Old Testament
Ezekiel 16:45
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God is addressing a people who have inherited negative traits from their ancestors.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
You are truly your mother's daughter — she despised her husband and her children. You are truly your sisters' sister — they despised their husbands and their children. Your mother was a Hittite and your father was an Amorite.
Thou art thy mother’s daughter, that lotheth her husband and her children; and thou art the sister of thy sisters, which lothed their husbands and their children: your mother was an Hittite, and your father an Amorite.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is addressing a people who have inherited negative traits from their ancestors. The reference to the mother and sisters highlights a legacy of disdain for relationships and family. The mother, a Hittite, and the father, an Amorite, symbolize a background that is not aligned with God's values. This lineage is significant because it shows how past behaviors can influence present actions. The message is clear: the people are repeating the mistakes of their family, showing a lack of love and respect for their own relationships. This verse serves as a reminder that we often carry the weight of our family's choices, and it challenges us to break free from harmful patterns. It encourages self-reflection on how our backgrounds shape our actions and relationships today. Understanding this can lead to personal growth and healthier connections with others, as we choose to embrace love and respect instead of repeating past mistakes. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward change.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 16:45 to your life
Consider your own family history and how it influences your relationships. Are there patterns of behavior you want to change? Take time to reflect on your actions and make conscious choices to foster love and respect in your life. Breaking the cycle starts with you. Choose to create a positive legacy for future generations. “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,”
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 16:45 mean?
Ezekiel 16:45 highlights how the people have inherited negative traits from their ancestors, specifically a disdain for family relationships. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing how past behaviors influence current actions.
What is the significance of the mother and sisters in Ezekiel 16:45?
The mother and sisters in Ezekiel 16:45 symbolize a legacy of negative attitudes towards relationships. Their actions reflect a pattern of disrespect and disdain that the people are repeating.
How does Ezekiel 16:45 relate to family legacy?
Ezekiel 16:45 illustrates how family legacy can impact behavior, showing that the people are repeating the mistakes of their ancestors. It serves as a reminder to reflect on family history and its influence on personal relationships.
What themes are present in Ezekiel 16:45?
Key themes in Ezekiel 16:45 include family legacy, negative patterns in relationships, self-reflection, and personal growth. The verse encourages individuals to break free from harmful behaviors inherited from their families.

The Book of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1: Visions of God
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the river Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans. He sees visions of God as the heavens open. A great cloud comes from the north with a fire flashing continually and brightness around it, and from the midst appears something like glowing metal. From the fire emerge four living creatures, each with the likeness of a man. Each has four faces and four wings, and their legs are straight with feet like a calf's foot, shining like polished brass. Their faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, and their wings are joined one to another as they move straight forward without turning.
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