CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ezekiel 23:5 Oholah prostituted herself while she was still Mine. She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians--warriors</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezekiel/23-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/26_Ezk_23_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezekiel 23:5 - The Adultery of Oholah and Oholibah" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Oholah prostituted herself while she was still Mine. She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians--warriors" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ezekiel/23-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ezekiel/23-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ezekiel/">Ezekiel</a> > <a href="/ezekiel/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ezekiel/23-4.htm" title="Ezekiel 23:4">◄</a> Ezekiel 23:5 <a href="/ezekiel/23-6.htm" title="Ezekiel 23:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ezekiel/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Oholah engaged in prostitution while she was still mine; and she lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians—warriors<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Then Oholah lusted after other lovers instead of me, and she gave her love to the Assyrian officers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ezekiel/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“Oholah played the whore while she was mine, and she lusted after her lovers the Assyrians, warriors<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Oholah prostituted herself while she was still Mine. She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians—warriors<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians <i>her</i> neighbours,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ezekiel/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Oholah played the harlot even though she was Mine; And she lusted for her lovers, the neighboring Assyrians,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ezekiel/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Oholah prostituted herself while she was Mine; and she lusted after her lovers, after the Assyrians, <i>her</i> neighbors,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Oholah played the harlot while she was Mine; and she lusted after her lovers, after the Assyrians, her neighbors,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And Oholah played the harlot while she was Mine; and she lusted after her lovers, after the Assyrians, <i>her</i> neighbors,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ezekiel/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“Oholah played the harlot while she was Mine; and she lusted after her lovers, after the Assyrians, <i>her</i> neighbors,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ezekiel/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Oholah played the prostitute while she was Mine; and she adored <i>and</i> lusted after her lovers (allies), the Assyrians, her neighbors,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ezekiel/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Oholah acted like a prostitute even though she was mine. She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians: warriors<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Oholah acted like a prostitute even though she was Mine. She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians: warriors<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ezekiel/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Oholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbors,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ezekiel/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Even though Oholah was my wife, she continued to be a prostitute and chased after Assyrian lovers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ezekiel/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Oholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbours,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ezekiel/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Oholah acted like a prostitute, although she was my wife. She lusted after her Assyrian lovers who lived nearby.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ezekiel/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Although she was mine, Oholah continued to be a prostitute and was full of lust for her lovers from Assyria. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ezekiel/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Oholah committed sexual immorality while she belonged to me. She lusted for Assyria's warriors, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ezekiel/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Oholah prostituted herself while she was still Mine. She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians?warriors<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ezekiel/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"Oholah engaged in prostitution while she was mine. She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians--warriors<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ezekiel/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Oholah played the prostitute when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbors,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ezekiel/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbors.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ezekiel/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Oholah played the prostitute when she was mine. She doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbors, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ezekiel/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Aholah goes whoring under Me, and she lusts on her lovers, on the neighboring Assyrians,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ezekiel/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And go a-whoring doth Aholah under Me, And she doteth on her lovers, On the neighbouring Assyrians,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ezekiel/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Aholah will commit fornication under me; and she will desire after those loving her, after Assur, they being near.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ezekiel/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Oolla committed fornication against me, and doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians that came to her, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And then, Oholah committed fornication against me, and she acted madly with her lovers, with the Assyrians who approached her,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ezekiel/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Oholah became a prostitute while married to me and lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians: warriors<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Oholah played the whore while she was mine; she lusted after her lovers the Assyrians, warriors<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ezekiel/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Ahlah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbors,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ezekiel/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Ahlah went whoring from me and she had sexual intercourse with her lovers, the Assyrians, who were near to her<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ezekiel/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Oholah played the harlot when she was Mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians, warriors,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ezekiel/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Oola went a-whoring from me, and doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians that were her neighbors,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ezekiel/23-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vET3Gmwku4s?start=6375" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/23.htm">The Adultery of Oholah and Oholibah</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>The older was named Oholah, and her sister was named Oholibah. They became Mine and gave birth to sons and daughters. As for their identities, Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/170.htm" title="170: ’ā·ho·lāh (N-proper-fs) -- In form a feminine of 'ohel, but in fact for.Oholahh; from 'ohel; her tent; Oholah, a symbol. Name for Samaria.">Oholah</a> <a href="/hebrew/2181.htm" title="2181: wat·ti·zen (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To commit fornication, be a harlot. A primitive root; to commit adultery; figuratively, to commit idolatry.">prostituted herself</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: taḥ·tāy (Prep:: 1cs) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">while she was still Mine.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5689.htm" title="5689: wat·ta‘·gaḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To have inordinate affection, lust. A primitive root; to breathe after, i.e. To love.">She lusted</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">after</a> <a href="/hebrew/157.htm" title="157: mə·’a·hă·ḇe·hā (V-Piel-Prtcpl-mpc:: 3fs) -- To love. Or raheb; a primitive root; to have affection for.">her lovers,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/804.htm" title="804: ’aš·šūr (N-proper-fs) -- Ashshur, the second son of Shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them, its region and its empire.">the Assyrians—</a> <a href="/hebrew/7138.htm" title="7138: qə·rō·w·ḇîm (Adj-mp) -- Near. Or qarob; from qarab; near.">warriors</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>clothed in blue, governors and commanders, all desirable young men, horsemen mounted on steeds.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/2-5.htm">Hosea 2:5</a></span><br />For their mother has played the harlot and has conceived them in disgrace. For she thought, ‘I will go after my lovers, who give me bread and water, wool and linen, oil and drink.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/3-6.htm">Jeremiah 3:6</a></span><br />Now in the days of King Josiah, the LORD said to me, “Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill and under every green tree to prostitute herself there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/2-20.htm">Jeremiah 2:20</a></span><br />“For long ago you broke your yoke and tore off your chains, saying, ‘I will not serve!’ Indeed, on every high hill and under every green tree you lay down as a prostitute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/9-1.htm">Hosea 9:1</a></span><br />Do not rejoice, O Israel, with exultation like the nations, for you have played the harlot against your God; you have made love for hire on every threshing floor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-7.htm">2 Kings 17:7</a></span><br />All this happened because the people of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They had worshiped other gods<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/57-8.htm">Isaiah 57:8</a></span><br />Behind the door and doorpost you have set up your memorial. Forsaking Me, you uncovered your bed; you climbed up and opened it wide. And you have made a pact with those whose bed you have loved; you have gazed upon their nakedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/3-1.htm">Jeremiah 3:1</a></span><br />“If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him to marry another, can he ever return to her? Would not such a land be completely defiled? But you have played the harlot with many lovers—and you would return to Me?” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-12.htm">Hosea 4:12</a></span><br />My people consult their wooden idols, and their divining rods inform them. For a spirit of prostitution leads them astray and they have played the harlot against their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/5-3.htm">Hosea 5:3</a></span><br />I know all about Ephraim, and Israel is not hidden from Me. For now, O Ephraim, you have turned to prostitution; Israel is defiled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/16-7.htm">2 Kings 16:7-9</a></span><br />So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me from the hands of the kings of Aram and Israel, who are rising up against me.” / Ahaz also took the silver and gold found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the king’s palace, and he sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria. / So the king of Assyria responded to him, marched up to Damascus, and captured it. He took its people to Kir as captives and put Rezin to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/17-1.htm">Revelation 17:1-2</a></span><br />Then one of the seven angels with the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters. / The kings of the earth were immoral with her, and those who dwell on the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her immorality.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/2-20.htm">Revelation 2:20-22</a></span><br />But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads My servants to be sexually immoral and to eat food sacrificed to idols. / Even though I have given her time to repent of her immorality, she is unwilling. / Behold, I will cast her onto a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her will suffer great tribulation unless they repent of her deeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-4.htm">James 4:4</a></span><br />You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-15.htm">1 Corinthians 6:15-16</a></span><br />Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! / Or don’t you know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19</a></span><br />The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery;</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbors,</p><p class="hdg">Aholah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/14-9.htm">1 Kings 14:9,16</a></b></br> But hast done evil above all that were before thee: for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/15-26.htm">1 Kings 15:26,30</a></b></br> And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of his father, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/16-31.htm">1 Kings 16:31,32</a></b></br> And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him… </p><p class="hdg">doted</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/23-7.htm">Ezekiel 23:7,9,12,16,20</a></b></br> Thus she committed her whoredoms with them, with all them <i>that were</i> the chosen men of Assyria, and with all on whom she doted: with all their idols she defiled herself… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/16-37.htm">Ezekiel 16:37</a></b></br> Behold, therefore I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all <i>them</i> that thou hast loved, with all <i>them</i> that thou hast hated; I will even gather them round about against thee, and will discover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/50-38.htm">Jeremiah 50:38</a></b></br> A drought <i>is</i> upon her waters; and they shall be dried up: for it <i>is</i> the land of graven images, and they are mad upon <i>their</i> idols.</p><p class="hdg">on the</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/16-28.htm">Ezekiel 16:28</a></b></br> Thou hast played the whore also with the Assyrians, because thou wast unsatiable; yea, thou hast played the harlot with them, and yet couldest not be satisfied.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/15-19.htm">2 Kings 15:19</a></b></br> <i>And</i> Pul the king of Assyria came against the land: and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/16-7.htm">2 Kings 16:7</a></b></br> So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I <i>am</i> thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/23-4.htm">Aholah</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-28.htm">Assyrians</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-30.htm">A-Whoring</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-23.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-20.htm">Doted</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-20.htm">Doteth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-28.htm">Engaged</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-5.htm">Full</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-3.htm">Harlot</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-37.htm">Lovers</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-12.htm">Neighbors</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-40.htm">Neighbouring</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-12.htm">Neighbours</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-4.htm">Oholah</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-4.htm">Oho'lah</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-3.htm">Played</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-3.htm">Prostitute</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-3.htm">Prostitution</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-30.htm">Untrue</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-57.htm">Warriors</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/23-36.htm">Aholah</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-7.htm">Assyrians</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-19.htm">A-Whoring</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-8.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-7.htm">Doted</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-16.htm">Doteth</a> <a href="/matthew/1-18.htm">Engaged</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-12.htm">Full</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-19.htm">Harlot</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-9.htm">Lovers</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-12.htm">Neighbors</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-12.htm">Neighbouring</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-12.htm">Neighbours</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-36.htm">Oholah</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-36.htm">Oho'lah</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-19.htm">Played</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-7.htm">Prostitute</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-7.htm">Prostitution</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-30.htm">Untrue</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-6.htm">Warriors</a><div class="vheading2">Ezekiel 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/23-1.htm">The unfaithfulness of Aholah and Aholibah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/23-23.htm">Aholibah is to be plagued by her lovers</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/23-36.htm">The prophet reproves the adulteries of them both</a></span><br><span class="reftext">45. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/23-45.htm">and shows their judgments</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezekiel/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Oholah prostituted herself while she was still Mine.</b><br>In this passage, "Oholah" represents Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The metaphor of prostitution is used throughout the Bible to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God, particularly in their idolatry and alliances with foreign nations. Despite being chosen and set apart by God, Israel pursued other gods and political alliances, which is likened to marital infidelity. This imagery is consistent with the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God is the faithful husband and Israel is the unfaithful wife. The use of "while she was still Mine" emphasizes that Israel's unfaithfulness occurred despite their covenant relationship with God, highlighting the gravity of their betrayal.<p><b>She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians—warriors</b><br>The "lovers" here refer to the Assyrians, a powerful empire known for their military prowess and expansionist policies during the 8th and 7th centuries BC. Israel's political and military alliances with Assyria are depicted as acts of infidelity to God. Historically, Israel sought Assyrian support against other regional threats, which often involved adopting Assyrian religious practices and paying tribute, further leading them away from their covenant with God. The term "warriors" underscores the might and allure of Assyria's military strength, which Israel found enticing. This pursuit of foreign alliances is condemned by the prophets, as it demonstrated a lack of trust in God's protection and provision. The broader biblical narrative consistently warns against reliance on human power rather than divine support, as seen in passages like <a href="/isaiah/31.htm">Isaiah 31:1</a>, which cautions against seeking help from Egypt instead of trusting in the Lord.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/o/oholah.htm">Oholah</a></b><br>Represents Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The name means "her tent," symbolizing the idolatrous practices and unfaithfulness of the Northern Kingdom.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/assyrians.htm">Assyrians</a></b><br>A powerful empire known for its military might and influence. They were often seen as a threat and a temptation for Israel, representing foreign alliances and idolatry.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/prostitution.htm">Prostitution</a></b><br>Used metaphorically to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God through idolatry and alliances with pagan nations.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/y/yahweh.htm">Yahweh</a></b><br>The God of Israel, who views Israel as His covenant people, expecting faithfulness and devotion.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/ezekiel.htm">Ezekiel</a></b><br>A prophet called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_adultery.htm">Spiritual Adultery</a></b><br>Just as Oholah was unfaithful, believers must guard against spiritual adultery by remaining devoted to God and avoiding idolatry in any form.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_unfaithfulness.htm">Consequences of Unfaithfulness</a></b><br>The account of Oholah serves as a warning that turning away from God leads to judgment and destruction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_ownership_and_covenant.htm">God's Ownership and Covenant</a></b><br>Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God reminds them that they are still His. Believers should remember their identity in Christ and live accordingly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_worldly_alliances.htm">Avoiding Worldly Alliances</a></b><br>Like Israel's alliances with Assyria, Christians should be cautious of forming alliances that compromise their faith and values.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a></b><br>The account encourages believers to repent from unfaithfulness and seek restoration in their relationship with God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezekiel_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_non-biblical_sources_support_ezekiel_23.htm">Do any ancient sources outside the Bible corroborate the nations' interventions described in Ezekiel 23, or is the account solely a theological narrative?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_are_oholah_and_oholibah.htm">Who were Oholah and Oholibah in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_ezekiel_23_align_with_history.htm">How can the events described in Ezekiel 23 align with scientific and historical records, given the seemingly exaggerated depictions of judgment and punishment?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_ezekiel_23's_imagery_reconciled.htm">How can the graphic sexual imagery in Ezekiel 23:3 and 20 be reconciled with the holiness and purity usually attributed to Scripture?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezekiel/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">The Assyrians her neighbours.</span>--Or, <span class= "ital">the Assyrians drawing near. </span>They are described in <a href="/ezekiel/23-40.htm" title="And furthermore, that you have sent for men to come from far, to whom a messenger was sent; and, see, they came: for whom you did wash yourself, painted your eyes, and decked yourself with ornaments,">Ezekiel 23:40</a> as those who "come from far." The nearness here spoken of is to be understood not locally, but spiritually, of sympathy in idolatry. Of the earlier connection between Israel and Assyria there is little remaining record. In <a href="/context/2_kings/15-19.htm" title="And Pul the king of Assyria came against the land: and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand.">2Kings 15:19-20</a>, it is said that Pul exacted tribute of Menahem, and the mention seems to imply a still earlier intercourse. According to the Assyrian records, Jehu was tributary to Shalmaneser; Assyria, as representing the great northern power, in contrast to Egypt on the south, is probably used here in a sense broad enough to include also Syria.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezekiel/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - The history of both the sisters passes from the time of the Exodus to that of their separate existence, and starts, in fact, from their first intercourse with the great monarchies of Asia. So far it is less a survey of their successive stages of degradation, like that of <a href="/ezekiel/16.htm">Ezekiel 16</a>, than a retrospect of their political alliances. <span class="cmt_word">Aholah played the harlot</span>. The lovers, as in <a href="/ezekiel/16-33.htm">Ezekiel 16:33</a>, are the nations with which the kings of Israel were in alliance, and of these the Assyrians are named as pre-eminent. The word <span class="cmt_word">neighbors</span>, which in its literal sense is hardly applicable, is probably to be taken of spiritual affinity, or may be taken as "come near" is in <a href="/genesis/20-4.htm">Genesis 20:4</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/18-6.htm">Ezekiel 18:6</a>; <a href="/leviticus/20-16.htm">Leviticus 20:16</a>. The Assyrians were those who, in that sense, came near to the harlot city. We have in <a href="/2_kings/15-20.htm">2 Kings 15:20</a> the fact that Menahem paid tribute to Pul. <a href="/hosea/5-13.htm">Hosea 5:13</a> and Hosea 7:11 speak generally of such alliances. The black obelisk of Shalmaneser records the fact that Jehu paid tribute to him ('Records of the Past,' 5:41). In the last-named case the tribute consisted chiefly of vessels of gold, bowls, goblets, etc. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/23-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Oholah</span><br /><span class="heb">אָהֳלָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ho·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_170.htm">Strong's 170: </a> </span><span class="str2">Oholah -- 'she who has a tent', a symbolic name for Samaria</span><br /><br /><span class="word">prostituted herself</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתִּ֥זֶן</span> <span class="translit">(wat·ti·zen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2181.htm">Strong's 2181: </a> </span><span class="str2">To commit adultery, to commit idolatry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">while she was still Mine.</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּחְתָּ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(taḥ·tāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bottom, below, in lieu of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">She lusted</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתַּעְגַּב֙</span> <span class="translit">(wat·ta‘·gaḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5689.htm">Strong's 5689: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have inordinate affection, lust</span><br /><br /><span class="word">after</span><br /><span class="heb">עַֽל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">her lovers,</span><br /><span class="heb">מְאַהֲבֶ֔יהָ</span> <span class="translit">(mə·’a·hă·ḇe·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_157.htm">Strong's 157: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have affection f</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Assyrians—</span><br /><span class="heb">אַשּׁ֖וּר</span> <span class="translit">(’aš·šūr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_804.htm">Strong's 804: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ashshur</span><br /><br /><span class="word">warriors</span><br /><span class="heb">קְרוֹבִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(qə·rō·w·ḇîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7138.htm">Strong's 7138: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/23-5.htm">Ezekiel 23:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/23-5.htm">Ezekiel 23:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ezekiel/23-5.htm">Ezekiel 23:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/23-5.htm">Ezekiel 23:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/23-5.htm">Ezekiel 23:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/23-5.htm">Ezekiel 23:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/23-5.htm">Ezekiel 23:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/23-5.htm">Ezekiel 23:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/23-5.htm">Ezekiel 23:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ezekiel/23-5.htm">Ezekiel 23:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ezekiel/23-5.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 23:5 Oholah played the prostitute when she was (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/23-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 23:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 23:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/23-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 23:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 23:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>