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.

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}.

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!

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.

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.

Ezekiel 16:51 is a powerful and sobering declaration within the prophet Ezekiel's extended allegory of Jerusalem's spiritual unfaithfulness. In this verse, God continues His indictment against Jerusalem (Judah), asserting that her sins were so egregious that they made the transgressions of Samaria (representing the northern kingdom of Israel) appear less severe by comparison. It underscores the depth of Jerusalem's apostasy and the unparalleled nature of her wickedness in God's eyes.

Context

Chapter 16 of Ezekiel is one of the most vivid and detailed allegories in the Bible, portraying Jerusalem as a foundling infant rescued, nourished, and adorned by God, only to become a prostitute who betrays her covenant relationship through rampant idolatry and alliances with pagan nations. The chapter systematically details Jerusalem's progression from utter destitution to immense privilege, and then to profound spiritual adultery. God introduces Jerusalem's "sisters" in this narrative: Samaria to the north and Sodom to the south. While Samaria and Sodom were known for their wickedness, God declares that Jerusalem's abominations surpassed even theirs. This verse, Ezekiel 16:51, comes after God has detailed the sins of Sodom and Samaria in Ezekiel 16:48-50, setting the stage for Jerusalem's even greater condemnation.

Key Themes

  • Unparalleled Sinfulness: The verse highlights the astonishing degree of Jerusalem's spiritual depravity. Despite receiving immense blessings, protection, and revelation from God, her unfaithfulness and idolatry were more severe than those who had less light or privilege.
  • Relative Guilt: God uses the concept of "justifying thy sisters" not to excuse Samaria or Sodom, but to amplify Jerusalem's guilt. By comparison, Jerusalem's actions were so heinous that they made the sins of notoriously wicked cities seem less offensive, effectively "vindicting" them in a relative sense.
  • Covenant Unfaithfulness: At its core, Jerusalem's sin was a profound breach of the covenant God had established with His chosen people. Her "abominations" were acts of spiritual adultery, forsaking the true God for idols and pagan practices, a betrayal of the deepest kind.
  • Divine Judgment: This stark comparison serves as a powerful justification for the severe judgment God was about to bring upon Judah, emphasizing that their punishment was not arbitrary but a direct consequence of their unparalleled rebellion.

Linguistic Insights

The term "abominations" (Hebrew: to'evah - תֹּועֵבָה) is crucial here. It signifies acts that are utterly detestable and repugnant to God, often associated with idolatry, ritual impurity, sexual perversion, and social injustice. It's a strong word indicating a profound offense against God's holiness and moral order.

The phrase "hast justified thy sisters" uses the Hebrew word tsadaq (צָדַק), which typically means "to be righteous" or "to declare righteous." However, in this context, it carries a comparative sense. Jerusalem's extreme wickedness made Samaria's sins appear less severe, thereby making them seem "righteous" or "vindicated" by comparison. It does not mean Samaria was actually righteous, but that Jerusalem's actions were so much worse that they relatively elevated Samaria's status.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 16:51 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Warning Against Spiritual Complacency: We must never compare our sins to others to minimize our own guilt. God judges each person based on their own actions and the light they have received.
  • Greater Light, Greater Responsibility: This verse underscores the principle that those who have received more of God's truth, blessings, and revelation bear a greater responsibility to live in accordance with His will. As Jesus taught, "unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" (Luke 12:48).
  • The Nature of Sin: Sin is not merely a breaking of rules, but an offense against a holy God, a betrayal of His love and covenant. The "abominations" of Jerusalem serve as a stark reminder of how deeply offensive idolatry and unfaithfulness are to God.
  • Call to Repentance: The severity of Jerusalem's indictment serves as a call to genuine self-examination and repentance for all who claim to follow God, ensuring our hearts are truly devoted to Him and not to the "abominations" of the world.
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.

  • 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.

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