Old Testament
Ezekiel 16:56
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
You wouldn't even mention your sister Sodom's name back in the days when you were proud,
Compare translations
For thy sister Sodom was not mentioned by thy mouth in the day of thy pride,
What Ezekiel 16:56 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is pointing out a time when the people were so full of pride that they wouldn't even acknowledge their sister city, Sodom. Sodom was known for its wickedness, and the people felt superior, thinking they were better than that city. This pride blinded them to their own faults and failures. They were so caught up in their own image that they couldn't see the truth about themselves. By refusing to mention Sodom, they were denying their own shortcomings and the reality of their situation. This serves as a reminder that pride can lead us to ignore our own flaws while judging others harshly. It’s a call to humility, encouraging us to reflect on our own lives rather than comparing ourselves to others. Recognizing our weaknesses can lead to growth and understanding, rather than arrogance and denial. We should strive to be aware of our own actions and attitudes, rather than looking down on others who may struggle in different ways. Humility opens the door to genuine change and connection.
How to apply Ezekiel 16:56 to your life
Take a moment to reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you might be judging others while ignoring your own faults? Embrace humility by acknowledging your imperfections. This can lead to deeper connections with others and a more honest understanding of yourself. Remember, everyone has struggles, and we can learn from each other’s experiences.
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 16:56
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 16:56
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 16:56 mean?
Ezekiel 16:56 highlights the pride of the people who refused to acknowledge their sister city, Sodom, known for its wickedness. Their arrogance led them to ignore their own flaws while feeling superior to others.
What is the significance of Sodom in Ezekiel 16:56?
Sodom represents a city known for its moral failures, and in this verse, it serves as a contrast to the prideful attitude of the people who deny their own shortcomings by not mentioning Sodom.
How does pride relate to Ezekiel 16:56?
The verse illustrates how pride can blind individuals to their own faults, causing them to overlook their imperfections while judging others, like the people who would not mention Sodom.
What lesson can we learn from Ezekiel 16:56?
Ezekiel 16:56 teaches the importance of humility and self-awareness, reminding us to reflect on our own actions instead of comparing ourselves to others.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.