BibleWord.ai› Bible› Ezekiel› Chapter 23› Verse 43

Ezekiel 23:43

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Ezekiel 23:43 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Then said I of her that was old in adulteries, Now will they play the harlot with her, and she [with them].” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Then said I of her that was old in adulteries, Now will they play the harlot with her, and she [with them].
Ezekiel 23:43 — American Standard Version

Context — Ezekiel 23

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
40And furthermore ye have sent for men that come from far, unto whom a messenger was sent, and, lo, they came; for whom thou didst wash thyself, paint thine eyes, and deck thyself with ornaments,
41and sit upon a stately bed, with a table prepared before it, whereupon thou didst set mine incense and mine oil.
42And the voice of a multitude being at ease was with her: and with men of the common sort were brought drunkards from the wilderness; and they put bracelets upon the hands of them [twain], and beautiful crowns upon their heads.
43Then said I of her that was old in adulteries, Now will they play the harlot with her, and she [with them].
44And they went in unto her, as they go in unto a harlot: so went they in unto Oholah and unto Oholibah, the lewd women.
45And righteous men, they shall judge them with the judgment of adulteresses, and with the judgment of women that shed blood; because they are adulteresses, and blood is in their hands.
46For thus saith the Lord Jehovah: I will bring up a company against them, and will give them to be tossed to and fro and robbed.
← Ezekiel 23:42Ezekiel 23:44 →
← Full Chapter 23 Ezekiel Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then said I unto her that was old in adulteries, &c.] That had been an old adulterer or idolater; meaning either Aholah the ten tribes, who from Jeroboam’s time had been guilty of idolatry; or Aholibah the two tribes, who had remained longer in their own country, and had been long given to idolatry; or both of them, as some think, the whole body of the people of Israel, who had been addicted to idolatry ever since they came out of Egypt, and so was like an old harlot indeed: now the Lord said “unto her”, or “concerning her”f367; in his own mind, after the manner of men. So the Targum, “I said concerning the congregation of Israel, whose people are old in sins:” will they now commit whoredoms…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Will they, &c.--Is it possible that paramours will desire any longer to commit whoredoms with so worn-out an old adulteress?”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Will they now commit ... - Rather, Now shall there be committed her whoredom, even this; i. e., when Israel and Judah had courted these alliances God said in wrath, “This sin too shall be committed, and so (not “yet) they went in;” the alliances were made according to their desires, and then followed the consequent punishment. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“old: Ezr 9:7; Psa 106:6; Jer 13:23; Dan 9:16 whoredoms with her: Heb. her whoredoms Ezekiel 23:44”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Ezekiel 23 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification