Son of manבֶּן־אָדָם
ben-adam · Hebrew Noun phrase
The common prophetic title for Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and status as a mortal creature before the transcendent, holy God. It highlights the vast distinction between the Creator and the created messenger.
played the whoreזָנָה
zanah · Hebrew Verb
A metaphorical term used frequently by the prophets to describe Israel’s unfaithfulness to the covenant, specifically through idolatry and turning to other gods, likened to sexual infidelity.
youthנְעוּרִים
neurim · Hebrew Noun
A state of being in early life characterized by innocence or the initial formation of covenantal history; in this context, it represents Israel's early beginnings and historical relationship with Yahweh.
Oholahאָהֳלָה
Oholah · Hebrew Proper Noun
A symbolic name meaning 'her tent'; it represents the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria), emphasizing its unauthorized cultic practices independent of the temple in Jerusalem.
Oholibahאָהֳלִיבָה
Oholibah · Hebrew Proper Noun
A symbolic name meaning 'my tent is in her'; it represents the Southern Kingdom of Judah (Jerusalem), where God’s presence/temple actually resided, making her infidelity even more egregious.
mineלִי
li · Hebrew Preposition with suffix
The Hebrew term for covenantal intimacy or belonging; it signifies that Israel was claimed by God as His own possession, making their subsequent idolatry an act of spiritual adultery.
lustedעָגַב
agav · Hebrew Verb
An intense, covetous desire; in a theological context, it refers to the heart's sinful craving for things, powers, or idols that displace God as the supreme object of affection.
loversעָגָב
agav · Hebrew Noun
In the context of the prophets, 'lovers' represent the foreign nations or idols that Israel relied upon for political security or spiritual satisfaction instead of trusting in Yahweh.
warriorsגִּבּוֹר
gibbor · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
People known for their military prowess or violence; often used in Scripture to describe foreign empires that Israel mistakenly sought for protection rather than relying on God.
purpleתְּכֵלֶת
těkēlet · Hebrew Noun
A color associated with royalty, wealth, and high social status in the ancient Near East due to the expensive process of producing the dye. It signifies luxury and power.
whoringתַּזְנוּת
taznût · Hebrew Noun
In the prophetic writings, especially Ezekiel, this metaphor represents covenant unfaithfulness, spiritual adultery, and the pursuit of political/military alliances with pagan nations instead of trusting in God.
idolsגִּלּוּלִים
gillûlîm · Hebrew Noun
Images or objects of worship representing false gods; biblically, these are considered worthless, hollow, and an affront to the exclusivity of the Creator God, leading to spiritual corruption.
lustedעָגַב
ʿāgab · Hebrew Verb
A strong, often illicit or uncontrolled, emotional and physical craving. Biblically, it refers to the heart's wayward desire for things outside of God's prescribed order.
judgmentמִשְׁפָּט
mišpāṭ · Hebrew Noun
The formal exercise of God's retributive justice upon sin. It reflects God’s character as a righteous judge who holds individuals and nations accountable for their moral and spiritual choices.
bywordשֵׁם
šēm · Hebrew Noun
A short, pithy saying or a public example of shame. Biblically, becoming a byword implies being held up as a cautionary tale or an object of scorn due to divine discipline.