Old Testament
Ezekiel 16:52
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
You who passed judgment on your sisters — now carry your own disgrace! Your sins are so much worse than theirs that they look righteous next to you. So be ashamed and bear your humiliation, because you've made your sisters look innocent by comparison.
Compare translations
Thou also, which hast judged thy sisters, bear thine own shame for thy sins that thou hast committed more abominable than they: they are more righteous than thou: yea, be thou confounded also, and bear thy shame, in that thou hast justified thy sisters.
What Ezekiel 16:52 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God confronts a person who has judged others harshly. The message is clear: before pointing fingers at others, take a good look at your own actions. The sins committed are so severe that they make the wrongdoings of others seem minor in comparison. This is a call to humility and self-reflection. Instead of feeling superior, one should feel shame for their own mistakes. The idea is that by recognizing your faults, you can understand the gravity of your actions. It’s a reminder that everyone has flaws, and judging others can often blind us to our own shortcomings. The verse encourages accountability and the importance of owning up to one’s own failures rather than casting blame on others. It’s a powerful lesson in recognizing that we all have room for growth and improvement, and that true righteousness comes from acknowledging our own faults first and foremost. This is a moment for deep personal reflection and a chance to change for the better, rather than just criticizing others.
How to apply Ezekiel 16:52 to your life
When you find yourself judging others, pause and reflect on your own actions. Consider how your mistakes might be more significant than those you criticize. Use this awareness to foster compassion and understanding, rather than condemnation. Remember, everyone is on their own journey of growth and learning. Embrace your imperfections and strive for improvement instead of judgmental attitudes. “,”chapter_summary_teaser”: “This chapter emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and humility. It challenges us to reflect on our
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ezekiel 16:52
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ezekiel 16:52
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Ezekiel
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 16:52 mean?
Ezekiel 16:52 addresses the issue of judgment, highlighting that those who criticize others should first examine their own faults. It emphasizes that one's own sins can be more severe than those of others, urging humility and self-reflection.
What is the meaning of judgment in Ezekiel 16:52?
In Ezekiel 16:52, judgment refers to the act of condemning others while ignoring one's own shortcomings. The verse warns against this hypocrisy and calls for personal accountability.
How does Ezekiel 16:52 relate to accountability?
Ezekiel 16:52 emphasizes accountability by reminding individuals to take responsibility for their own actions rather than blaming others. It encourages a mindset of self-examination and growth.
What themes are present in Ezekiel 16:52?
The themes in Ezekiel 16:52 include judgment, humility, self-reflection, accountability, and shame. These themes highlight the importance of recognizing one's own flaws and fostering compassion towards others.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.