Ezekiel 23:3 Meaning and Explanation
“And they committed whoredoms in Egypt; they committed whoredoms in their youth: there were their breasts pressed, and there they bruised the teats of their virginity.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Both women engaged in unfaithfulness from their youth, beginning in Egypt.
The Context of Ezekiel 23:3
Establishing the women's long history of unfaithfulness beginning in Egypt.
What Does Ezekiel 23:3 Mean?
The phrase 'whoredoms in Egypt' refers to Israel's early idolatry and foreign entanglements during and after the Egyptian bondage. Their youth signals how deeply embedded these patterns were in their national life.
The graphic language of bruised virginity depicts spiritual violation and loss of innocence, illustrating the severity and intimacy of their departure from covenant.
Ezekiel 23:3 in the Original Language
zenunim (זְנוּנִים), 'whoredoms' — used throughout to describe spiritual infidelity, not literal behavior; denotes turning from God's covenant to foreign alliances and idolatry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 23:3
What does Ezekiel 23:3 mean?
Both women engaged in unfaithfulness from their youth, beginning in Egypt.
What is the context of Ezekiel 23:3?
Establishing the women's long history of unfaithfulness beginning in Egypt.