Old Testament

Ezekiel 23:5

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, Oholah represents a people who have turned away from their true commitment.

Author: Ezekiel the prophet
Written: Around 590 BC
Genre: Prophecy
Original Audience: Exiled Israelites in Babylon

CBTClear Bible Translation

Oholah prostituted herself even though she belonged to me. She lusted after her lovers — the Assyrians, her neighbors —

KJVKing James Version

And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbours,

Verse Analysis

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.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

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

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.

Book Summary

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.

Beside each living creature appears a wheel on the earth, and the wheels have the appearance of a wheel within a wheel. Their rims are high and full of eyes all around. When the living creatures move, the wheels move with them, and the spirit of the living creature is in the wheels. Above the heads of the living creatures is the likeness of a firmament like crystal, and above the firmament is the likeness of a throne like a sapphire stone. Upon the throne is the likeness of a man with brightness like fire and a rainbow around him. Ezekiel sees the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD, and when he sees it, he falls upon his face and hears a voice speaking. Ezekiel 2: Son of Man, Stand Upon Your Feet The voice says to him, "Son of man, stand upon your feet, and I will speak unto you." The Spirit enters him and sets him on his feet, and the LORD speaks to him. The LORD says he sends him to the children of Israel, a rebellious nation that has transgressed against Him. Their fathers have rebelled, and they continue in stubbornness and impudence. Ezekiel is sent to speak the LORD's words to them whether they hear or refuse to hear. The LORD tells him they shall know that a prophet has been among them. The LORD warns him not to fear them or their words, though they are like briers and thorns and though he dwells among scorpions. He is not to be afraid of their faces. He must speak the LORD's words to them whether they listen or refuse, for they are most rebellious. The LORD commands him not to be rebellious like that rebellious house. He is told to open his mouth and eat what the LORD gives him. He sees a hand with a scroll written inside and outside with lamentations, mourning, and woe.

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