Ezekiel 23:8
Neither left she her whoredoms brought from Egypt: for in her youth they lay with her, and they bruised the breasts of her virginity, and poured their whoredom upon her.
Ezekiel 23:8 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the imagery used is symbolic of the betrayal and unfaithfulness of the people of Israel towards God. The reference to "whoredoms brought from Egypt" signifies the idolatry and sinful practices that the Israelites adopted during their time in Egypt. The mention of "bruised breasts of her virginity" symbolizes the defilement and violation of the covenant relationship between God and his people. The pouring of "whoredom upon her" reflects the extent to which the Israelites gave themselves over to sin and turned away from God. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness and the importance of remaining faithful to God.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the theological interpretation reveals a powerful metaphorical depiction of Israel's unfaithfulness towards God. The imagery of a woman who continues in her adulterous ways, even after leaving Egypt, symbolizes Israel's constant turning away from God despite His constant faithfulness. The word "whoredoms" in this verse refers to Israel's idolatry and spiritual unfaithfulness, as they sought after other gods and disobeyed God's commandments. The phrase "poured their whoredom upon her" emphasizes the depth of Israel's sin and the extent to which they allowed themselves to be influenced by the pagan practices of the nations around them. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of remaining steadfast in faith.
Ezekiel 23:8 in other translations
American Standard Version
Neither hath she left her whoredoms since [the days of] Egypt; for in her youth they lay with her, and they handled the bosom of her virginity; and they poured out their whoredom upon her. [
World English Bible
Neither has she left her prostitution since leaving Egypt; for in her youth they lay with her, and they handled the bosom of her virginity; and they poured out their prostitution on her.
Douay-Rheims
Moreover also she did not forsake her fornications which she had committed in Egypt: for they also lay with her in her youth, and they bruised the breasts of her virginity, and poured out their fornication upon her.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Neither left she her fornications, learned of the Egyptians: for in her youth they lay with her, and they bruised the breasts of her virginitie, and powred their whoredome vpon her.