Ezekiel 16:51

Arabic Bible AVD 1999 (الكتاب المقدس)

وَلَمْ تُخْطِئِ ٱلسَّامِرَةُ نِصْفَ خَطَايَاكِ. بَلْ زِدْتِ رَجَاسَاتِكِ أَكْثَرَ مِنْهُنَّ، وَبَرَّرْتِ أَخَوَاتِكِ بِكُلِّ رَجَاسَاتِكِ ٱلَّتِي فَعَلْتِ.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel and comparing Jerusalem to its sister cities, Samaria and Sodom. He says that even though Samaria and Sodom were wicked, Jerusalem's sins were worse, and this justified the sins of the others.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have two sisters who sometimes do bad things, but one day you do something much worse. God is saying that Jerusalem was like the sibling who did the worst thing, making the others look better in comparison.

Historical Background

Ezekiel wrote this during the Babylonian exile, around 593-571 BCE. He was a prophet speaking to the exiled Israelites, warning them about their sins and the consequences of their actions. The comparison to Samaria and Sodom reflects the moral failings of these cities.

Living It Out Today

In modern terms, this verse can remind us that our actions affect others. If we behave worse than those around us, it can make their actions seem less severe. For example, if a team member performs poorly, but you perform even worse, it can make their performance seem acceptable.

Topics

• sin
• judgment
• comparison
• repentance
• consequences
• forgiveness

Related Verses

• Jeremiah 23:14
• Isaiah 1:10-15
• Matthew 11:23-24
• 2 Chronicles 33:9
• Ezekiel 16:49

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does God compare Jerusalem to Samaria and Sodom?

God uses these comparisons to emphasize the severity of Jerusalem's sins, showing that even the wickedness of other cities paled in comparison to Jerusalem's actions.

What does 'justified thy sisters' mean in this verse?

It means that Jerusalem's sins were so severe that they made the sins of Samaria and Sodom seem less significant in comparison.

What were the 'abominations' that Jerusalem committed?

The abominations referred to acts of idolatry, sexual immorality, and other forms of wickedness that were prevalent in Jerusalem at the time.

How can this verse be applied to our lives today?

This verse can remind us to examine our own actions and the impact they have on others. It encourages us to strive for righteousness and to avoid actions that might justify or excuse the sins of others.