And furthermore, that ye have sent for men to come from far, unto whom a messenger was sent; and, lo, they came: for whom thou didst wash thyself, paintedst thy eyes, and deckedst thyself with ornaments,

EZEKIEL 23:40KJV
Know the Bible

Ezekiel 23:40 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 23:40 mean?

Ezekiel 23:40 describes how the people, represented as women in this vision, prepared themselves with great care—washing, painting their eyes, and adorning themselves with jewelry—to attract men from far away whom they had invited. This verse uses the image of personal adornment to illustrate how eagerly and deliberately they sought out alliances or relationships that were unfaithful to God.

In this chapter, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Jerusalem and Samaria, using the metaphor of two sisters to represent these cities. The verse paints a vivid picture of the lengths to which these people went to pursue foreign nations and their ways, turning away from their relationship with God. The actions described are not about literal makeup or jewelry, but symbolize spiritual unfaithfulness and the pursuit of alliances that led them away from God.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 23:40

  • "Wash" (רָחַץ, rachats): This word means to wash or cleanse oneself. In this context, it emphasizes deliberate preparation, suggesting intentional effort to make oneself appealing.
  • "Paintedst" (כָּחַל, kachal): This refers to painting or darkening the eyes, a common ancient cosmetic practice. Here, it highlights the act of making oneself attractive for others, symbolizing seduction or allure.
  • "Deckedst" (עָדָה, adah) and "ornaments" (עֶדֶה, edeh): Both words relate to adorning or decorating oneself with jewelry or fine things. The repetition underlines the thoroughness and intention behind the preparation, emphasizing eagerness to impress or attract.

Why Ezekiel 23:40 matters

  • This verse clears up that the focus is not on outward appearance or cosmetics themselves, but on the deeper issue of seeking out relationships or alliances that are unfaithful to God.
  • The verse emphasizes how deliberate and enthusiastic the people were in turning away from God, not by accident but by careful planning and effort.
  • Understanding this imagery helps connect the verse to the larger message of Ezekiel 23, where the unfaithfulness of Jerusalem and Samaria is compared to adultery, showing the seriousness of their spiritual betrayal.

Where else these words appear

“deckedst” Hebrew H5710 · used in 10 verses

  • Job 28:8 The lion's whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it.
  • Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
  • Ezekiel 16:11 I decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck.

“ornaments” Hebrew H5716 · used in 13 verses

  • Exodus 33:4 And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments.
  • Psalms 32:9 Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.
  • Jeremiah 4:30 And when thou art spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life.

“furthermore” Hebrew H637 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
  • Deuteronomy 33:3 Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words.
  • 2 Kings 5:13 And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

“far” Hebrew H4801 · used in 18 verses

  • 2 Samuel 15:17 And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.
  • Isaiah 10:3 And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?
  • Jeremiah 4:16 Make ye mention to the nations; behold, publish against Jerusalem, that watchers come from a far country, and give out their voice against the cities of Judah.