Ezekiel 16:50

KJV

And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw [good].

KJV (with Strong's)

And they were haughty {H1361}, and committed {H6213} abomination {H8441} before {H6440} me: therefore I took them away {H5493} as I saw {H7200} good.

Complete Jewish Bible

They were arrogant and committed disgusting acts before me; so that when I saw it, I swept them away.

Berean Standard Bible

Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. Therefore I removed them, as you have seen.

American Standard Version

And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:50 delivers a succinct yet profound indictment against Jerusalem (representing Judah), articulating the core reasons for God's severe judgment upon her: rampant spiritual arrogance and the widespread practice of detestable acts. This verse encapsulates the culmination of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness, highlighting that their pride and abominations were not merely incidental sins but foundational transgressions that necessitated divine intervention, resulting in their removal from the land as a righteous and sovereign act of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 16 is an extended, vivid allegory portraying Jerusalem as an unfaithful bride, chosen by God from a destitute state and lavished with blessings, only to betray Him through spiritual prostitution. The chapter begins with Jerusalem's humble, even repulsive, origins (Ezekiel 16:1-7), followed by God's covenant love and adornment (Ezekiel 16:8-14). The narrative then shifts dramatically to her egregious unfaithfulness, detailing her idolatry and alliances with pagan nations (Ezekiel 16:15-34). Verses 35-43 outline the severe judgment God will bring upon her. Ezekiel 16:44-59 specifically compares Jerusalem's sins to those of her "sisters," Samaria (the northern kingdom) and Sodom, shockingly concluding that Jerusalem's wickedness surpassed even theirs, making her "more abominable" (Ezekiel 16:47) than the infamous Sodom. Verse 50, therefore, serves as a concise summary of the moral and spiritual state that led to this unprecedented condemnation, immediately preceding promises of future restoration (Ezekiel 16:60-63), which underscore God's ultimate faithfulness despite Israel's rebellion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile, speaking to a people who had been deported from Judah. Jerusalem, the capital, was under siege and would eventually fall, leading to the destruction of the Temple. The sins described in Ezekiel 16, particularly idolatry and child sacrifice (e.g., [Ezekiel 16:20-21](/ezekiel/16-20 "Ezekiel 16:20-21 - Child Sacrifice")), were prevalent in Judah during the late monarchical period, influenced by the surrounding Canaanite and Mesopotamian cultures. The "haughtiness" mentioned in the verse speaks to a deep-seated spiritual pride and self-sufficiency that led Judah to trust in political alliances and pagan gods rather than the Lord, despite repeated warnings from prophets. The comparison to Sodom (see [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")) would have been particularly shocking and humiliating to the exiles, as Sodom was the epitome of depravity, yet Jerusalem's covenant breaking was deemed worse. The "taking away" refers directly to the Babylonian deportations, a historical reality for Ezekiel's audience, serving as God's judgment for their persistent rebellion.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. The theme of **Divine Judgment** is central, demonstrating God's righteous response to covenant infidelity and persistent sin. It underscores that God, though merciful, is also just and will not tolerate rebellion indefinitely, especially from His chosen people who bear His name. The theme of **Covenant Unfaithfulness** is paramount, as Jerusalem's actions are depicted as a betrayal of her sacred marriage covenant with Yahweh, highlighting the severe consequences of spiritual adultery. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the destructive nature of **Pride and Arrogance**, revealing how a haughty spirit leads to a disregard for God's commands and ultimately to detestable practices. The concept of **Abomination** (Hebrew: *to'evah*) is a recurring motif, signifying acts that are utterly repugnant to God's holy character, encompassing idolatry, moral corruption, and social injustice, which were rampant in Jerusalem and led to their downfall. This verse also subtly hints at **Divine Sovereignty**, as God's act of "taking them away as I saw good" affirms His ultimate control and purpose even in judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Haughty (Hebrew, _gâbahh'_):** This primitive root signifies "to soar" or "to be lofty," extending figuratively to "be haughty" or "proud." In Ezekiel 16:50, it describes Jerusalem's spiritual arrogance, a self-exaltation that led to a disregard for God's covenant and laws. This pride manifested as self-sufficiency, a refusal to acknowledge their dependence on God, and an inflated sense of their own importance, which ultimately fueled their rebellion and led them to commit detestable acts in His sight.
* **Committed (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This versatile primitive root means "to do or make" in its broadest sense, encompassing a wide range of actions, from accomplishment to appointment, and even to "commit" as seen here. In this context, it emphasizes the active and deliberate nature of Jerusalem's sin. They didn't merely fall into abomination; they *committed* it, indicating a conscious and willful engagement in practices abhorrent to God, demonstrating a profound spiritual agency in their rebellion.
* **Abomination (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to abhor," this feminine noun refers to "something disgusting (morally)," an "abhorrence," or specifically "idolatry" or an "idol." In Ezekiel 16:50, *to'evah* encompasses the full spectrum of Jerusalem's detestable acts, including idolatrous worship, child sacrifice, sexual perversions, and social injustices that violated God's holiness and covenant stipulations. It signifies acts that are utterly repugnant to God's character and provoke His righteous wrath.
* **Took them away (Hebrew, _çûwr'_):** This primitive root means "to turn off," "depart," or "remove." Here, it refers to God's decisive act of removing Jerusalem's inhabitants from their land through exile. The phrasing "I took them away" underscores God's direct agency and sovereignty in executing judgment, indicating that the exile was not a random misfortune but a deliberate, purposeful act of divine discipline in response to their persistent sin.
* **Saw (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** This primitive root means "to see," literally or figuratively, often implying discernment, approval, or a purposeful decision. In the phrase "as I saw good," it emphasizes God's perfect wisdom, justice, and sovereign discretion in His judgment. It affirms that His actions were not arbitrary or impulsive but were carefully considered, righteous, and aligned with His divine character and purposes, even when severe.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they were haughty":** This clause highlights Jerusalem's spiritual pride and arrogance. Their elevated self-perception led them to disregard God's commands and to believe they were self-sufficient, capable of forging their own path and making alliances without divine counsel. This haughtiness was a foundational sin, preceding and enabling their other transgressions.
* **"and committed abomination before me":** This phrase describes the active and deliberate engagement in practices that were utterly detestable to God. These "abominations" included widespread idolatry, the horrific practice of child sacrifice, and various forms of moral corruption that permeated Jerusalem's society. The phrase "before me" emphasizes that these acts were committed in God's direct sight, a brazen defiance of His holiness and covenant.
* **"therefore I took them away":** This clause signifies God's direct and decisive act of judgment. The "therefore" establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship: their haughtiness and abominations directly led to God's intervention. "Took them away" refers specifically to the Babylonian exile, where the people of Judah were forcibly removed from their land, losing their temple, their city, and their national autonomy.
* **"as I saw [good].":** This concluding phrase underscores God's sovereignty, wisdom, and righteousness in executing judgment. It communicates that God's decision to bring about the exile was not arbitrary but was a deliberate, purposeful, and just act, fully aligned with His divine character and perfect will. It implies a reasoned and righteous judgment, not an impulsive reaction.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 16:50, while concise, employs several powerful **literary devices**. The entire chapter is an extended **Allegory**, where Jerusalem is personified as an unfaithful wife, and this verse functions as a summary of her ultimate betrayal. The use of strong, condemnatory language like "haughty" and "abomination" creates a sense of **Hyperbole** when considered in the broader context of Jerusalem's sins being worse than Sodom's, emphasizing the profound depth of their spiritual depravity. The **Cause and Effect** relationship is explicitly stated with "therefore," clearly linking Jerusalem's sins to God's judgment. The phrase "as I saw good" serves as a powerful statement of **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting God's ultimate authority and wisdom in His actions, even in the context of severe punishment. This phrase also contains a subtle **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like sight and discernment to God, making His judgment more relatable while maintaining His transcendence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 16:50 serves as a stark reminder of the profound consequences of spiritual pride and covenant unfaithfulness. It illustrates that God's judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to persistent rebellion and the commission of acts abhorrent to His holy character. The verse highlights the gravity of sin, particularly when committed by those in a covenant relationship with God, underscoring that privilege brings greater responsibility. It also reinforces the theme of God's unwavering justice, demonstrating that while He is merciful, He is also perfectly righteous and will act decisively to uphold His holiness and the integrity of His covenant. This judgment, though severe, is always purposeful, aimed at discipline and ultimately, restoration, as seen in the later promises of the book of Ezekiel.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Deuteronomy 18:9](/deuteronomy/18-9 "Deuteronomy 18:9-12 - Abominable Practices")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 16:50 offers timeless warnings and profound insights for contemporary believers. The sins of haughtiness and abomination are not confined to ancient Israel but manifest in various forms today. Spiritual pride, characterized by self-sufficiency, a refusal to acknowledge God's authority, or an overestimation of one's own righteousness, remains a dangerous precursor to spiritual downfall. Similarly, "abominations" in a modern context can include anything that defiles God's holiness, whether it be idolatry of material possessions, self, or ideologies, or engaging in practices that contradict biblical morality. This verse calls us to profound humility, recognizing our absolute dependence on God and submitting to His righteous standards. It reminds us that God's justice is sure, and while His patience is vast, persistent rebellion will inevitably lead to consequences, whether personal or societal. Therefore, a posture of continuous repentance, seeking God's face, and aligning our lives with His will is not merely advisable but essential for spiritual vitality and avoiding the pitfalls of pride and sin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting spiritual haughtiness or self-sufficiency, rather than humble dependence on God?**
* **What "abominations" (practices or attitudes detestable to God) might I be tolerating or even committing in my own life or in the broader culture around me?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereign judgment in Ezekiel 16:50 deepen my appreciation for His mercy and grace in Christ?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a heart of humility and a greater sensitivity to God's holiness in my daily walk?**

### FAQ

**What does "haughty" mean in this context, and why was it so offensive to God?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 16:50, "haughty" (Hebrew: *gâbahh*) refers to Jerusalem's spiritual pride, arrogance, and self-exaltation. This was offensive to God because it represented a fundamental rejection of their covenant relationship. God had graciously elevated Jerusalem from nothing (as described in [Ezekiel 16:1-7](/ezekiel/16-1 "Ezekiel 16:1-7 - Jerusalem's Humble Origins")), lavishing His blessings upon her. Her haughtiness was a betrayal of this grace, implying self-sufficiency and a disregard for the One who had given her everything. It led her to trust in her own strength and pagan alliances rather than in God, directly violating the first commandment to have no other gods before Him. Pride is consistently condemned in Scripture as a root sin that leads to rebellion and ultimately, destruction (e.g., [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before a Fall")).

**What kind of "abominations" did Jerusalem commit?**

Answer: The term "abomination" (Hebrew: *tôwʻêbah*) in Ezekiel 16:50 encompasses a wide range of detestable acts that violated God's holy character and covenant laws. The broader context of Ezekiel 16 and other prophetic books reveals these included pervasive idolatry, where Jerusalem worshipped foreign gods and built high places (e.g., [Ezekiel 16:16-19](/ezekiel/16-16 "Ezekiel 16:16-19 - Jerusalem's Idolatry")). Most horrifyingly, it included child sacrifice to pagan deities like Molech (e.g., [Ezekiel 16:20-21](/ezekiel/16-20 "Ezekiel 16:20-21 - Child Sacrifice")). Beyond religious offenses, "abomination" also covered severe moral corruption, sexual perversions, and social injustices that permeated their society, demonstrating a complete disregard for God's ethical standards. These acts were not just sins, but deeply offensive affronts to God's holiness, making them "abominable before me."

**What does "therefore I took them away as I saw good" refer to?**

Answer: This phrase refers to God's sovereign act of judgment, specifically the Babylonian exile. The "therefore" clearly links Jerusalem's haughtiness and abominations as the direct cause for God's intervention. "I took them away" signifies that the exile was not a random historical event but a deliberate, purposeful act initiated by God Himself. The phrase "as I saw good" emphasizes God's perfect wisdom, justice, and righteous discretion in executing this judgment. It means that His actions were not arbitrary or impulsive, but were carefully considered, just, and aligned with His divine character and purposes, even though they involved severe punishment and the removal of His people from their promised land. This underscores God's ultimate control over history and His commitment to upholding His covenant, even through discipline.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 16:50, with its stark portrayal of Israel's haughtiness and abominations leading to divine judgment, powerfully foreshadows the profound need for a radical transformation that only Christ can provide. Israel's failure to uphold the covenant, marked by pride and detestable acts, demonstrated humanity's inherent inability to achieve righteousness through law-keeping. This verse, therefore, points to the necessity of a new covenant, one not dependent on human obedience but on divine grace. Jesus Christ, the ultimate Lamb of God (as proclaimed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), perfectly fulfilled the law and offered Himself as the atoning sacrifice for sin, thereby taking away the "abominations" that separate humanity from God. Where Israel was "haughty," Christ demonstrated ultimate humility, emptying Himself and taking the form of a servant (as described in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). Through His death and resurrection, He inaugurated a new way for humanity to be reconciled to God, not by their works or freedom from "abominations" but by faith in His finished work. The judgment of "taking them away" ultimately culminates in Christ bearing the judgment for all who believe, so that through Him, we might be brought near to God, receiving a new heart and a new spirit (as promised in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")), enabling us to walk in His statutes and truly please Him, something Israel failed to do. Thus, Ezekiel 16:50, while detailing Israel's failure and judgment, ultimately magnifies the glorious and necessary work of Christ as the only means of true restoration and righteousness.

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

Genesis 18:20

And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;

Genesis 19:5

And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where [are] the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.

Genesis 13:13

But the men of Sodom [were] wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.

Genesis 19:24

¶ Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;

Proverbs 18:12

¶ Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour [is] humility.

Deuteronomy 23:17

There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel.

Revelation 18:9

¶ And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,