatters the sacred bond of marriage, Israel's worship of other gods and reliance on foreign powers constituted a profound betrayal of their unique, intimate relationship with Yahweh, who is consistently depicted as their divine "husband" (cf. [Jeremiah 3:8-9](/jeremiah/3-8 "Jeremiah 3:8-9 - Israel's Unfaithfulness")). Secondly, the concept of **early corruption** is powerfully emphasized by the phrase "in their youth" and the explicit mention of Egypt. This highlights that Israel's inherent propensity for idolatry was not a recent aberration but had deep, foundational roots in their formative national experiences, suggesting a persistent pattern of rebellion that began even before they fully entered the Promised Land and received the Law at Sinai (cf. [Joshua 24:14](/joshua/24-14 "Joshua 24:14 - Choose Whom You Will Serve")). Finally, the **graphic nature of God's judgment** is starkly foreshadowed here. The explicit sexual imagery conveys the profound depth of defilement and the intimate betrayal Israel's idolatry represented to a holy God who had chosen them as His own, setting the tone for the severe consequences detailed throughout the remainder of [Ezekiel 23](/ezekiel/23 "Ezekiel 23 - The Allegory of Oholah and Oholibah") and the broader book.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Whoredoms (Hebrew, _zânâh'_):** This primitive root (H2181) primarily denotes "to commit fornication" or "to prostitute oneself," often referring to female infidelity. In prophetic literature, particularly within Ezekiel, it is almost exclusively employed as a powerful metaphor for Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness to Yahweh. It encompasses both the worship of false gods (idolatry) and the pursuit of illicit political alliances with pagan nations, both of which are viewed as a profound betrayal of the covenant relationship with God, who is depicted as Israel's "husband." The term implies a wanton, unbridled, and deliberate pursuit of illicit spiritual or political liaisons, reflecting a deep-seated rebellion against divine exclusivity.
* **Youth (Hebrew, _nâʻûwr'_):** This term (H5271) refers to the state of juvenility or young people collectively. In the context of [Ezekiel 23:3](/ezekiel/23-3 "Ezekiel 23:3 - Israel and Judah's Early Whoredoms"), it signifies the foundational or formative period of Israel's national existence, specifically their time in Egypt. Its inclusion emphasizes that the spiritual corruption and propensity for "whoredoms" were not recent developments but were ingrained from their earliest days as a distinct people, suggesting a long-standing pattern of unfaithfulness rather than an isolated incident or a later decline.
* **Virginity (Hebrew, _bᵉthûwlîym'_):** This masculine plural noun (H1331) refers to the state of virginity, often implying the physical tokens or signs of it. In the verse, the phrase "teats of their virginity" highlights the tender, pure, and undefiled state of youth before any corruption. Its presence underscores the profound and intimate nature of the betrayal—the defilement of what should have been pure, exclusively devoted, and untainted by foreign influences. This emphasizes the severity of their early spiritual corruption and the deep offense it caused to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they committed whoredoms in Egypt; they committed whoredoms in their youth:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the central accusation: spiritual infidelity and idolatry. The forceful repetition of "committed whoredoms" underscores the pervasive and persistent nature of their sin, indicating it was not an isolated act but a deep-seated pattern. The phrases "in Egypt" and "in their youth" critically pinpoint the origin of this unfaithfulness to their formative national period, signifying that the seeds of idolatry and reliance on foreign powers were sown early, even before their full establishment as God's covenant people in the Promised Land. This suggests a foundational and ingrained corruption within the very fabric of their national identity.
* **"there were their breasts pressed,"** This phrase introduces explicit sexual imagery, serving as a graphic and shocking metaphor for the intimate and illicit spiritual engagements of Israel and Judah with pagan deities and nations. The "pressing" of breasts (from H4600, _mâʻak'_, meaning to press, handle, or bruise) suggests a forceful, eager, or even violent initiation into sexual activity. Symbolically, it portrays their willing and active participation in idolatrous practices and unholy alliances with pagan nations, conveying a profound sense of defilement and the violation of their covenantal purity.
* **"and there they bruised the teats of their virginity."** This continuation of the graphic imagery intensifies the metaphor of profound defilement and loss of innocence. "Bruised" (from H6213, _ʻâsâh'_, here implying rough, damaging, or defiling treatment) and "teats of their virginity" (H1717, _dad'_, breast/teat; H1331, _bᵉthûwlîym'_, virginity) further underscore the profound violation of their initial purity and sacred covenant with God. It speaks to the irreversible loss of innocence and the deep spiritual wounds inflicted by their early and persistent idolatry, highlighting the severity of their betrayal from God's perspective, as they defiled what was meant to be consecrated to Him alone.

#### Literary Devices
[Ezekiel 23:3](/ezekiel/23-3 "Ezekiel 23:3 - Israel and Judah's Early Whoredoms") masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its powerful and disturbing message. The most prominent is **Allegory**, where the entire chapter, with this verse as its foundational statement, uses the narrative of two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, to represent the Northern (Samaria) and Southern (Jerusalem) Kingdoms of Israel, respectively. Their "whoredoms" are an allegorical representation of their spiritual idolatry and illicit political alliances. Closely intertwined is **Personification**, as the nations of Israel and Judah are given human attributes and actions, specifically those of unfaithful women, to make their spiritual betrayal more tangible, relatable, and emotionally impactful. The verse also relies heavily on **Graphic Imagery** and **Metaphor**. The explicit sexual language—"breasts pressed" and "bruised the teats of their virginity"—is not literal but serves as a shocking and visceral **Metaphor** for the deep spiritual defilement and intimate betrayal of God's covenant. This strong, even offensive, imagery emphasizes the profound offense their idolatry caused to a holy God who had chosen them as His own, transforming the abstract concept of spiritual unfaithfulness into a concrete and abhorrent reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Ezekiel 23:3](/ezekiel/23-3 "Ezekiel 23:3 - Israel and Judah's Early Whoredoms") profoundly illustrates the biblical concept of God's covenant relationship with Israel as a sacred marriage, where idolatry and unholy alliances are depicted as spiritual adultery. This verse highlights that Israel's unfaithfulness was not a recent phenomenon but had deep, historical roots, tracing back to their "youth" in Egypt. It underscores God's unwavering expectation of exclusive devotion from His people, revealing His profound grief and righteous anger over their repeated betrayal. The graphic imagery serves to emphasize the utter degradation and perversion of their sacred covenant, portraying their turning away from Yahweh as a profound and intimate defilement that broke the very heart of their divine "husband." This early corruption sets a tragic precedent for their subsequent history, demonstrating a persistent pattern of rebellion against the God who had faithfully delivered and sustained them.

* [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15-16 "Do Not Make a Covenant with the Inhabitants of the Land")
* [Hosea 1:2](/hosea/1-2 "Hosea's Marriage to Gomer, a Harlot")
* [Jeremiah 3:6-10](/jeremiah/3-6-10 "Israel and Judah's Unfaithfulness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Ezekiel 23:3](/ezekiel/23-3 "Ezekiel 23:3 - Israel and Judah's Early Whoredoms") serves as a stark and challenging mirror for believers today, reminding us that spiritual compromise can begin subtly and have deep, long-lasting roots. Just as Israel's "whoredoms" started in their formative years in Egypt, our own spiritual vulnerabilities often emerge from foundational influences or early choices that divert our devotion from God. This passage compels us to examine the "Egypts" in our own lives—those cultural pressures, worldly attractions, or personal desires that subtly or overtly compete for the primary place in our hearts. It is a powerful call to radical fidelity, urging us to guard our spiritual foundations against any form of idolatry, whether it be the worship of wealth, career, relationships, self, or comfort. The graphic portrayal of God's pain over Israel's betrayal underscores the intimate nature of our relationship with Him; He is a jealous God who desires our exclusive and undivided affection. Therefore, this verse challenges us to repent of any "other lovers" we have pursued and to recommit ourselves wholeheartedly to Christ, ensuring that our lives reflect an unwavering devotion to the One who has redeemed us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Egypts" or formative influences in my past might have subtly shaped my spiritual vulnerabilities or tendencies toward compromise?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be engaging in "spiritual whoredom" by prioritizing worldly desires or allegiances over my devotion to God?**
* **How does the graphic imagery of this verse deepen my understanding of God's perspective on unfaithfulness and His desire for exclusive devotion?**
* **What practical steps can I take to guard my spiritual foundations and ensure my heart remains fully committed to Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why does Ezekiel use such graphic sexual imagery to describe Israel's sin?**

Answer: Ezekiel, like other prophets (e.g., Hosea, Jeremiah), uses graphic sexual imagery as a powerful and visceral metaphor to convey the profound depth of Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness to God. In the Old Testament, the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel is often depicted as a sacred marriage. Therefore, Israel's turning away to worship other gods (idolatry) or seeking illicit political alliances with pagan nations is seen as spiritual adultery or "whoredom." The explicit language in [Ezekiel 23](/ezekiel/23 "Ezekiel 23 - The Allegory of Oholah and Oholibah") is not for gratuitous shock value but serves to emphasize the extreme degradation, defilement, and intimate betrayal of their sacred covenant with a holy God. It highlights the severity of their sin from God's perspective, portraying it as a profound violation of trust and purity, akin to a spouse's most intimate betrayal.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Ezekiel 23:3](/ezekiel/23-3 "Ezekiel 23:3 - Israel and Judah's Early Whoredoms") vividly exposes the depths of Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness and the severity of God's righteous judgment, it implicitly points to the absolute necessity of a new covenant and a perfect redeemer. The "whoredoms" committed "in their youth" in Egypt highlight humanity's inherent propensity for idolatry and rebellion from its earliest stages, a condition that no amount of law or covenant could ultimately rectify. This persistent unfaithfulness, rooted in the fallen human heart, underscores the desperate need for a radical transformation that only Christ can provide. Jesus, the true and faithful Israelite, perfectly fulfilled the covenant where Israel failed. He did not commit spiritual whoredom but remained perfectly obedient to the Father, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ cleanses His people from the spiritual defilement of their "whoredoms" and establishes a new covenant, not based on human performance, but on His perfect righteousness ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant, Superior to the Old")). He is the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering forgiveness and the indwelling Holy Spirit to empower believers to live lives of faithful devotion, transforming hearts that were once prone to spiritual adultery into pure and devoted brides of Christ ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church")).

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

Leviticus 17:7

And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils, after whom they have gone a whoring. This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations.

Joshua 24:14

Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.

Ezekiel 16:22

And in all thine abominations and thy whoredoms thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth, when thou wast naked and bare, [and] wast polluted in thy blood.

Hosea 2:15

And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.

Ezekiel 23:19

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.

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.

Ezekiel 20:8

But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me: they did not every man cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt: then I said, I will pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.