Ezekiel 23:43 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 23:43 mean?

Ezekiel 23:43 describes a moment where the speaker, representing God, questions whether those who have already been deeply involved in unfaithfulness will continue to act in the same way with others. The verse uses the imagery of a woman long practiced in adultery to illustrate ongoing, repeated unfaithfulness.

In this passage, Ezekiel is speaking on God’s behalf to the people of Jerusalem, using the metaphor of two sisters to represent Samaria and Jerusalem. The “old in adulteries” phrase refers to a long history of turning away from God to follow other nations and their practices. The question in the verse highlights the persistent nature of this unfaithfulness, suggesting that even after so much time and experience, the pattern is likely to continue.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 23:43

• “old” (בָּלוֹת balot): This word means “worn out” or “grown old,” and here it emphasizes not just age but a long, established pattern of behavior. The image is of someone who has been involved in these actions for a long time, not just a single lapse.
• “adulteries” (נִאֻפִים ni’ufim): This word refers to acts of marital unfaithfulness, but in Ezekiel, it often points to spiritual unfaithfulness—turning away from God to follow other gods or alliances.
• “commit” (זָנָה zanah): This verb means “to commit fornication” or “to be unfaithful.” It is used here to question whether the cycle of unfaithfulness will continue.
• “whoredoms” (תַּעֲבוּת ta’avut): This word refers to acts of prostitution or harlotry, again used metaphorically for repeated, shameless unfaithfulness.

Why Ezekiel 23:43 matters

• Ezekiel 23:43 clarifies that the unfaithfulness being described is not a one-time event but a deeply rooted, repeated pattern, making the warning more serious.
• The verse uses strong, vivid language to show how persistent and ingrained the people’s turning away from God had become, helping readers understand the depth of the problem.
• This verse connects to the larger message of Ezekiel 23, where the prophet uses the story of two sisters to illustrate the spiritual condition of both Israel and Judah, making the consequences of their choices more understandable.