Old Testament
Ezekiel 16:61
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 speaks about a time when the people will reflect on their past actions and feel a sense of shame.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Then you will remember your past behavior and be ashamed when you receive your sisters — both the older and the younger. I will give them to you as daughters, but not because of your covenant.
Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed, when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thine elder and thy younger: and I will give them unto thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God speaks about a time when the people will reflect on their past actions and feel a sense of shame. They will be reminded of their behavior and how it has affected their relationships. God mentions giving them their sisters, both the older and the younger, as daughters. This act is significant because it highlights a new beginning, but it is not based on any agreement or promise made by the people. Instead, it emphasizes God's grace and mercy, showing that even when we fail, there is still hope for restoration. The mention of sisters suggests a connection and unity that can be formed despite past mistakes. This verse serves as a reminder that acknowledging our shortcomings can lead to growth and healing. It encourages us to embrace the opportunities for new relationships and to learn from our past to create a better future. Ultimately, it reflects God's desire for us to move forward with humility and a willingness to change our ways for the betterment of ourselves and others. Explore related repentance.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 16:61 to your life
Reflect on your past actions and consider how they have shaped your relationships. Acknowledge any mistakes and allow yourself to feel the necessary shame that leads to growth. Embrace new opportunities for connection and strive to build healthier relationships moving forward. Remember, change is possible with humility and openness to learning from the past. “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,”
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 16:61 mean about remembering past behavior?
Ezekiel 16:61 emphasizes the importance of reflecting on one's past actions. It suggests that acknowledging our mistakes can lead to feelings of shame, which is a necessary step for personal growth. This reflection allows individuals to understand how their behavior has impacted their relationships and encourages a desire for change.
How does this verse relate to the concept of grace?
In Ezekiel 16:61, God's promise to give the people their sisters as daughters, despite their past failures, highlights the theme of grace. It shows that restoration and new beginnings are possible not because of any covenant or agreement, but purely through God's mercy. This illustrates that even when we fall short, there is hope for redemption and a fresh start.
What is the significance of the sisters mentioned in this verse?
The mention of sisters in Ezekiel 16:61 symbolizes connection and unity. It indicates that despite past mistakes, there is an opportunity to form new relationships and foster a sense of community. This aspect of the verse encourages individuals to embrace these new connections as a pathway to healing and restoration.
How can I apply the lessons from Ezekiel 16:61 in my life?
To apply the lessons from Ezekiel 16:61, take time to reflect on your past actions and their impact on your relationships. Acknowledge any mistakes and allow yourself to feel the necessary shame that can lead to personal growth. Be open to new opportunities for connection and strive to build healthier relationships, recognizing that change is possible through humility and a willingness to learn.
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.
Unlock the full Ezekiel summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Ezekiel — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 48 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Ezekiel summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.