Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version with belts around their waists and flowing turbans on their heads; all of them looked like Babylonian chariot officers, natives of Chaldea. New Living Translation Handsome belts encircled their waists, and flowing turbans crowned their heads. They were dressed like chariot officers from the land of Babylonia. English Standard Version wearing belts on their waists, with flowing turbans on their heads, all of them having the appearance of officers, a likeness of Babylonians whose native land was Chaldea. Berean Standard Bible wearing belts on their waists and flowing turbans on their heads; all of them looked like officers of the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their birth. Berean Literal Bible girded with belts around their loins, turbans flowing on their heads, with the appearance of officers all of them, in the likeness of the sons of Babylon, Chaldea the land of their origin. King James Bible Girded with girdles upon their loins, exceeding in dyed attire upon their heads, all of them princes to look to, after the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea, the land of their nativity: New King James Version Girded with belts around their waists, Flowing turbans on their heads, All of them looking like captains, In the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea, The land of their nativity. New American Standard Bible wearing belts around their waists, with flowing turbans on their heads, all of them looking like officers, like the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their birth. NASB 1995 girded with belts on their loins, with flowing turbans on their heads, all of them looking like officers, like the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their birth. NASB 1977 girded with belts on their loins, with flowing turbans on their heads, all of them looking like officers, like the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their birth. Legacy Standard Bible girded with belts on their loins, with flowing turbans on their heads, all of them looking like officers, in the likeness of the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their birth. Amplified Bible girded with belts on their loins, with flowing turbans on their heads, all of them looking like officers, like the Babylonian men whose native land was Chaldea. Berean Annotated Bible wearing belts on their waists and flowing turbans on their heads; all of them looked like officers of the Babylonians (confusion by mixing) in Chaldea (Babylonia), the land of their birth. Christian Standard Bible wearing belts on their waists and flowing turbans on their heads; all of them looked like officers, a depiction of the Babylonians in Chaldea, their native land. Holman Christian Standard Bible wearing belts on their waists and flowing turbans on their heads; all of them looked like officers, a depiction of the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their birth. American Standard Version girded with girdles upon their loins, with flowing turbans upon their heads, all of them princes to look upon, after the likeness of the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their nativity. Contemporary English Version They had belts around their waists and large turbans on their heads, and they reminded her of Babylonian cavalry officers. English Revised Version girded with girdles upon their loins, exceeding in dyed attire upon their heads, all of them princes to look upon, after the likeness of the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their nativity. GOD'S WORD® Translation The men had belts around their waists and flowing turbans on their heads. All of them looked like Babylonian officers who were born in Babylon. International Standard Version Girded with waistbands around their loins, with flowing turbans on their heads, all of them looked like chariot officers, similar to the Babylonians from Chaldea, where they had been born. NET Bible wearing belts on their waists and flowing turbans on their heads, all of them looking like officers, the image of Babylonians whose native land is Chaldea. New Heart English Bible wearing belts on their waists, with flowing turbans on their heads, all of them looking like officers, after the likeness of the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their birth. Webster's Bible Translation Girded with girdles upon their loins, exceeding in dyed attire upon their heads, all of them princes to look to, after the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea, the land of their nativity: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblewearing belts on their waists and flowing turbans on their heads; all of them looked like officers of the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their birth. World English Bible dressed with belts on their waists, with flowing turbans on their heads, all of them looking like princes, after the likeness of the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their birth. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionGirded with a girdle on their loins, "" Dyed attire spread out on their heads, "" The appearance of rulers—all of them, "" The likeness of sons of Babylon, "" Chaldea is the land of their birth. Berean Literal Bible girded with belts around their loins, turbans flowing on their heads, with the appearance of officers all of them, in the likeness of the sons of Babylon, Chaldea the land of their origin. Young's Literal Translation Girded with a girdle on their loins, Dyed attire spread out on their heads, The appearance of rulers -- all of them, The likeness of sons of Babylon, Chaldea is the land of their birth. Smith's Literal Translation Girding girdles upon their loins, a superfluity of dippings upon their heads, the appearance of third men all of them, the likeness of the sons of Babel of Chaldea, the land of their birth. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd girded with girdles about their reins, and with dyed turbans on their heads, the resemblance of all the captains, the likeness of the sons of Babylon, and of the land of the Chaldeans wherein they were born, Catholic Public Domain Version with belts wrapped around the waist, and with dyed headdresses on their heads, having seen the appearance of all the rulers, the likenesses of the sons of Babylon and of the land of the Chaldeans in which they were born, New American Bible with sashes tied about their waists, flowing turbans on their heads, all looking like chariot warriors, images of Babylonians, natives of Chaldea. New Revised Standard Version with belts around their waists, with flowing turbans on their heads, all of them looking like officers—a picture of Babylonians whose native land was Chaldea. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleGirded with girdles upon their loins and with turbans tied on their heads, all of them handsome men to look at, the likeness of the sons of Babylon and of the land of the Chaldeans, the land of their nativity; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they girded girdles on their loins and bands tied on their heads. The appearances are of men; all the likeness are of the sons of Babel and of the Chaldeans, the land in which they were born OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917girded with girdles upon their loins, with pendant turbans upon their heads, all of them captains to look upon, the likeness of the sons of Babylon, even of Chaldea, the land of their nativity. Brenton Septuagint Translation having variegated girdles on their loins, having also richly dyed attire upon their heads; all had a princely appearance, the likeness of the children of the Chaldeans, of their native land. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Adultery of Oholah and Oholibah…14But Oholibah carried her prostitution even further. She saw the men portrayed on the wall, images of the Chaldeans, engraved in vermilion, 15wearing belts on their waists and flowing turbans on their heads; all of them looked like officers of the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their birth. 16At the sight of them, she lusted for them and sent messengers to them in Chaldea.… Cross References wearing belts on their waists 2 Kings 1:8 “He was a hairy man,” they answered, “with a leather belt around his waist.” “It was Elijah the Tishbite,” said the king. Job 12:18 He loosens the bonds placed by kings and fastens a belt around their waists. Isaiah 11:5 Righteousness will be the belt around His hips, and faithfulness the sash around His waist. and flowing turbans on their heads; Ezekiel 44:18 They are to wear linen turbans on their heads and linen undergarments around their waists. They must not wear anything that makes them perspire. Exodus 39:28 as well as the turban of fine linen, the ornate headbands and undergarments of finely spun linen, Zechariah 3:5 Then I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So a clean turban was placed on his head, and they clothed him, as the angel of the LORD stood by. all of them looked like officers of the Babylonians Jeremiah 39:3 Then all the officials of the king of Babylon entered and sat in the Middle Gate: Nergal-sharezer of Samgar, Nebo-sarsekim the Rabsaris, Nergal-sharezer the Rabmag, and all the rest of the officials of the king of Babylon. Jeremiah 52:10 There at Riblah the king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and he also killed all the officials of Judah. Daniel 3:2 Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to assemble the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the other officials of the provinces to attend the dedication of the statue he had set up. in Chaldea, the land of their birth. Genesis 11:28 During his father Terah’s lifetime, Haran died in his native land, in Ur of the Chaldeans. Genesis 15:7 The LORD also told him, “I am the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.” Acts 7:4 So Abraham left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After his father died, God brought him out of that place and into this land where you are now living. Revelation 17:4-5 The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls. She held in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. / And on her forehead a mysterious name was written: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. Jeremiah 4:30 And you, O devastated one, what will you do, though you dress yourself in scarlet, though you adorn yourself with gold jewelry, though you enlarge your eyes with paint? You adorn yourself in vain; your lovers despise you; they want to take your life. Isaiah 3:16-24 The LORD also says: “Because the daughters of Zion are haughty—walking with heads held high and wanton eyes, prancing and skipping as they go, jingling the bracelets on their ankles— / the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will make their foreheads bare.” / In that day the Lord will take away their finery: their anklets and headbands and crescents; … Revelation 18:16 saying: “Woe, woe to the great city, clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! Treasury of Scripture Girded with girdles on their loins, exceeding in dyed attire on their heads, all of them princes to look to, after the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea, the land of their nativity: with girdles 1 Samuel 18:4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle. Isaiah 22:21 And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. all of Judges 8:18 Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men were they whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou art, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king. 2 Samuel 14:25 But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him. look to. Jump to Previous Appearance Attire Babylon Babylonian Babylonians Bands Birth Bodies Captains Chaldaea Chaldea Chalde'a Children Dyed Exceeding Flowing Girded Girdle Girdles Hanging Head-Dresses Heads Likeness Manner Native Nativity Officers Picture Princes Round Turbans WaistsJump to Next Appearance Attire Babylon Babylonian Babylonians Bands Birth Bodies Captains Chaldaea Chaldea Chalde'a Children Dyed Exceeding Flowing Girded Girdle Girdles Hanging Head-Dresses Heads Likeness Manner Native Nativity Officers Picture Princes Round Turbans WaistsEzekiel 23 1. The unfaithfulness of Aholah and Aholibah23. Aholibah is to be plagued by her lovers 36. The prophet reproves the adulteries of them both 45. and shows their judgments wearing belts on their waists In ancient Near Eastern cultures, belts were often used to secure garments and were a symbol of readiness and strength. The mention of belts here may indicate a sense of preparedness or authority. In biblical times, belts were also associated with warriors and officials, suggesting a position of power or influence. This imagery aligns with the depiction of the Babylonians as a formidable and organized force. and flowing turbans on their heads all of them looked like officers of the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their birth Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet of God who ministered to the exiles in Babylon. He is the author of the book and delivers God's messages through vivid imagery and allegory. 2. Oholah and Oholibah Symbolic names for Samaria and Jerusalem, representing the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel. They are depicted as sisters in this allegory, engaging in idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. 3. Babylonians The people of Babylon, known for their military prowess and cultural influence. They are depicted as attractive and alluring to the Israelites, leading them into idolatry. 4. Chaldea A region in southern Babylon, known for its wealth and power. It represents the source of temptation and idolatry for Israel. 5. Idolatry The central theme of this passage, where Israel's infidelity to God is likened to adultery with foreign nations and their gods. Teaching Points The Danger of IdolatryJust as Israel was seduced by the allure of Babylon, Christians today must be vigilant against modern forms of idolatry, such as materialism, power, and cultural conformity. Faithfulness to God The passage calls believers to remain faithful to God, resisting the temptations that lead us away from His commandments and love. Cultural Influence The Babylonians' appearance and allure symbolize the seductive power of culture. Christians are called to discern and resist cultural influences that contradict biblical values. Repentance and Restoration Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God's desire is for repentance and restoration. Believers are encouraged to seek God's forgiveness and return to Him wholeheartedly. Spiritual Warfare The imagery of officers and warriors reminds us of the spiritual battle we face. Christians are called to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against spiritual deception. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 23:15?2. How does Ezekiel 23:15 illustrate the dangers of idolatry in our lives? 3. What can we learn about God's view on foreign influences from Ezekiel 23:15? 4. How does Ezekiel 23:15 connect with the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3? 5. In what ways can we guard against spiritual adultery today? 6. How can Ezekiel 23:15 guide us in maintaining purity in our hearts? 7. What is the historical context of Ezekiel 23:15 regarding Babylonian influence on Israel? 8. How does Ezekiel 23:15 reflect the theme of idolatry in the Bible? 9. What is the significance of the attire described in Ezekiel 23:15? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 23? 11. How does Ezekiel 15:2-3 reconcile the vine's supposed worthlessness with other biblical passages celebrating vines as symbols of blessing? 12. Ezekiel 34:2 - How can we verify historically or archaeologically that corrupt leaders were truly the 'shepherds' described here? 13. What explains the apparent inconsistency between God's merciful nature elsewhere and the violent retribution depicted in Ezekiel 23:22-27? 14. Revelation 15:6-7 depicts angels with golden sashes--can this imagery be reconciled with known historical or archaeological findings? What Does Ezekiel 23:15 Mean Wearing belts on their waists“Wearing belts on their waists” points to military dress and disciplined readiness. In Scripture a belt often signifies preparedness for action—think of God’s call, “Fasten your belts,” before the Exodus night of deliverance (Exodus 12:11) and Paul’s picture of the believer standing firm with “the belt of truth” (Ephesians 6:14). By portraying these Babylonians with girded waists, Ezekiel underscores how attractive Judah found the enemy’s polished, soldierly image: power, order, confidence, everything they wrongly envied (compare 1 Samuel 8:19–20, where Israel longed to be “like all the other nations”). Flowing turbans on their heads The “flowing turbans” (literally high, elegant headgear) spotlight rank and splendor. Turbans were worn by priests (Exodus 28:4), kings (Esther 8:15), and noble officers (Isaiah 62:3). Ezekiel paints a picture of men who carry status, sophistication, and allure—visual symbols of the culture Judah began to imitate. Earlier the prophet warned, “Remove the turban and take off the crown” (Ezekiel 21:26), showing how God would strip false glory. Here the people stare at that same glory and crave it. All of them looked like officers The phrase stresses authority and command presence. Judah fixated on these “officers,” much as young Daniel and his friends later found themselves under the care of Ashpenaz, the Babylonian chief official (Daniel 1:3). The seductive pull was not merely physical but political: trust in strong foreign leadership instead of in the Lord. Proverbs 3:5 warns against leaning on one’s own understanding, yet Jerusalem leaned on human power she admired. Of the Babylonians in Chaldea Babylon stood as the towering world empire, famed for wealth (Isaiah 13:19), military might (Jeremiah 50:23), and idolatry (Jeremiah 50:38). “Chaldea” evokes both their ancestral homeland and their occult wisdom (Daniel 2:2). By specifying “Babylonians in Chaldea,” Ezekiel highlights that God’s people coveted precisely the civilization God had announced He would use as a rod of judgment (Habakkuk 1:6). In other words, Judah loved the very world system that would soon destroy her. The land of their birth This final clause confirms authenticity: these were not foreign mercenaries but true-born Babylonians, steeped in their nation’s pride and paganism. Genesis 11:28–31 records the region’s origins; Isaiah 47:10 notes Babylon’s boast, “No one sees me.” Judah’s infatuation was with the genuine article—real Babylonians, real idols, real danger—making her unfaithfulness all the more shocking (Ezekiel 23:17). Summary Ezekiel 23:15 paints a vivid portrait of Babylonian officers—belted, turbaned, formidable—whose outward splendor captivated Judah. Every detail of their attire symbolizes power, prestige, and pagan allure. By lusting after these men, Jerusalem (Oholibah) craved political alliances and cultural imitation instead of covenant faithfulness. The verse exposes the tragic pattern: God’s people, impressed by worldly might, abandon the Lord and invite the very judgment He warned about. Verse 15. - Exceeding in dyed attire; better, with dyed turbans, or tiaras, such as are seen on the Assyrian monuments of Nimrud, Khorsabad, and Kouyunyik.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew wearingחֲגוֹרֵ֨י (ḥă·ḡō·w·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 2289: Belted belts אֵז֜וֹר (’ê·zō·wr) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 232: Something girt, a belt, a band on their waists בְּמָתְנֵיהֶ֗ם (bə·mā·ṯə·nê·hem) Preposition-b | Noun - mdc | third person masculine plural Strong's 4975: The waist, small of the back, the loins and flowing סְרוּחֵ֤י (sə·rū·ḥê) Adjective - masculine plural construct Strong's 5628: To go free, be unrestrained, overrun, exceed turbans טְבוּלִים֙ (ṭə·ḇū·lîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 2871: Dyed, a turban on their heads; בְּרָ֣אשֵׁיהֶ֔ם (bə·rā·šê·hem) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 7218: The head all כֻּלָּ֑ם (kul·lām) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every of them looked מַרְאֵ֥ה (mar·’êh) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4758: Sight, appearance, vision like officers שָׁלִשִׁ֖ים (šā·li·šîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 7991: A triple, a triangle, a three-fold measure, a general of the third rank of the Babylonians בְּנֵֽי־ (bə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son in Chaldea, כַּשְׂדִּ֔ים (kaś·dîm) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3778: Chaldeans -- a region of southern Babylon and its inhab the land אֶ֖רֶץ (’e·reṣ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 776: Earth, land of their birth. מוֹלַדְתָּֽם׃ (mō·w·laḏ·tām) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 4138: Nativity, lineage, native country, offspring, family Links Ezekiel 23:15 NIVEzekiel 23:15 NLT Ezekiel 23:15 ESV Ezekiel 23:15 NASB Ezekiel 23:15 KJV Ezekiel 23:15 BibleApps.com Ezekiel 23:15 Biblia Paralela Ezekiel 23:15 Chinese Bible Ezekiel 23:15 French Bible Ezekiel 23:15 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Ezekiel 23:15 Girded with girdles on their waists (Ezek. Eze Ezk) |
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