Ezekiel 16:57

KJV

Before thy wickedness was discovered, as at the time of [thy] reproach of the daughters of Syria, and all [that are] round about her, the daughters of the Philistines, which despise thee round about.

KJV (with Strong's)

Before thy wickedness {H7451} was discovered {H1540}, as at the time {H6256} of thy reproach {H2781} of the daughters {H1323} of Syria {H758}, and all that are round about {H5439} her, the daughters {H1323} of the Philistines {H6430}, which despise {H7590} thee round about {H5439}.

Complete Jewish Bible

before your own wickedness was exposed. But now the daughters of Aram mock you, as do her neighbors; and the daughters of the P'lishtim on every side are repulsed by you.

Berean Standard Bible

before your wickedness was uncovered? Even so, you are now scorned by the daughters of Edom and all those around her, and by the daughters of the Philistines—all those around you who despise you.

American Standard Version

before thy wickedness was uncovered, as at the time of the reproach of the daughters of Syria, and of all that are round about her, the daughters of the Philistines, that do despite unto thee round about.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:57 powerfully depicts the profound disgrace and public humiliation of Jerusalem, representing Judah, as her deep spiritual wickedness and unfaithfulness to God are laid bare before her historical adversaries. This verse underscores the severe nature of divine judgment, revealing how Jerusalem's abominable actions, particularly her rampant idolatry and reliance on illicit foreign alliances, led to her being scorned and despised by nations she once considered inferior or sought to emulate. It highlights the painful consequence of covenant infidelity: a dramatic reversal of fortune where the once-proud city becomes an object of contempt and mockery to her surrounding neighbors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel chapter 16 is an elaborate and vivid allegory in which Jerusalem is personified as a foundling child rescued, nurtured, and adorned by Yahweh, only to grow into a beautiful woman who then commits spiritual adultery through idolatry and unholy political alliances. The chapter meticulously details Jerusalem's escalating unfaithfulness, arguing that her sin was even more egregious than that of her "sisters," Samaria and Sodom, whom she had previously disdained. Verses 56-59 specifically intensify the narrative of Jerusalem's profound disgrace, emphasizing that her wickedness was so extreme it surpassed even the perceived depravity of her neighbors. Verse 57 serves as a critical juncture, illustrating the public, humiliating exposure of this deep-seated sin, thereby setting the stage for the subsequent, surprising promise of God's enduring covenant faithfulness despite Israel's profound infidelity, as detailed in [Ezekiel 16:60-63](/ezekiel/16-60-63 "Ezekiel 16:60-63 - God's Everlasting Covenant and Restoration").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies of Ezekiel were delivered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the early 6th century BCE, following the initial Babylonian deportations. At this time, Jerusalem, though not yet fully destroyed, was under severe threat, and its ultimate fall was imminent. Nations like Syria (Aram) and the Philistines were long-standing adversaries or rivals of Israel and Judah, frequently engaging in conflicts or exerting political pressure. The Philistines, residing on the coastal plain, were a perennial thorn in Israel's side, while the Arameans (Syrians) to the north often clashed with both the northern kingdom of Israel and later Judah. For Jerusalem to be "reproached" and "despised" by these nations signified a complete reversal of status and a profound loss of honor, a concept of immense significance in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Public shame and humiliation from one's enemies were considered a devastating blow, often worse than mere physical defeat, indicating a loss of divine favor and a complete breakdown of social standing.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel 16 and the broader prophetic book. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Exposure of Sin**. God's righteous judgment brings hidden spiritual adultery and unfaithfulness into the open, demonstrating that no sin against a holy God remains concealed indefinitely. The exposure before adversaries highlights the comprehensive and public nature of this judgment. Secondly, it emphasizes the theme of **Shame and Reproach** as a direct and painful consequence of unfaithfulness. The "reproach of the daughters of Syria, and all that are round about her, the daughters of the Philistines" vividly illustrates the profound humiliation Jerusalem experienced, transforming her into an object of scorn even from morally compromised nations. This public disgrace is a direct result of breaking the covenant with Yahweh, as detailed in [Ezekiel 16:43](/ezekiel/16-43 "Ezekiel 16:43 - God's Indignation and Consequences"). Finally, the verse reinforces the **Consequences of Covenant Unfaithfulness**. Jerusalem's spiritual prostitution and reliance on foreign powers, rather than God, led not to security but to utter disgrace and downfall, serving as a stark warning about the perils of spiritual compromise and idolatry, a theme echoed throughout the prophetic literature, such as in [Hosea 4:1-3](/hosea/4-1-3 "Hosea 4:1-3 - Israel's Unfaithfulness and Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wickedness (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** This term encompasses a broad spectrum of moral and natural evil, including adversity, affliction, badness, calamity, and distress. In [Ezekiel 16:57](/ezekiel/16-57 "Ezekiel 16:57 - Jerusalem's Exposed Wickedness"), it refers specifically to Jerusalem's profound moral corruption and spiritual depravity, particularly her idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, which God is now bringing to light. It signifies the inherent badness and offensiveness of her actions in God's sight.
* **discovered (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to denude," "to exile," or "to reveal." While often used for physical uncovering or the act of exiling, here it metaphorically signifies the public exposure and revelation of Jerusalem's previously hidden or ignored wickedness. It implies that what was once concealed or downplayed is now laid bare for all to see, especially her enemies, leading to profound shame.
* **reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_):** This word denotes contumely, disgrace, or shame. It highlights the deep humiliation and scorn Jerusalem faced. The "reproach" is not merely criticism but a profound public shaming, underscoring the severity of the consequences for her actions against God, leading to a complete loss of honor and respect from those around her.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Before thy wickedness was discovered":** This clause establishes a temporal sequence, indicating that the exposure of Jerusalem's profound spiritual evil was a precursor or a condition for the subsequent events. It implies a period when her depravity, though present and active, was not yet fully revealed or publicly acknowledged, particularly by her neighbors. God's righteous judgment brings this hidden corruption into the glaring light of public view.
* **"as at the time of thy reproach of the daughters of Syria, and all that are round about her":** This phrase directly links the discovery of Jerusalem's wickedness to a specific period of intense humiliation. "Reproach" signifies deep public shame, scorn, and mockery. The "daughters of Syria" (Arameans) represent a long-standing northern adversary, and "all that are round about her" expands this circle of contempt to include other surrounding nations. This suggests that Jerusalem's moral decay was so evident and extreme that even these nations, often themselves morally compromised, found ample cause to mock and disdain her.
* **"the daughters of the Philistines, which despise thee round about":** This further specifies and intensifies the source of Jerusalem's contempt. The "daughters of the Philistines" (a traditional western enemy) are explicitly identified as those who "despise" Jerusalem. This contempt is not just incidental but pervasive and encompassing ("round about"), indicating a widespread and intense scorn from those who were once considered lesser or rival powers. The Philistines' disdain underscores the complete and humiliating reversal of Jerusalem's status and honor.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 16:57, situated within the broader narrative of Ezekiel 16, makes significant use of **Allegory**, where Jerusalem is personified as an unfaithful woman, and her actions represent the nation's spiritual apostasy and covenant breaking. Specifically within this verse, **Personification** is evident in the phrase "daughters of Syria" and "daughters of the Philistines," where nations are given human characteristics (daughters) to represent their people and their collective scorn. There is also a strong element of **Irony** at play. Jerusalem, who once disdained her "sisters" Samaria and Sodom, now finds herself an object of scorn and contempt from her traditional enemies, nations she might have considered less righteous or significant. This dramatic reversal of fortune, where the proud city is humiliated by those she once looked down upon, serves as a powerful ironic commentary on the severe consequences of her unfaithfulness to Yahweh.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 16:57 serves as a stark reminder of the profound theological principle that sin, especially covenant unfaithfulness and spiritual idolatry, inevitably leads to exposure and public shame before God and often before the world. God, in His absolute holiness and perfect justice, does not allow His covenant people to persist in flagrant rebellion without consequence. The public humiliation described here is a direct divine judgment, serving not only to vindicate God's righteousness before the nations but also to humble His rebellious people. It highlights the severity of breaking a sacred covenant with the living God, demonstrating that such actions have tangible, often deeply humiliating, repercussions in the temporal realm. This exposure is not merely punitive but also serves a redemptive purpose, aiming to bring Israel to a place of repentance and a renewed understanding of God's holiness and their profound obligation to Him.

* [Lamentations 1:8](/lamentations/1-8 "Lamentations 1:8 - Jerusalem's Shame and Reproach")
* [Isaiah 47:3](/isaiah/47-3 "Isaiah 47:3 - Babylon's Nakedness Exposed")
* [Hosea 2:10](/hosea/2-10 "Hosea 2:10 - Israel's Shame Revealed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 16:57 holds profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that there are no truly hidden sins before the omniscient God. While we may attempt to conceal our unfaithfulness, idolatry, or moral compromises from others, God, in His perfect timing and righteous justice, will ultimately bring them to light. This exposure, though often painful and deeply humiliating, is a necessary and sometimes merciful step in the process of repentance, confession, and spiritual restoration. Just as Jerusalem's spiritual decay impacted her witness and standing among surrounding nations, our actions as individual believers and as the collective Church can either glorify or dishonor God's holy name before a watching world. This verse calls us to a deep and honest introspection, urging us to examine our hearts for any hidden "wickedness," any secret idolatry or compromise, and to confess it before God. It compels us to pursue lives of integrity, faithfulness, and holiness, not primarily out of fear of public shame, but out of a profound love and reverent awe for the God who has graciously covenanted with us. Our faithfulness is not merely a private matter but has significant implications for our witness and for the glory of God's name among the nations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be engaging in "wickedness" that, though currently hidden, God might choose to "discover" for my spiritual growth and ultimate good?**
* **How does the concept of public shame for sin, as vividly depicted in this verse, motivate me to pursue greater holiness, integrity, and transparency in my daily life and walk with God?**
* **What does Jerusalem's profound humiliation teach me about the critical importance of spiritual integrity and its far-reaching impact on my witness to the world around me?**

### FAQ
**What does "daughters of Syria" and "daughters of the Philistines" mean in this context?**

Answer: In biblical language, the phrase "daughters of [a city or nation]" often refers to the towns, villages, or dependent settlements belonging to that larger entity, or more broadly, simply the people or inhabitants of that nation. Here, "daughters of Syria" (or Aram) and "daughters of the Philistines" refer to the people or inhabitants of those respective nations. These were long-standing geopolitical adversaries and rivals of both the northern kingdom of Israel and later Judah. The use of this phrase emphasizes that Jerusalem's profound shame was not just an internal matter but was witnessed, mocked, and scorned by her traditional enemies. This highlights the depth of her disgrace and the complete reversal of her perceived status, underscoring the public and widespread nature of her humiliation, as her wickedness was exposed to those who were often hostile or morally compromised themselves.

**How does Jerusalem's "wickedness" relate to the broader narrative of Ezekiel 16?**

Answer: Jerusalem's "wickedness" in [Ezekiel 16:57](/ezekiel/16-57 "Ezekiel 16:57 - Jerusalem's Exposed Wickedness") is the culmination and public consequence of the extensive spiritual adultery and covenant unfaithfulness detailed throughout the entire chapter. The elaborate allegory portrays Jerusalem as a beautiful woman who, despite being rescued, nurtured, and adorned by God, turned to spiritual prostitution. This included rampant idolatry, sacrificing her own children to pagan gods (e.g., [Ezekiel 16:20-21](/ezekiel/16-20-21 "Ezekiel 16:20-21 - Child Sacrifice")), and forming illicit political alliances with pagan nations like Egypt and Assyria, rather than trusting in Yahweh (e.g., [Ezekiel 16:26-29](/ezekiel/16-26-29 "Ezekiel 16:26-29 - Jerusalem's Alliances")). The "wickedness" discovered in verse 57 is the public revelation and painful consequence of these abominable acts, demonstrating that God's patience had run out and His righteous judgment would bring her hidden sins into the open, leading to profound shame and reproach from her neighbors.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 16:57, with its vivid depiction of Jerusalem's exposed wickedness and subsequent profound shame, finds rich and multi-faceted Christ-centered fulfillment. Firstly, it foreshadows the ultimate exposure of all sin, not merely before earthly adversaries, but before the righteous and holy judgment of God, which is fully revealed in Christ. While Jerusalem's sin led to earthly reproach and exile, the New Testament teaches that all humanity's sin is laid bare before the penetrating gaze of God (e.g., [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Open Before God")). Secondly, the deep shame and reproach experienced by Jerusalem highlight humanity's desperate need for a perfect and atoning sacrifice to cover such profound wickedness. This fundamental need is perfectly met in Jesus Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He bore the ultimate shame, disgrace, and reproach on the cross, becoming sin for us (e.g., [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), so that those who believe in Him might be clothed in His perfect righteousness and escape eternal condemnation and shame (e.g., [Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - No One Who Believes Will Be Put to Shame")). Finally, while Ezekiel 16 speaks powerfully of Jerusalem's judgment, it also concludes with a surprising and glorious promise of God's enduring covenant faithfulness and ultimate restoration (e.g., [Ezekiel 16:60-63](/ezekiel/16-60-63 "Ezekiel 16:60-63 - God's Everlasting Covenant and Restoration")). This promise finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the new covenant established through Christ's shed blood (e.g., [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood")), where God's people are truly cleansed, reconciled, and given a new heart and spirit, ensuring that their spiritual nakedness and shame are forever covered by His boundless grace and mercy.

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

2 Kings 16:5

¶ Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome [him].

2 Kings 16:7

So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I [am] thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me.

Isaiah 7:1

¶ And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, [that] Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it.

2 Chronicles 28:5

Wherefore the LORD his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought [them] to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter.

2 Chronicles 28:6

¶ For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, [which were] all valiant men; because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers.

Ezekiel 16:36

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy abominations, and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them;

Ezekiel 16:37

Behold, therefore I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all [them] that thou hast loved, with all [them] that thou hast hated; I will even gather them round about against thee, and will discover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness.