Old Testament
Ezekiel 16:56
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 pointing out a time when the people were so full of pride that they wouldn't even acknowledge their sister city, Sodom.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
You wouldn't even mention your sister Sodom's name back in the days when you were proud,
For thy sister Sodom was not mentioned by thy mouth in the day of thy pride,
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

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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