Old Testament
Ezekiel 16:46
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 using a metaphor to describe the relationships between cities that represent different moral states.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Your older sister is Samaria, she and her daughters who live at your left hand; and your younger sister, who lives at your right hand, is Sodom and her daughters.
And thine elder sister is Samaria, she and her daughters that dwell at thy left hand: and thy younger sister, that dwelleth at thy right hand, is Sodom and her daughters.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is using a metaphor to describe the relationships between cities that represent different moral states. Samaria, to the left, symbolizes a sister who has strayed but is not as corrupt as Sodom, to the right. Sodom is known for its extreme wickedness. By comparing these cities to sisters, God highlights the severity of their actions and the consequences that follow. This imagery serves to remind the people of Israel of their own failings and the need for repentance. It emphasizes that even those who seem less sinful can still fall short of God's standards. The mention of 'daughters' indicates that these cities have influenced others, spreading their ways. This verse invites reflection on how our choices can impact those around us, urging us to consider the paths we take and the examples we set for others. It’s a call to recognize the seriousness of moral decisions and their ripple effects in our communities and lives, encouraging a return to righteousness.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 16:46 to your life
Consider the influences in your life and how they shape your values and actions. Reflect on the choices you make and their potential impact on those around you. Strive to be a positive example, encouraging others to pursue goodness and integrity in their lives. Your actions matter more than you think, so choose wisely and inspire change in your community.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 16:46 mean by comparing cities to sisters?
In Ezekiel 16:46, God uses the metaphor of sisters to illustrate the moral states of different cities. Samaria, the elder sister, represents a nation that has strayed from righteousness but is not as corrupt as Sodom, the younger sister. This comparison highlights the varying degrees of sinfulness and serves as a warning to Israel about the consequences of their actions, emphasizing the need for repentance.
How does Ezekiel 16:46 relate to the concept of influence?
The mention of 'daughters' in Ezekiel 16:46 signifies that both Samaria and Sodom have influenced others around them. This reflects the idea that our actions and moral choices can have a ripple effect on our communities. The verse encourages individuals to consider how their behavior impacts others and to strive to be a positive influence, promoting goodness and integrity.
What lessons can we learn from the comparison of Samaria and Sodom?
The comparison of Samaria and Sodom in Ezekiel 16:46 teaches us about the seriousness of moral choices and the potential consequences of our actions. It reminds us that even those who may appear less sinful can still fall short of God's standards. This serves as a call for self-reflection, urging us to recognize our failings and seek repentance while being mindful of the influence we have on others.
Why does God use such strong imagery in Ezekiel 16:46?
God employs strong imagery in Ezekiel 16:46 to convey the gravity of the moral decline of Israel. By likening cities to sisters, He emphasizes the relational aspect of sin and its consequences. This vivid metaphor serves to provoke thought and reflection among the people, urging them to acknowledge their shortcomings and the need for a return to righteousness.
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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