Old Testament
Ezekiel 23:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Oholah prostituted herself even though she belonged to me. She lusted after her lovers — the Assyrians, her neighbors —
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And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbours,
What Ezekiel 23:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Oholah represents a people who have turned away from their true commitment. Despite being in a relationship with God, she chose to pursue other interests and desires, symbolized by her attraction to the Assyrians. This act of 'prostitution' illustrates a betrayal of trust and loyalty. Oholah's actions reflect a deeper issue of unfaithfulness, where she seeks fulfillment outside of her true source. The Assyrians, as her neighbors, represent the allure of worldly temptations that can lead one astray. This passage serves as a reminder of the dangers of losing focus on what truly matters and the consequences of chasing after fleeting pleasures. It highlights the emotional pain that comes from betrayal and the importance of staying true to one's commitments. Ultimately, it calls for reflection on where we place our affections and the impact of our choices on our relationships with others and with God. Oholah's story is a cautionary tale about the risks of infidelity in any form.
How to apply Ezekiel 23:5 to your life
Consider where you might be placing your affections outside of your true commitments. Reflect on the relationships in your life and ensure they are built on trust and loyalty. Avoid distractions that lead you away from what is truly important. Stay focused on nurturing your core values and connections with others. Make choices that honor your commitments and relationships, both with people and with your beliefs.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Ezekiel
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 23:5 mean?
Ezekiel 23:5 describes Oholah, a symbol of a people who have betrayed their commitment to God by pursuing other interests, represented by the Assyrians. This verse illustrates the emotional pain of unfaithfulness and the consequences of seeking fulfillment outside of a true relationship.
What is the significance of Oholah in Ezekiel 23:5?
Oholah represents a people who have turned away from their true commitments, symbolizing betrayal and unfaithfulness. Her actions highlight the dangers of being lured by worldly temptations and the importance of staying true to one's values.
What does 'played the harlot' mean in Ezekiel 23:5?
'Played the harlot' in Ezekiel 23:5 refers to Oholah's unfaithfulness and betrayal of trust in her relationship with God. It signifies pursuing other desires and interests, which leads to emotional pain and consequences.
What lessons can we learn from Ezekiel 23:5?
Ezekiel 23:5 teaches the importance of loyalty and commitment in relationships. It serves as a reminder to reflect on where we place our affections and to avoid distractions that can lead us away from what truly matters.
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