Ezekiel 23:4 Meaning and Explanation
“And the names of them were Aholah the elder, and Aholibah her sister: and they were mine, and they bare sons and daughters. Thus were their names; Samaria is Aholah, and Jerusalem Aholibah.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The women are named Aholah and Aholibah, representing Samaria (north) and Jerusalem (south), who bore children for the Lord.
The Context of Ezekiel 23:4
Explicit identification: Aholah is Samaria (North); Aholibah is Jerusalem (South).
What Does Ezekiel 23:4 Mean?
Aholah means 'her tent' and represents the northern kingdom based in Samaria. Aholibah means 'my tent in her,' representing Jerusalem and the southern kingdom. Both are God's possession ('were mine'), having children born into covenant relationship.
The naming reveals ownership and relationship: God had claimed both kingdoms, blessed them with posterity, and sustained them in covenant community.
Ezekiel 23:4 in the Original Language
Aholah (אָהֳלָה) — 'her tent.' Aholibah (אָהֳלִיבָה) — 'my tent is in her.' The names play on the Hebrew word for tent (ohel), emphasizing God's dwelling presence within each kingdom's covenant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 23:4
What does Ezekiel 23:4 mean?
The women are named Aholah and Aholibah, representing Samaria (north) and Jerusalem (south), who bore children for the Lord.
What is the context of Ezekiel 23:4?
Explicit identification: Aholah is Samaria (North); Aholibah is Jerusalem (South).