Ezekiel 23:48

KJV

Thus will I cause lewdness to cease out of the land, that all women may be taught not to do after your lewdness.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus will I cause lewdness {H2154} to cease {H7673} out of the land {H776}, that all women {H802} may be taught {H3256} not to do {H6213} after your lewdness {H2154}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Thus I will put an end to lewdness in the land, so that all women may be taught not to imitate your lewdness.

Berean Standard Bible

So I will put an end to indecency in the land, and all the women will be admonished not to imitate your behavior.

American Standard Version

Thus will I cause lewdness to cease out of the land, that all women may be taught not to do after your lewdness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 23:48 delivers a potent declaration of divine judgment, signaling God's resolute intent to purge the land of the profound "lewdness" that characterized the spiritual and moral apostasy of Jerusalem and Samaria, personified by the allegorical sisters Oholibah and Oholah. This verse underscores that God's decisive intervention, through punitive measures, will utterly eradicate their idolatry and unfaithful alliances. More than mere punishment, this judgment serves as a stark, indelible lesson, ensuring that all future generations and nations witness the severe consequences of spiritual rebellion and are thereby deterred from emulating such defilement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 23:48 concludes the extended and graphically detailed allegory of Oholah and Oholibah, which commenced at [Ezekiel 23:1](/ezekiel/23-1 "Ezekiel 23 - The Allegory of Oholah and Oholibah"). This chapter masterfully employs the metaphor of two promiscuous sisters to vividly depict the spiritual adultery of Israel (Samaria, Oholah) and Judah (Jerusalem, Oholibah). Throughout the preceding verses, the prophet meticulously details their insatiable lust for foreign alliances and their adoption of idolatrous practices, using shocking and explicit imagery to underscore the depth of their infidelity. The narrative builds to a crescendo of divine pronouncements of severe judgment, with verse 48 serving as a climactic summary statement. It emphasizes the ultimate purpose of God's retribution: the complete cessation of their "lewdness" and its profound didactic impact on all who observe. This verse immediately follows the detailed descriptions of their deserved punishment, reinforcing the finality, justice, and instructional intent behind God's actions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, despite their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, repeatedly turned away from Him. They sought political and military security through alliances with powerful foreign empires such as Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon, simultaneously adopting the gods and religious practices of these nations. This behavior was understood as a profound betrayal, akin to a covenant wife committing adultery against her husband. Culturally, "harlotry" (Hebrew: _zimmâh_) in the ancient Near East was a severe moral and social offense, and its metaphorical application to national idolatry and unfaithful alliances underscored the extreme depth of Israel's and Judah's spiritual infidelity. The judgments described in Ezekiel directly reflect the historical realities of the Assyrian conquest of Samaria in 722 BCE and the impending Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BCE. These catastrophic events were universally interpreted by the prophets as divine consequences for persistent apostasy and moral corruption. The concept of one nation being "taught" or warned by the judgment inflicted upon another was a common understanding in the ancient world, serving as a powerful deterrent against similar transgressions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent within the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Justice**, where God actively intervenes in human history to punish sin and uphold His righteous character. This judgment is not merely punitive but also **Purificatory**, aiming to cleanse the land of the spiritual and moral defilement caused by Israel's apostasy. The "lewdness" of the sisters highlights the severe consequences of **Spiritual Unfaithfulness and Idolatry**, which are consistently condemned throughout Scripture as a direct breach of the covenant relationship with God (e.g., [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15-16 "Exodus 34:15-16 - Warning Against Idolatry and Foreign Alliances")). Furthermore, Ezekiel 23:48 powerfully underscores the **Didactic Purpose of Judgment**, demonstrating that God's actions serve as a solemn warning to others, instructing them not to repeat the sins of previous generations. This principle resonates with the New Testament understanding that the experiences of ancient Israel serve as examples for our instruction, as seen in [1 Corinthians 10:11](/1_corinthians/10-11 "1 Corinthians 10:11 - Warnings from Israel's History"). Ultimately, the verse reaffirms God's **Absolute Holiness** and His unwavering intolerance for sin, particularly that which defiles His consecrated land and His covenant people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lewdness (Hebrew, _zimmâh'_):** This term (H2154) is derived from a root meaning "to plan," but it almost exclusively refers to a "bad plan" or "heinous crime." In the context of Ezekiel, it denotes moral depravity, wickedness, and specifically refers to acts of sexual immorality and, more profoundly, spiritual prostitution (idolatry). Its use here emphasizes the extreme nature of Israel and Judah's rebellion against God, portraying their idolatry and foreign alliances as utterly repugnant and morally outrageous.
* **cease (Hebrew, _shâbath'_):** The verb (H7673) means "to repose" or "to desist from exertion." In a causative sense, as used here, it means "to cause to cease," "to make to fail," or "to put away." It signifies a definitive and complete removal or termination. God's action will not merely reduce but entirely eradicate "lewdness" from the land, indicating a thorough and absolute purification.
* **taught (Hebrew, _yâçar'_):** This primitive root (H3256) means "to chastise" or "to instruct." While it can imply correction through blows, it also encompasses teaching through words or experience. Here, it conveys the idea of instruction through observation and the consequences of others' actions. The judgment on Oholah and Oholibah serves as a powerful, albeit severe, lesson for "all women" (representing future generations or other nations) not to engage in similar spiritual infidelity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus will I cause lewdness to cease out of the land":** This clause declares God's sovereign and decisive intervention. The "lewdness"—the pervasive idolatry, spiritual unfaithfulness, and moral corruption—that has defiled the land and provoked God's wrath will be actively and completely removed by divine judgment. This highlights God's unwavering commitment to His own holiness and the purity of the land He has consecrated for His people, demonstrating that He will not tolerate persistent rebellion.
* **"that all women may be taught not to do after your lewdness.":** This second clause reveals the crucial didactic purpose of God's judgment. The severe punishment inflicted upon Oholah and Oholibah, representing Israel and Judah, is intended to serve as a stark warning and an instructive example. "All women" is a figurative expression for all future generations, other nations, or even the remnant of Israel, who will observe the devastating consequences of spiritual harlotry and be deterred from similar acts of rebellion and idolatry against God.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 23:48, as an integral part of its larger chapter, employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking impact. The overarching device is **Allegory**, where the extended narrative of the two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, functions as a sustained metaphor for the spiritual and political history of Samaria (Israel) and Jerusalem (Judah). Their "lewdness" is a powerful instance of **Symbolism**, representing their deep-seated idolatry and their unfaithful political alliances with foreign nations, effectively depicting spiritual adultery in vivid, often shocking, detail. The judgment itself is presented as an act of **Retributive Justice**, where the severity and nature of the punishment are directly proportional to the heinousness of the crime committed. The phrase "that all women may be taught" introduces a clear **Didactic Purpose**, transforming the narrative of judgment into a cautionary tale. This emphasizes that God's actions are not arbitrary acts of vengeance but serve to instruct and deter future generations from similar transgressions. This also functions as a profound **Prophetic Warning**, extending the implications of Israel's downfall beyond their immediate historical context to all who might consider spiritual compromise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 23:48 powerfully articulates God's unwavering commitment to His holiness and His covenant. The "lewdness" of Israel and Judah, representing their spiritual infidelity and idolatry, is a direct affront to God's exclusive claim on their worship and loyalty as established in the covenant. God's judgment is not merely punitive but also profoundly purificatory, aiming to cleanse the land of defilement and establish a standard of righteousness that reflects His own character. This divine action serves as a timeless warning that persistent rebellion and spiritual adultery will inevitably incur divine wrath, yet it also underscores God's desire for His people to learn from history and walk in faithfulness. The principle that sin brings severe consequences and that God will not tolerate unholy practices is a consistent thread throughout biblical theology, emphasizing His just character, His absolute sovereignty over all nations, and His ultimate concern for the purity of His people.

* [Deuteronomy 4:25-28](/deuteronomy/4-25-28 "Deuteronomy 4:25-28 - Warning Against Idolatry and Exile")
* [Jeremiah 3:8-9](/jeremiah/3-8-9 "Jeremiah 3:8-9 - Israel's Unfaithfulness and Judah's Treachery")
* [Revelation 17:1-6](/revelation/17-1-6 "Revelation 17:1-6 - The Great Harlot and Her Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 23:48, while deeply rooted in ancient Israel's history, carries profound and enduring contemporary relevance for believers and the church today. It challenges us to critically examine our own loyalties and attachments, prompting us to ask if anything has subtly usurped God's rightful place as the supreme object of our devotion and worship. Spiritual "lewdness" in a modern context might manifest not as overt idol worship, but as an idolatry of self, an obsessive pursuit of wealth, power, comfort, or even intellectual pursuits that subtly replace genuine worship, radical obedience, and intimate fellowship with God. The verse serves as a stark reminder that God remains a holy God who will not tolerate unfaithfulness, whether in individuals, families, or communities. It calls us to a radical purity of heart and a singular devotion, urging us to learn from the historical consequences of disobedience. Our faithfulness is not merely a moral obligation or a set of rules to follow, but a heartfelt response to God's covenant love and a reflection of His character. We are called to be a people set apart, whose lives bear clear witness to the transforming power of His grace, thereby deterring others from the path of spiritual compromise and leading them toward true devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle or overt ways might "lewdness" or spiritual unfaithfulness manifest in my own life or in the contemporary church, subtly replacing God as the ultimate object of devotion?**
* **How can I actively learn from the historical examples of God's judgment on unfaithfulness, ensuring that I do not repeat similar patterns of spiritual rebellion or compromise?**
* **In what specific areas of my life does God's desire for purity and the cessation of "lewdness" challenge my current understanding of His love, justice, and call to holiness?**

### FAQ

**What is the "lewdness" referred to in Ezekiel 23:48?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 23, "lewdness" (Hebrew: _zimmâh_) is a powerful and graphic metaphor for the spiritual and moral depravity of both Israel (Samaria) and Judah (Jerusalem). It primarily refers to their rampant idolatry—their worship of false gods and engagement in the associated pagan rituals—and their unfaithful political alliances with foreign nations. These alliances were viewed as a profound betrayal of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, akin to a wife's infidelity against her husband. Thus, "lewdness" encompasses both religious apostasy and the moral corruption that inevitably flowed from such spiritual adultery, representing a complete rejection of God's exclusive claim on their loyalty.

**How does God "cause lewdness to cease out of the land"?**

Answer: God causes lewdness to cease through divine judgment, which in the context of Ezekiel refers to the historical events of the Assyrian conquest of Samaria (Israel) and the impending Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem (Judah). These catastrophic events, including war, famine, pestilence, exile, and the destruction of the temple, were understood as God's direct and severe intervention to punish His unfaithful people and purify the land they had defiled. The severity of the judgment was intended to eradicate the pervasive idolatry and moral corruption that had taken root, thereby demonstrating God's holiness, His justice, and His intolerance for sin. This is a powerful display of God's sovereignty over history, where even the actions of foreign empires serve His divine purpose, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5-6 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as the Rod of God's Anger").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 23:48, with its stark portrayal of divine judgment against spiritual "lewdness" and its didactic purpose for future generations, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophets foretold a judgment that would cleanse the land and teach future generations, this cleansing was never fully realized or sustained through human effort, the Law, or the sacrificial system. The persistent problem of human sin and spiritual infidelity, highlighted by Israel's "lewdness," required a more profound and definitive solution. Jesus Christ, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfilled the demand for justice by bearing the full weight of humanity's "lewdness"—our idolatry, unfaithfulness, and every sin—on the cross. Through His atoning sacrifice, He not only paid the penalty for sin but also inaugurated a new covenant where the law is written on hearts, enabling true spiritual purity and genuine obedience (as promised in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). The "lewdness" that God caused to cease through judgment in Ezekiel is ultimately overcome by Christ's decisive victory over sin and death, offering genuine transformation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live in faithfulness and holiness (as described in [Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled by Christ")). Thus, the teaching of "not to do after your lewdness" is not merely a warning of external punishment but an invitation to internal renewal and a life of singular devotion to Christ, who is our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom and Righteousness")).

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

2 Peter 2:6

And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned [them] with an overthrow, making [them] an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;

Ezekiel 23:27

Thus will I make thy lewdness to cease from thee, and thy whoredom [brought] from the land of Egypt: so that thou shalt not lift up thine eyes unto them, nor remember Egypt any more.

Ezekiel 16:41

And they shall burn thine houses with fire, and execute judgments upon thee in the sight of many women: and I will cause thee to cease from playing the harlot, and thou also shalt give no hire any more.

Ezekiel 6:6

In all your dwellingplaces the cities shall be laid waste, and the high places shall be desolate; that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, and your idols may be broken and cease, and your images may be cut down, and your works may be abolished.

Ezekiel 5:15

So it shall be a reproach and a taunt, an instruction and an astonishment unto the nations that [are] round about thee, when I shall execute judgments in thee in anger and in fury and in furious rebukes. I the LORD have spoken [it].

Ezekiel 22:15

And I will scatter thee among the heathen, and disperse thee in the countries, and will consume thy filthiness out of thee.

Zephaniah 1:3

I will consume man and beast; I will consume the fowls of the heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumblingblocks with the wicked; and I will cut off man from off the land, saith the LORD.