3 And they committed whoredoms in Egypt; they committed whoredoms in their youth: there were their breasts pressed, and there they bruised the teats of their virginity.

Other Translations of Ezekiel 23:3

New International Version

3 They became prostitutes in Egypt, engaging in prostitution from their youth. In that land their breasts were fondled and their virgin bosoms caressed.

English Standard Version

3 They played the whore in Egypt; they played the whore in their youth; there their breasts were pressed and their virgin bosomsHebrew nipples; also verses 8, 21 handled.

The Message

3 They became whores in Egypt, whores from a young age. Their breasts were fondled, their young bosoms caressed.

New King James Version

3 They committed harlotry in Egypt, They committed harlotry in their youth; Their breasts were there embraced, Their virgin bosom was there pressed.

New Living Translation

3 They became prostitutes in Egypt. Even as young girls, they allowed men to fondle their breasts.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:3

Chapter Contents

A history of the apostacy of God's people from him, and the aggravation thereof.

In this parable, Samaria and Israel bear the name Aholah, "her own tabernacle;" because the places of worship those kingdoms had, were of their own devising. Jerusalem and Judah bear the name of Aholibah, "my tabernacle is in her," because their temple was the place which God himself had chosen, to put his name there. The language and figures are according to those times. Will not such humbling representations of nature keep open perpetual repentance and sorrow in the soul, hiding pride from our eyes, and taking us from self-righteousness? Will it not also prompt the soul to look to God continually for grace, that by his Holy Spirit we may mortify the deeds of the body, and live in holy conversation and godliness?