Ezekiel 16 48

Ezekiel 16:48 kjv

As I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters.

Ezekiel 16:48 nkjv

"As I live," says the Lord GOD, "neither your sister Sodom nor her daughters have done as you and your daughters have done.

Ezekiel 16:48 niv

As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, your sister Sodom and her daughters never did what you and your daughters have done.

Ezekiel 16:48 esv

As I live, declares the Lord GOD, your sister Sodom and her daughters have not done as you and your daughters have done.

Ezekiel 16:48 nlt

As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, Sodom and her daughters were never as wicked as you and your daughters.

Ezekiel 16 verses

Ezekiel 16 48 Meaning

This verse declares that Jerusalem, despite its former glory and subsequent punishment due to its wickedness, will eventually be restored to a state that surpasses its initial condition. The restoration will be a demonstration of God's enduring faithfulness and mercy towards His covenant people.

Ezekiel 16 48 Context

Ezekiel 16 presents an extended allegory of Jerusalem as an unfaithful wife, illustrating God's judgment on the city and nation for their sins of idolatry and disobedience. The chapter traces Jerusalem's history from its origin, through its periods of prosperity and decline, culminating in its utter devastation and exile as a consequence of its moral and spiritual corruption. This verse, however, shifts focus from judgment to the ultimate promise of restoration and redemption. It asserts that God's covenant faithfulness transcends human unfaithfulness and that His plan for His people includes a future of greater glory than ever before.

Ezekiel 16 48 Word Analysis

• וְהָיָה (v'hayah): "and it shall be," "and it will be." This is a common conjunction and verb expressing a future state or outcome, emphasizing a consequence or unfolding event.

• נִפְלְאוֹתַיִךְ (niphlə’ōthayikh): "your marvels," "your wonderful deeds." The root "pala" (פלא) means "to be wonderful," "to be extraordinary." This word can refer to acts of wonder, either good or bad. In this context, it contrasts Jerusalem's past "marvels" (her sins) with future, divine marvels performed on her behalf.

• כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka’asher): "as," "when." This introduces a comparison or refers back to a previous state. Here, it links the future state to past experiences.

• הִרְבֵּית (hirbeth): "you multiplied," "you increased." The Hiphil stem of "rabah" (רבה), signifying causing to increase. It points to the excessive nature of Jerusalem's wickedness and her eventual prosperity under God's new covenant.

• בִּפְלֶשֶׁת (biphlesheth): "in wickedness," "in perversity," "in rebellion." The root "palash" (פלש) means to become strong or mighty in an evil way. This term directly labels the sinfulness that led to judgment.

• וּבִשְׁמַדְּךָ (ūvishmaddəkhā): "and in your destruction," "and in your ruin." From the root "samad" (שמד), meaning to destroy, annihilate. It refers to the consequences of her actions.

• בְּאָחִיּוֹתַיִךְ (bə’āchiyyōthayikh): "in your sisters," "your kindred cities." Referring to Samaria and Sodom, who are mentioned earlier in Ezekiel 16.

• בְּרָעָם (bərā‘ām): "in their abomination," "in their wickedness." The root "ra'" (רע) means evil or bad. It reinforces the severe corruption of these sister cities.

• וְגַם (vəgam): "and also," "and moreover."

• בִּשְׁפִיכַת (bishpîkhat): "in your shedding (of blood)." From the root "shaphakh" (שפך), to pour out.

• דָּמֵיהֶן (dāmēyhen): "their blood."

• דְּמֵךְ (dəmēkh): "your blood."

• עַל־גָּרַיִךְ (‘al-gārāyikh): "upon your stones." Stones could refer to foundation stones or simply the ruins and debris of the city, stained with blood from the destruction.

• Words-Group by Words-Group Analysis:

  • "your marvels as you multiplied in wickedness": This phrase juxtaposes Jerusalem's past "marvels" (perhaps feats or glory) with her excessive sins. The future "marvels" God will perform on her behalf will dwarf any perceived greatness she achieved through disobedience.
  • "and in your destruction, in your ruin with your sisters": This highlights the collective punishment shared with other wicked cities, emphasizing the extent of God’s judgment when covenant people follow the ways of nations.
  • "and also in your shedding of their blood, your blood": This pointedly states the shared culpability and reciprocal violence that marked their apostasy and ultimately led to their own blood being shed, reflecting the cycle of sin and judgment.

Ezekiel 16 48 Bonus Section

The concept of surpassing former glory is a recurring theme in biblical prophecy, particularly concerning Zion and Jerusalem. It speaks to God's unfailing grace and His ultimate purpose to exalt His people and His name. The hyperbole used in prophetic literature, like Ezekiel's prediction that the restored Jerusalem will outshine its past splendor, emphasizes the magnitude of God's plan of redemption, which culminates in the New Jerusalem described in Revelation, where God Himself dwells with His people in perfect peace and eternal glory, a state far removed from the unfaithfulness of the past. This final restoration fulfills all the promises made to Abraham and his descendants, showcasing God's unwavering commitment.

Ezekiel 16 48 Commentary

Ezekiel 16:48 delivers a powerful message of hope within a context of severe judgment. While Jerusalem, personified as an unfaithful wife, was justly punished for her prolific wickedness, mirroring the depravity of Sodom and her other "sisters," God's promise is one of radical restoration. The verse explicitly states that the future state of Jerusalem will surpass its former "marvels" – implying that God's redemptive work will bring about a glory far exceeding anything achieved through human effort or prior covenants. This future restoration is not merely a return to the past but a transformation marked by a deeper relationship with God, demonstrated by His renewed presence and the prosperity that follows covenant faithfulness. The implication is that the chastisement served a purpose, preparing the way for an even more magnificent future.