Ezekiel 16:47

Yet hast thou not walked after their ways, nor done after their abominations: but, as [if that were] a very little [thing], thou wast corrupted more than they in all thy ways.

Yet hast thou not walked {H1980} after their ways {H1870}, nor done {H6213} after their abominations {H8441}: but, as if that were a very {H6985} little {H4592}{H6962} thing, thou wast corrupted {H7843} more than they {H2004} in all thy ways {H1870}.

You didn't merely live by their ways and act according to their disgusting practices, but in a very short time you acted more corruptly than they in all your ways.

And you not only walked in their ways and practiced their abominations, but soon you were more depraved than they were.

Yet hast thou not walked in their ways, nor done after their abominations; but, as if that were a very little thing, thou wast more corrupt than they in all thy ways.

Context

Ezekiel chapter 16 is a powerful and vivid allegory describing Jerusalem's spiritual history, presented as an abandoned infant raised by God, who then became a beautiful bride, but ultimately prostituted herself to other nations and their idols. The chapter details Jerusalem's origins, God's lavish care, and her subsequent egregious unfaithfulness. Verses 44-46 introduce Jerusalem's "sisters," Samaria (representing the northern kingdom of Israel) and Sodom, implying that Jerusalem's sins were comparable to theirs. Ezekiel 16:44 states, "Every one that useth proverbs shall use this proverb against thee, saying, As is the mother, so is her daughter." This sets the stage for the shocking declaration in verse 47: Jerusalem's corruption was not merely equal, but *surpassed* that of her infamous "sisters."

Key Themes

  • Amplified Sin and Greater Guilt: The central message of Ezekiel 16:47 is that Jerusalem's sin was not merely equivalent to that of Sodom and Samaria, but was even more profound and detestable. Having received God's covenant, law, and blessings, her apostasy was a greater betrayal. This concept is echoed elsewhere, that to whom much is given, much is required.
  • Spiritual Adultery and Unfaithfulness: The entire chapter uses the metaphor of an unfaithful wife to illustrate Jerusalem's covenant breaking. Her turning to idols and foreign alliances was a profound act of spiritual adultery against the Lord, her divine husband.
  • Divine Indignation and Judgment: This verse underscores the depth of God's righteous anger against Jerusalem's persistent and escalating rebellion. It explains the severity of the impending judgment and the reasons for the city's eventual downfall.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "more than they" (Hebrew: min-hēn) is crucial, emphatically highlighting the comparative degree of Jerusalem's wickedness. The KJV's parenthetical "[if that were] a very little [thing]" captures the sarcasm and disdain for Jerusalem's casual attitude towards her immense corruption. It suggests that Jerusalem acted as if her sisters' sins were insignificant, and yet she surpassed them effortlessly, indicating a deep-seated depravity rather than mere imitation. This emphasizes that Jerusalem's sins were not just a consequence of bad influences, but a deliberate choice of escalated rebellion despite having more light and privilege.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 16:47 serves as a powerful warning against spiritual complacency and the danger of greater light leading to greater accountability. For those who have received God's truth and blessings, there is a higher standard of living and faithfulness. This verse reminds us:

  • Beware of Self-Righteousness: We should never assume our own standing is superior to others, especially if we have been blessed with more spiritual insight or privilege. Jerusalem's spiritual pride blinded her to her own immense corruption, thinking she was better than her neighbors.
  • Acknowledge Greater Responsibility: With greater knowledge of God's will comes greater accountability. Our sins, when committed against the backdrop of divine revelation and grace, can be more grievous in God's sight than those of individuals who have not received such blessings.
  • The Seriousness of Apostasy: This verse powerfully illustrates the gravity of turning away from God after having known Him, especially in the context of a covenant relationship. It calls believers to a life of genuine repentance and faithfulness to God, who has loved us with an everlasting love and desires our wholehearted devotion.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Kings 21:9

    But they hearkened not: and Manasseh seduced them to do more evil than did the nations whom the LORD destroyed before the children of Israel.

  • Ezekiel 16:51

    Neither hath Samaria committed half of thy sins; but thou hast multiplied thine abominations more than they, and hast justified thy sisters in all thine abominations which thou hast done.

  • Ezekiel 5:6

    And she hath changed my judgments into wickedness more than the nations, and my statutes more than the countries that [are] round about her: for they have refused my judgments and my statutes, they have not walked in them.

  • Ezekiel 5:7

    Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye multiplied more than the nations that [are] round about you, [and] have not walked in my statutes, neither have kept my judgments, neither have done according to the judgments of the nations that [are] round about you;

  • Ezekiel 16:48

    [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters.

  • 1 Kings 16:31

    And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him.

  • Ezekiel 8:17

    Then he said unto me, Hast thou seen [this], O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose.

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