Old Testament
Ezekiel 23:21
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the speaker reflects on a time of youthful indiscretion and vulnerability.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
So you remembered the lewdness of your youth, when the Egyptians fondled your breasts in your young days.
Thus thou calledst to remembrance the lewdness of thy youth, in bruising thy teats by the Egyptians for the paps of thy youth.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the speaker reflects on a time of youthful indiscretion and vulnerability. The imagery of being fondled by the Egyptians symbolizes a loss of innocence and the painful memories associated with past experiences. It highlights how these memories can linger and affect one's present life. The mention of lewdness suggests a betrayal of trust and purity, emphasizing the emotional scars left by such encounters. This verse serves as a reminder of how our past can shape our identity and choices. It invites us to confront our history, acknowledging both the good and the bad. By doing so, we can find healing and move forward with greater wisdom and strength. Ultimately, it encourages self-reflection and the importance of understanding our past to build a better future. Recognizing these memories can empower us to make healthier choices today, breaking free from cycles of pain and regret. This journey of self-discovery is essential for personal growth and transformation.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 23:21 to your life
Reflect on your past experiences and how they shape your current choices. Acknowledge both the positive and negative memories to understand yourself better. Use this understanding to make healthier decisions moving forward. Embrace the journey of healing and personal growth as you learn from your history. Remember, your past does not define you; it informs your future choices and actions.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 23:21 mean?
Ezekiel 23:21 reflects on the painful memories of youth, specifically the loss of innocence and vulnerability experienced through past encounters. It highlights how these memories can impact one's present life and choices.
What is the significance of lewdness in Ezekiel 23:21?
The term 'lewdness' in Ezekiel 23:21 signifies betrayal and the emotional scars left by past experiences. It emphasizes the impact of these memories on one's identity and the importance of acknowledging them for healing.
What does the imagery of Egyptians in Ezekiel 23:21 represent?
In Ezekiel 23:21, the Egyptians symbolize a time of vulnerability and exploitation in the speaker's youth. This imagery serves to illustrate the painful memories associated with betrayal and loss of innocence.
How can Ezekiel 23:21 apply to personal growth?
Ezekiel 23:21 encourages individuals to reflect on their past experiences, both good and bad, to understand how these shape their current choices. This self-reflection is essential for healing and making healthier decisions moving forward.
The Book of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1: Visions of God
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the river Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans. He sees visions of God as the heavens open. A great cloud comes from the north with a fire flashing continually and brightness around it, and from the midst appears something like glowing metal. From the fire emerge four living creatures, each with the likeness of a man. Each has four faces and four wings, and their legs are straight with feet like a calf's foot, shining like polished brass. Their faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, and their wings are joined one to another as they move straight forward without turning.
Unlock the full Ezekiel summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Ezekiel — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 48 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Ezekiel summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.