Ezekiel 16:51

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither hath Samaria {H8111} committed {H2398} half {H2677} of thy sins {H2403}; but thou hast multiplied {H7235} thine abominations {H8441} more than they {H2007}, and hast justified {H6663} thy sisters {H269} in all thine abominations {H8441} which thou hast done {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shomron did not commit even half as many sins as you did. You committed many more disgusting acts than your sisters; in fact, in comparison with all the disgusting acts you have committed, they seem innocent!

Berean Standard Bible

Furthermore, Samaria did not commit half the sins you did. You have multiplied your abominations beyond theirs, and all the abominations you have committed have made your sisters appear righteous.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:51 delivers a scathing divine indictment against Jerusalem, declaring her spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry to be so egregious that they surpassed the wickedness of Samaria and even Sodom. This verse underscores the unparalleled depth of Judah's apostasy, asserting that Jerusalem's multiplied abominations effectively "justified" or made her notorious "sisters" appear less culpable by comparison, thereby emphasizing the severity of Jerusalem's covenant betrayal in the eyes of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Ezekiel chapter 16, a profound and extended allegory portraying Jerusalem as an abandoned infant rescued, nurtured, and adorned by God, only to become a harlot who betrays her divine covenant through rampant idolatry and illicit alliances with pagan nations. The preceding verses, [Ezekiel 16:44-50](/ezekiel/16-44 "Ezekiel 16:44-50 - Jerusalem's Sisters, Samaria and Sodom"), introduce Jerusalem's "sisters"—Samaria (representing the northern kingdom of Israel) and Sodom—and detail their well-known wickedness. Against this backdrop, [Ezekiel 16:51](/ezekiel/16-51 "Ezekiel 16:51 - Jerusalem's Greater Guilt") serves as the climactic declaration of Jerusalem's even greater culpability, setting the stage for the severe judgment that follows in the chapter. The narrative flow meticulously builds from Jerusalem's privileged past to her present, unparalleled spiritual depravity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, known for its syncretistic worship and idolatry, eventually falling to Assyria in 722 BC. Sodom, a city infamous for its gross immorality and pride, was utterly destroyed by God in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"). Jerusalem, as the capital of Judah and the site of God's temple, held a unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. The comparison is designed to shock: Jerusalem, the chosen city, which had received immense divine favor and revelation, had outstripped even these notoriously wicked cities in her rebellion. This highlights the concept of greater responsibility for those who have received greater light, a principle echoed throughout biblical history.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. It emphasizes **unparalleled sinfulness**, demonstrating that Jerusalem's spiritual adultery was not merely equivalent to, but *exceeded*, the depravity of other nations, even those synonymous with wickedness. This points to the theme of **covenant unfaithfulness**, where Jerusalem's "abominations" represent a profound betrayal of her exclusive relationship with God, a spiritual prostitution that violated the very heart of the Mosaic covenant. Furthermore, the concept of "justifying thy sisters" underscores the theme of **relative guilt**, not to absolve Samaria or Sodom, but to amplify Jerusalem's condemnation by showing how her actions made theirs appear less offensive by comparison. This stark comparison ultimately serves as a divine **justification for judgment**, explaining why God's impending severe punishment upon Judah was righteous and deserved.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sins (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** From H2403, meaning "an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender." In this context, it refers to the moral and spiritual transgressions of Samaria, highlighting their habitual departure from God's law.
* **multiplied (Hebrew, _râbâh'_):** From H7235, meaning "to increase (in whatever respect)." Here, it denotes the vast and burgeoning nature of Jerusalem's transgressions, indicating a deliberate and escalating pattern of rebellion and spiritual adultery rather than isolated incidents.
* **abominations (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** From H8441, meaning "something disgusting (morally), i.e. (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol." This term is highly significant, signifying acts that are utterly detestable and repugnant to God, particularly those related to idolatry, ritual impurity, sexual perversion, and social injustice, which were rampant in Jerusalem.
* **justified (Hebrew, _tsâdaq'_):** From H6663, meaning "to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense); cleanse, clear self, (be, do) just(-ice, -ify, -ify self), (be turn to) righteous(-ness)." In this specific comparative context, it signifies that Jerusalem's extreme wickedness made Samaria's and Sodom's sins appear relatively less severe, thereby making them seem "righteous" or "vindicated" by comparison, not that they were truly righteous in God's eyes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither hath Samaria committed half of thy sins":** This clause establishes the initial comparison, asserting that Samaria, though known for its idolatry and sin, had not even reached half the level of Jerusalem's transgressions. It immediately sets up Jerusalem as the more culpable party, emphasizing the profound depth of her depravity.
* **"but thou hast multiplied thine abominations more than they":** This is the core accusation, directly addressing Jerusalem (Judah). It declares that Jerusalem has not merely sinned, but has *increased* and *exceeded* the "abominations"—detestable acts, particularly idolatry and spiritual unfaithfulness—beyond what Samaria had done. The term "multiplied" highlights the prolific and escalating nature of Jerusalem's rebellion.
* **"and hast justified thy sisters in all thine abominations which thou hast done.":** This concluding clause delivers the shocking punchline. Jerusalem's actions were so heinous, so utterly offensive to God, that they ironically made her "sisters" (Samaria and Sodom) appear less guilty, almost "righteous" by comparison. It's a rhetorical device to underscore the unparalleled nature of Jerusalem's sin, not to excuse the other cities, but to condemn Jerusalem even more severely.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 16:51 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its stark message. The entire chapter functions as an **Allegory**, where Jerusalem is personified as a foundling-turned-harlot, and Samaria and Sodom are her "sisters," creating a vivid and emotionally charged narrative of betrayal. **Personification** is evident in treating the cities as individuals with moral agency. The statement that Jerusalem's sins "justified" her sisters is a masterful use of **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration not meant to be taken literally (that Samaria and Sodom were truly righteous) but to emphasize the extreme, unparalleled nature of Jerusalem's guilt. This is further reinforced by the pervasive **Comparative Language**, which meticulously contrasts Jerusalem's actions with those of her "sisters," creating a hierarchy of sinfulness that places Jerusalem at the apex of depravity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 16:51 profoundly illustrates the principle of greater responsibility accompanying greater privilege. Jerusalem, having received unparalleled divine favor, covenant relationship, and prophetic revelation, was held to a higher standard than nations like Samaria or cities like Sodom. Her "multiplied abominations" were not merely moral failings but a profound breach of covenant, a spiritual adultery that mocked the very God who had redeemed and adorned her. This verse serves as a stark reminder that God's judgment is righteous and proportionate, and that willful rebellion in the face of divine light incurs the severest condemnation. It underscores the abhorrent nature of idolatry and unfaithfulness to a holy God, revealing sin as a deep personal offense against His character and love.

* [Luke 12:48](/luke/12-48 "Luke 12:48 - To Whom Much Is Given")
* [Jeremiah 3:11](/jeremiah/3-11 "Jeremiah 3:11 - Faithless Israel More Righteous Than Treacherous Judah")
* [Romans 2:1-3](/romans/2-1 "Romans 2:1-3 - God's Righteous Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 16:51 challenges us to a profound self-examination, urging us not to compare ourselves favorably to others, but to soberly assess our own hearts and actions in light of the truth and grace we have received. For those who claim Christ, who have been showered with the blessings of the new covenant, and who possess the full revelation of God in Scripture, the spiritual stakes are incredibly high. Our "abominations"—whether subtle idols of comfort, self-reliance, or worldly approval, or overt acts of disobedience—are particularly offensive to the God who has given us everything. This verse is a powerful call to humility, sincere repentance, and unwavering devotion, reminding us that true faith is demonstrated not by what we avoid, but by what we truly worship and obey.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "multiplying abominations" by subtly prioritizing worldly values or self-interest over God's revealed will?**
* **How does the concept of "greater light, greater responsibility" challenge my complacency or self-justification?**
* **Am I truly devoted to God alone, or are there "sisters" (idols, distractions, lesser loyalties) in my life that my actions might inadvertently "justify" by comparison?**

### FAQ

**Does Ezekiel 16:51 mean that Samaria and Sodom were actually righteous in God's eyes?**

Answer: No, absolutely not. The verse does not imply that Samaria or Sodom were righteous or excused from their own wickedness. Rather, it is a rhetorical device, a form of hyperbole, designed to emphasize the extreme and unparalleled nature of Jerusalem's sin. By stating that Jerusalem's abominations were so great that they "justified" her sisters, God is highlighting that Jerusalem's moral and spiritual depravity was so profound that it made the notorious sins of Samaria and Sodom appear less severe by comparison. It underscores Jerusalem's heightened culpability due to her unique covenant relationship and the immense privileges she had received from God, making her betrayal all the more grievous.

**What are the "abominations" Jerusalem committed that were worse than Samaria's sins?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 16, Jerusalem's "abominations" (Hebrew: _tôwʻêbah_) primarily refer to her rampant idolatry and spiritual adultery. This included forsaking the one true God for the worship of pagan deities, engaging in detestable rituals, sacrificing her children to idols ([Ezekiel 16:20-21](/ezekiel/16-20 "Ezekiel 16:20-21 - Child Sacrifice")), and forming illicit political and spiritual alliances with foreign nations ([Ezekiel 16:26-29](/ezekiel/16-26 "Ezekiel 16:26-29 - Jerusalem's Alliances")). While Samaria was also guilty of idolatry, Jerusalem's sin was compounded by the fact that she had the Temple, the Law, and the prophets, yet she deliberately and repeatedly turned away from the God who had chosen and blessed her. Her unfaithfulness was a profound breach of covenant, a betrayal of the deepest kind, making her "abominations" uniquely offensive.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 16:51, with its stark portrayal of multiplied abominations and ironic justification, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate need for a perfect, divine intervention. Humanity's escalating sinfulness, culminating in the unparalleled rebellion of God's chosen people, demonstrates the utter inability of any human effort to achieve righteousness or "justify" themselves before a holy God. The ironic "justification" of Samaria and Sodom by Jerusalem's greater sin points to the profound depth of human depravity that requires an external, perfect righteousness. This is precisely what is found in Jesus Christ. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the one who perfectly fulfilled the Law and bore the multiplied abominations of humanity on the cross. Through His atoning sacrifice, those who believe are truly [justified by faith](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith")—declared righteous not by their own merits or by comparison to others' lesser sins, but by the imputation of Christ's perfect righteousness. Thus, the condemnation of Jerusalem in Ezekiel 16:51 ultimately magnifies the glory of God's grace, which provides the true and eternal justification found only in Christ, transforming those who were dead in their trespasses and sins into new creations, [holy and blameless before Him](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen 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

Jeremiah 3:8

And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.

Jeremiah 3:11

And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.

Romans 3:9

What then? are we better [than they]? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

Romans 3:20

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.

Luke 12:47

And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not [himself], neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many [stripes].

Luke 12:48

But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Matthew 12:41

The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas [is] here.