Ezekiel 16:44

KJV

¶ Behold, every one that useth proverbs shall use [this] proverb against thee, saying, As [is] the mother, [so is] her daughter.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, every one that useth proverbs {H4911} shall use this proverb {H4911} against thee, saying {H559}, As is the mother {H517}, so is her daughter {H1323}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Everyone who quotes proverbs will quote this proverb against you, "Like mother, like daughter."

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, all who speak in proverbs will quote this proverb about you: ‘Like mother, like daughter.’

American Standard Version

Behold, every one that useth proverbs shall use this proverb against thee, saying, As is the mother, so is her daughter.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:44 delivers a sharp, proverbial indictment against Jerusalem, personifying her as a "daughter" who has fully embraced and even surpassed the moral and spiritual depravity of her "mother"—a reference to the idolatrous practices and covenant unfaithfulness of previous generations or the surrounding pagan cultures. This verse serves as a climactic summation within God's extended allegory of Jerusalem's spiritual adultery, emphasizing that her current egregious sins are not an aberration but a fulfillment of a deeply entrenched pattern of rebellion against the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 16 is a powerful and extended prophetic allegory, spanning the entire chapter, wherein God vividly portrays His relationship with Jerusalem (representing Judah) as a narrative of profound love, lavish provision, and devastating betrayal. The chapter begins with God finding Jerusalem as an abandoned, defiled infant, whom He cleanses, clothes, adorns, and eventually marries in a covenant relationship, as seen in [Ezekiel 16:6-14](/ezekiel/16-6-14 "Ezekiel 16:6-14 - God's Grace to Jerusalem"). However, Jerusalem, elevated by God's blessings, becomes proud and turns to spiritual prostitution, engaging in horrific idolatry, including child sacrifice, as detailed in [Ezekiel 16:15-22](/ezekiel/16-15-22 "Ezekiel 16:15-22 - Jerusalem's Spiritual Adultery"). Verse 44, therefore, functions as a concluding proverb that encapsulates the depth of Jerusalem's depravity, stating that her actions are a direct, and even intensified, reflection of the wickedness of her "mother" and "sisters" (Samaria and Sodom, referenced in [Ezekiel 16:45-58](/ezekiel/16-45-58 "Ezekiel 16:45-58 - Jerusalem Worse Than Samaria and Sodom")), underscoring the pervasive nature of her unfaithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), addressing the exiles in Babylon and the remnant in Judah. The historical backdrop is one of profound national crisis, marked by the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, seen as divine judgment for centuries of covenant breaking. Proverbs were a common and impactful form of communication in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often used to convey wisdom, moral truths, or, as here, sharp rebuke. The idiom "As is the mother, so is her daughter" was a well-understood saying, signifying the transmission of characteristics or behaviors through lineage or close association. Culturally, the "mother" could refer to the Canaanite inhabitants of the land whose idolatrous practices Israel was meant to eradicate but instead adopted, or to earlier generations of Israel that had fallen into sin. The proverb highlights Jerusalem's failure to learn from history or to maintain the purity of her covenant with Yahweh, instead embracing the very abominations that characterized the nations around her.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Spiritual Adultery and Covenant Unfaithfulness**, depicting Jerusalem's relationship with God as a broken marriage, where she has prostituted herself to other gods. Secondly, the proverb emphasizes **Generational Sin and Emulation**, highlighting how the "daughter" (Jerusalem) has not only inherited but actively perpetuated and escalated the sins of her "mother" (previous generations or the land's pagan inhabitants), demonstrating a continuous pattern of rebellion. This leads to the theme of **Divine Judgment and Justice**, as God uses this proverb as a cutting indictment, justifying the severe punishments He is bringing upon Jerusalem. Finally, it exposes the profound **Hypocrisy** of Jerusalem, who, despite despising and condemning her "sisters" Samaria and Sodom, proved herself to be even more corrupt, as explicitly stated later in [Ezekiel 16:47](/ezekiel/16-47 "Ezekiel 16:47 - Jerusalem's Sins Worse Than Samaria and Sodom"). This theme of escalating sin and subsequent judgment is a recurring motif in the prophetic books, often emphasizing individual accountability alongside corporate sin, as seen in [Ezekiel 18:20](/ezekiel/18-20 "Ezekiel 18:20 - Individual Accountability for Sin").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **proverbs (Hebrew, _mâshal'_):** From H4911, meaning "to liken, i.e. (transitively) to use figurative language (an allegory, adage, song or the like); intransitively, to resemble." In this context, _mashal_ refers to a common, pithy saying or a taunt. The use of this word emphasizes that Jerusalem's moral state is so evident and notorious that it has become the subject of a widely recognized, condemnatory adage, highlighting her public shame and undeniable guilt.
* **mother (Hebrew, _ʼêm'_):** From H517, a primitive word meaning "a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively)." Here, "mother" is used figuratively to represent the source or origin of Jerusalem's spiritual and moral character. This could refer to the idolatrous cultures of the land of Canaan that Israel failed to dispossess, or to the earlier, unfaithful generations of Israel herself, whose sins Jerusalem has inherited and amplified.
* **daughter (Hebrew, _bath'_):** From H1323, meaning "a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively); apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village." In this verse, "daughter" is a personification of Jerusalem, directly linking her to the "mother" in terms of shared characteristics. The proverb asserts that Jerusalem's actions are a direct and undeniable reflection of the moral and spiritual lineage from which she sprang, confirming her deep-seated corruption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, every one that useth proverbs shall use [this] proverb against thee,"**: This opening clause serves as a dramatic pronouncement, drawing immediate attention to the gravity of the statement. It declares that Jerusalem's moral degradation is so profound and universally recognized that it will become the subject of common discourse. The phrase "against thee" underscores the accusatory and condemnatory nature of the proverb, indicating that it is a tool of shaming and judgment directed squarely at Jerusalem. It implies that her actions are so flagrant that even outsiders will acknowledge her culpability.
* **"saying, As [is] the mother, [so is] her daughter."**: This is the core proverb itself, a well-known idiom applied here with devastating precision. It asserts a direct and undeniable continuity of character and behavior between Jerusalem ("daughter") and her spiritual or historical antecedents ("mother"). The implication is that Jerusalem's current state of profound spiritual adultery and idolatry is not an isolated incident but a consistent pattern, a natural outgrowth of the unfaithfulness that preceded her. This proverb strips away any pretense of innocence or exceptionalism, confirming Jerusalem's deep-seated moral corruption.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 16:44 is rich in literary devices that amplify its condemnatory message. The entire chapter functions as an **Allegory**, where Jerusalem is personified as a woman, tracing her journey from abandonment to betrothal to prostitution. Within this larger allegory, verse 44 employs a specific **Proverb**, "As is the mother, so is her daughter," which is a concise, traditional saying used to convey a moral truth or, in this case, a biting rebuke. This proverb itself is an example of **Personification**, as it treats Jerusalem as a "daughter" inheriting traits from a "mother," abstracting complex historical and spiritual realities into a relatable familial relationship. The use of this common idiom also creates a sense of **Irony**, as Jerusalem, who likely prided herself on her unique covenant relationship with God and perhaps looked down on other nations, is now being judged by a common saying that links her directly to the very paganism and unfaithfulness she was meant to transcend. The opening "Behold" serves as an **Exclamatory Interjection**, drawing immediate attention and emphasizing the shock and certainty of the pronouncement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 16:44 powerfully articulates the theological principle of corporate and generational accountability, though not inherited guilt in a deterministic sense. It underscores that while God's covenant with Israel was unique and gracious, the nation's persistent rebellion, particularly its spiritual adultery through idolatry, led to inevitable divine judgment. The proverb highlights that Jerusalem's current state of depravity is not an anomaly but the culmination of a long history of unfaithfulness, demonstrating a consistent pattern of rejecting God's commands and embracing pagan practices. This serves as a stark reminder that blessings, when misused or taken for granted, can lead to deeper sin and more severe consequences. The verse emphasizes God's righteous indignation against sin and His unwavering commitment to justice, even against His chosen people when they persistently violate their covenant.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Lamentations 4:6](/lamentations/4-6 "Lamentations 4:6 - Judah's Sin Greater Than Sodom's")
* [Matthew 23:37-38](/matthew/23-37-38 "Matthew 23:37-38 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 16:44, though directed at ancient Jerusalem, carries profound and timeless relevance for individuals and communities today. It compels us to engage in honest self-examination, asking whether our lives, our churches, or our societies are perpetuating patterns of sin and unfaithfulness, or if we are truly living in obedience to God's covenant. While we are influenced by our heritage—both positive and negative—this proverb reminds us that we are ultimately accountable for our own choices. It challenges us to break free from cycles of spiritual apathy, idolatry, or moral compromise that may have characterized previous generations or our surrounding culture. Instead of merely reflecting the "mother" of our past, we are called to actively pursue holiness and righteousness, reflecting the character of our heavenly Father. This requires vigilance against subtle forms of idolatry, a commitment to genuine repentance, and a conscious effort to live out our faith authentically, ensuring that our "daughter" generation, or our own future selves, will reflect Christ rather than the world's fallen patterns.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my own life or community be subtly reflecting negative "mother" influences from the past, whether spiritual, cultural, or familial?**
* **What specific patterns of sin or unfaithfulness do I need to identify and actively seek to break, rather than perpetuate?**
* **How can I ensure that my spiritual "lineage" (my influence on others, especially younger generations) is one that points towards Christ and faithfulness, rather than compromise?**
* **What does this proverb teach me about the seriousness of God's judgment on unrepented sin, even among His people?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "mother" and "daughter" in this proverb?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 16:44, the "daughter" unequivocally refers to Jerusalem, personified as a woman. The "mother" is a broader, more symbolic reference. It can represent the pre-Israelite inhabitants of the land of Canaan, whose idolatrous and abominable practices Israel was meant to reject but instead adopted. Alternatively, it can refer to earlier generations of Israel herself, particularly the northern kingdom of Samaria, or even the infamous city of Sodom, whose sins Jerusalem is depicted as having surpassed (see [Ezekiel 16:45-58](/ezekiel/16-45-58 "Ezekiel 16:45-58 - Jerusalem Worse Than Samaria and Sodom")). The proverb essentially states that Jerusalem's current moral and spiritual corruption is a direct, and even intensified, reflection of the ungodly influences and patterns of behavior that preceded her.

**Does this verse imply fatalism or inherited guilt, meaning one is doomed by their ancestors' sins?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply fatalism or inherited guilt in a deterministic sense that removes individual responsibility. While it acknowledges the powerful influence of generational patterns and cultural context, it primarily serves as an indictment of Jerusalem's *active choice* to embrace and even exceed the sins of her "mother." The prophet Ezekiel, in fact, strongly emphasizes individual accountability throughout his book. For instance, [Ezekiel 18:20](/ezekiel/18-20 "Ezekiel 18:20 - Individual Accountability for Sin") explicitly states, "The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son." This proverb highlights the *observed reality* of consistent sinful behavior and spiritual rebellion across generations, but it holds Jerusalem responsible for her own deliberate actions and choices within that context.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 16:44, with its stark portrayal of inherited and perpetuated sin, finds its ultimate resolution and reversal in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The proverb highlights humanity's propensity to reflect the fallen nature of its "mother"—Adam—whose sin inaugurated a lineage of spiritual death and rebellion, as seen in [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin Through Adam"). However, Christ enters this broken lineage not to perpetuate it, but to break its power. He becomes the "second Adam," offering a new spiritual lineage for all who believe. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus provides the means for humanity to be cleansed from the defilement of sin, just as God initially cleansed Jerusalem in the allegory. In Christ, believers are not merely reformed daughters of a sinful mother, but are declared "new creations," as described in [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"), adopted into God's family, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to reflect the righteousness of their heavenly Father rather than the corruption of their earthly heritage. We are no longer defined by the "mother" of our fallen nature, but by the "Father" of lights, through the grace of Christ, who makes us "heirs according to the promise," as promised in [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise"), transforming us from being dead in trespasses to being made alive together with Him, as beautifully articulated in [Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1-5 "Ephesians 2:1-5 - Dead in Sins, Made Alive in Christ").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 18:2

What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?

Ezekiel 18:3

[As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have [occasion] any more to use this proverb in Israel.

1 Samuel 24:13

As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.

Psalms 106:35

But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.

Psalms 106:38

And shed innocent blood, [even] the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.

Ezra 9:1

¶ Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, [doing] according to their abominations, [even] of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.

2 Kings 17:15

And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that [were] round about them, [concerning] whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them.