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Ezekiel 16:51

Neither hath Samaria committed half of thy sins; but thou hast multiplied thine abominations more than they, and hast justified thy sisters in all thine abominations which thou hast done.

Ezekiel 16:51 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Ezekiel, God is speaking to Jerusalem about their sins compared to those of Samaria. He is saying that even Samaria, which has also sinned, has not committed as many sins as Jerusalem. However, Jerusalem has gone even further by committing more abominations and justifying the sins of their sisters (other cities or nations) as well. This verse serves as a warning to Jerusalem about the severity of their sins and the consequences they will face for their actions. The message is clear - Jerusalem's sins are so great that they surpass even those of others, and they must repent and turn back to God before it is too late.

Theological Overview

In this passage from the book of Ezekiel, the prophet Ezekiel is condemning the actions of Jerusalem by comparing them to the sins of Samaria. He points out that while Samaria has sinned, Jerusalem has gone even further by multiplying their abominations. The word "abominations" refers to detestable and sinful actions that are offensive to God. By justifying the sins of their sisters (Samaria), Jerusalem has shown a lack of remorse for their own transgressions. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the severity of sin and the importance of repentance. It serves as a reminder that God judges each individual and city based on their actions and the state of their hearts. This verse serves as a warning to all believers to remain faithful and obedient to God's commands, so as not to fall into the same trap of justifying sin and multiplying abominations.

Ezekiel 16:51 in other translations

American Standard Version

Neither hath Samaria committed half of thy sins; but thou hast multiplied thine abominations more than they, and hast justified thy sisters by all thine abominations which thou hast done.

World English Bible

Neither has Samaria committed half of your sins; but you have multiplied your abominations more than they, and have justified your sisters by all your abominations which you have done.

Douay-Rheims

And Samaria committed not half thy sins: but thou hast surpassed them with thy crimes, and hast justified thy sisters by all thy abominations which thou hast done.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Neither hath Samaria committed halfe of thy sinnes, but thou hast exceeded them in thine abominations, and hast iustified thy sisters in all thine abominations, which thou hast done.