Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “’Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. New Living Translation Sodom’s sins were pride, gluttony, and laziness, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door. English Standard Version Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. Berean Standard Bible Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed, and complacent; they did not help the poor and needy. Berean Literal Bible Behold, this was the guilt of Sodom your sister: Pride, fullness of bread, and the ease of idleness was unto her and unto her daughters, and the hand of the poor and needy she did not strengthen. King James Bible Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. New King James Version Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. New American Standard Bible Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had arrogance, plenty of food, and carefree ease, but she did not help the poor and needy. NASB 1995 “Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy. NASB 1977 “Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food, and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy. Legacy Standard Bible Behold, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had lofty pride, abundant food, and quiet ease, but she did not strengthen the hand of the afflicted and needy. Amplified Bible Behold, this was the sin of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters (outlying cities) had arrogance, abundant food, and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy. Berean Annotated Bible Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom (burning): She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed, and complacent; they did not help the poor and needy. Christian Standard Bible Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters had pride, plenty of food, and comfortable security, but didn’t support the poor and needy. Holman Christian Standard Bible Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, plenty of food, and comfortable security, but didn’t support the poor and needy. American Standard Version Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom: pride, fulness of bread, and prosperous ease was in her and in her daughters; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. Contemporary English Version They were arrogant and spoiled; they had everything they needed and still refused to help the poor and needy. English Revised Version Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom; pride, fulness of bread, and prosperous ease was in her and in her daughters; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. GOD'S WORD® Translation This is what your sister Sodom has done wrong. She and her daughters were proud that they had plenty of food and had peace and security. They didn't help the poor and the needy. Good News Translation She and her daughters were proud because they had plenty to eat and lived in peace and quiet, but they did not take care of the poor and the underprivileged. International Standard Version Look! This was the sin of your sister Sodom and her daughters: Pride, too much food, undisturbed peace, and failure to help the poor and needy. NET Bible "'See here--this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters had majesty, abundance of food, and enjoyed carefree ease, but they did not help the poor and needy. New Heart English Bible "'Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: pride, fullness of bread, and prosperous ease was in her and in her daughters; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. Webster's Bible Translation Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed, and complacent; they did not help the poor and needy. World English Bible “‘“Behold, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: pride, fullness of bread, and prosperous ease was in her and in her daughters. She also didn’t strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionBehold, this has been the iniquity of your sister Sodom, "" Arrogancy, fullness of bread, and quiet ease, "" Have been to her and to her daughters, "" And the hand of the afflicted and needy "" She has not strengthened. Berean Literal Bible Behold, this was the guilt of Sodom your sister: Pride, fullness of bread, and the ease of idleness was unto her and unto her daughters, and the hand of the poor and needy she did not strengthen. Young's Literal Translation Lo, this hath been the iniquity of Sodom thy sister, Arrogancy, fulness of bread, and quiet ease, Have been to her and to her daughters, And the hand of the afflicted and needy She hath not strengthened. Smith's Literal Translation Behold, this was the iniquity of Sodom thy sister, pride, fulness of bread, security of rest was to her and to her daughters, and she strengthened not the hand of the poor and needy. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBehold this was the iniquity of Sodom thy sister, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance, and the idleness of her, and of her daughters: and they did not put forth their hand to the needy, and to the poor. Catholic Public Domain Version Behold, this was the iniquity of Sodom, your sister: arrogance, indulgence in bread and abundance, and the idleness of her and her daughters; and they did not reach out their hand to the needy and the poor. New American Bible Now look at the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters were proud, sated with food, complacent in prosperity. They did not give any help to the poor and needy. New Revised Standard Version This was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBehold, this is the iniquity of Sodom your proud sister: she and her daughters had abundant food and lived in tranquillity, but she did not help the poor and needy. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated This is the evil of Sadom your proud sister: “She was full of bread and dwelt in quietness, she and her daughters, and they did not grasp the hands of the afflicted and of the poor OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom: pride, fulness of bread, and careless ease was in her and in her daughters; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. Brenton Septuagint Translation Moreover this was the sin of thy sister Sodom, pride: she and her daughters lived in pleasure, in fullness of bread and in abundance: this belonged to her and her daughters, and they helped not the hand of the poor and needy. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Judgment on Jerusalem…48As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, your sister Sodom and her daughters never did as you and your daughters have done. 49Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed, and complacent; they did not help the poor and needy. 50Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. Therefore I removed them, as you have seen.… Cross References Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: Genesis 13:13 But the men of Sodom were wicked, sinning greatly against the LORD. Genesis 18:20-21 Then the LORD said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great. Because their sin is so grievous, / I will go down to see if their actions fully justify the outcry that has reached Me. If not, I will find out.” Jude 1:7 In like manner, Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, who indulged in sexual immorality and pursued strange flesh, are on display as an example of those who sustain the punishment of eternal fire. She and her daughters were arrogant, Proverbs 21:4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the guides of the wicked—are sin. Isaiah 3:16 The LORD also says: “Because the daughters of Zion are haughty—walking with heads held high and wanton eyes, prancing and skipping as they go, jingling the bracelets on their ankles— Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. overfed, Deuteronomy 32:15 But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked—becoming fat, bloated, and gorged. He abandoned the God who made him and scorned the Rock of his salvation. Hosea 13:6 When they had pasture, they became satisfied; when they were satisfied, their hearts became proud, and as a result they forgot Me. Proverbs 30:8-9 Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the bread that is my portion. / Otherwise, I may have too much and deny You, saying, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, profaning the name of my God. and complacent; Amos 6:1 Woe to those at ease in Zion and those secure on Mount Samaria, the distinguished ones of the foremost nation, to whom the house of Israel comes. Jeremiah 48:11 Moab has been at ease from youth, settled like wine on its dregs; he has not been poured from vessel to vessel or gone into exile. So his flavor has remained the same, and his aroma is unchanged. Zephaniah 1:12 And at that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish the men settled in complacency, who say to themselves, ‘The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad.’ they did not help the poor and needy. James 2:15-16 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? Proverbs 14:31 Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him. Isaiah 58:7 Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Jeremiah 23:14 And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing: They commit adultery and walk in lies. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns his back on wickedness. They are all like Sodom to Me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah.” Treasury of Scripture Behold, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. pride Ezekiel 28:2,9,17 Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God: … Ezekiel 29:3 Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself. Genesis 19:9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door. fulness Genesis 13:10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Genesis 18:20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; Deuteronomy 32:15 But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation. neither Ezekiel 18:12 Hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath spoiled by violence, hath not restored the pledge, and hath lifted up his eyes to the idols, hath committed abomination, Proverbs 21:13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. Isaiah 3:14,15 The LORD will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people, and the princes thereof: for ye have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses… Jump to Previous Abundance Abundant Afflicted Aid Arrogance Arrogancy Bread Careless Comforts Daughters Ease Food Full Fullness Fulness Guilt Hand Help Idleness Iniquity Measure Needy Peace Poor Pride Prosperous Quiet Sin Sister Sodom Strengthen Strengthened Surfeit WealthJump to Next Abundance Abundant Afflicted Aid Arrogance Arrogancy Bread Careless Comforts Daughters Ease Food Full Fullness Fulness Guilt Hand Help Idleness Iniquity Measure Needy Peace Poor Pride Prosperous Quiet Sin Sister Sodom Strengthen Strengthened Surfeit WealthEzekiel 16 1. Under the parable of a wretched infant is shown the natural state of Jerusalem6. God's extraordinary love toward her, 15. Her grievous judgment 35. Her sin, equal to her mother, 46. and exceeding her sisters, Sodom and Samaria, 59. calls for judgments 60. Mercy is promised her in the end Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: The term "sister" here is metaphorical, indicating a close relationship or similarity in behavior between Jerusalem and Sodom. Sodom is often remembered for its destruction due to wickedness, as seen in Genesis 19. The use of "iniquity" highlights moral failure, suggesting that the sins of Sodom are mirrored in Jerusalem. This sets the stage for understanding the nature of the sins being addressed. She and her daughters were arrogant: overfed: and complacent: they did not help the poor and needy: Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet in the Old Testament who conveyed God's messages to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. His prophecies often included vivid imagery and symbolic actions. 2. Sodom An ancient city mentioned in the Bible, known for its destruction due to its wickedness. It serves as a symbol of sin and divine judgment. 3. Jerusalem The city to which Ezekiel's prophecies were directed, often compared to Sodom in terms of its moral and spiritual failings. 4. The Poor and Needy Individuals who are marginalized and require assistance, representing a key focus of God's concern and a measure of a society's righteousness. 5. The Israelites God's chosen people, who were in exile during Ezekiel's time and were being warned and instructed through his prophecies. Teaching Points The Sin of PridePride is a root sin that leads to a lack of compassion and neglect of others. It blinds individuals and societies to their responsibilities toward the less fortunate. Abundance and Responsibility Having plenty of food and security is a blessing, but it comes with the responsibility to share with those who are lacking. Prosperity should lead to generosity, not complacency. Neglecting the Needy Ignoring the needs of the poor and marginalized is a serious offense in God's eyes. True righteousness involves active support and advocacy for those who cannot help themselves. Comparative Righteousness The comparison to Sodom serves as a warning that even God's chosen people can fall into grievous sin if they neglect justice and mercy. Call to Action Believers are called to examine their own lives and communities to ensure they are not guilty of the same sins as Sodom. This involves practical steps to support and uplift the poor and needy. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 16:49?2. How does Ezekiel 16:49 define the sin of Sodom beyond sexual immorality? 3. What lessons can we learn from Sodom's "arrogance, abundance, and careless ease"? 4. How can we avoid the pitfalls of pride and neglecting the needy today? 5. What other scriptures warn against ignoring the needs of the poor? 6. How can our church actively address issues of pride and social injustice? 7. How does Ezekiel 16:49 redefine the sin of Sodom beyond sexual immorality? 8. Why does Ezekiel 16:49 emphasize pride and neglect of the poor as Sodom's sins? 9. How should Christians interpret the societal implications of Ezekiel 16:49 today? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 16? 11. Should the church accept practicing homosexuals as members? 12. Is homosexuality considered a sin in the Bible? 13. Is homosexuality considered sinful? 14. What is the meaning of Sodom and Gomorrah's destruction? What Does Ezekiel 16:49 Mean Now this was the iniquity of your sister SodomEzekiel is addressing Jerusalem, likening her to “sister Sodom” to expose parallel sins. God’s judgment on Sodom in Genesis 19 is not mere history; it is a perpetual warning (Genesis 19:24-25; Jude 7). By calling Sodom “sister,” the Lord shows that covenant people are not immune to the same downfall if they mirror the same rebellion (Isaiah 1:10; Luke 17:28-30). The verse opens with “iniquity,” underscoring that what follows is specific, identifiable sin, not speculation or rumor. She and her daughters were arrogant • Pride sits at the root of Sodom’s collapse. “Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18). • Arrogance rejects God’s rule and elevates self (Psalm 10:4; Daniel 5:20). • Jerusalem’s similar conceit provoked God’s wrath, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). The lesson is clear: when a culture celebrates self-sufficiency, it is already on a path away from God. Overfed • The phrase points to excess—having more than enough yet using it selfishly. • Israel had been warned: “Jeshurun grew fat and kicked” (Deuteronomy 32:15). Plenty without gratitude breeds spiritual dullness. • Paul describes enemies of the cross as those “whose god is their belly” (Philippians 3:19). • Comfort is not sin, but gluttonous over-indulgence reveals a heart turned inward, dull to the needs of others. And complacent • “At ease” (Amos 6:1) captures the thought: a careless, lazy spirit that shrugs at holiness and mission. • Proverbs pictures the sluggard: “A little sleep, a little slumber… poverty will come upon you” (Proverbs 6:9-11). • Jesus warned of days like Noah’s and Lot’s, when people were “eating and drinking, buying and selling” and forgot judgment (Luke 17:26-30). • Complacency breeds spiritual sleep, unlike the watchfulness Christ commands (Matthew 24:42). They did not help the poor and needy • Neglect of mercy exposes hypocrisy. God’s law required: “You shall open wide your hand” (Deuteronomy 15:7-11). • True fasting loosens injustice and shares bread with the hungry (Isaiah 58:6-7). • Jesus identifies Himself with the least: “I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat” (Matthew 25:42-45). • Genuine faith “does not close his heart” to a brother in need (1 John 3:17). When abundance meets apathy, judgment follows. summary Ezekiel 16:49 lays out four unmistakable sins: pride, excess, complacency, and callousness toward the poor. These were not only Sodom’s downfall but a mirror held up to Jerusalem—and to every generation that enjoys God’s gifts yet forgets the Giver. Scripture warns that a society swollen with riches but empty of humility and compassion stands in grave danger. The antidote is heartfelt repentance, humble dependence on the Lord, purposeful simplicity, and active mercy toward those in need. (49) Pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness.--The description strikes at the causes rather than the overt acts of sin, and the unnatural crimes which are always associated in our minds with the name of Sodom are not mentioned. It is noticeable, however, that the distinct sin which is mentioned in this passage is the negative one too common in all ages, "neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy."Verses 49, 50. - It is noticeable that what we commonly speak of as the specific sin of the cities of the plain is not mentioned here. The prophet fixes on the point which made Sodom a luxurious and sensual city, the graver evil being just hinted at in the word abominations, and as the outcome of the evil tendencies. So in like manner the special sin of Samaria, the worship of the calves, is not named, but taken for granted. (For fulness of bread, see Proverbs 30:9: Hosea 13:6; Deuteronomy 8:12.) Prosperity and luxury in her case, as in that of other wealthy cities, hardened the hearts of men against the poor and needy. There was probably a sufficient reason for the omission which has been pointed out. It was wiser to dwell on the sins which were common to the two cities rather than on the vice which, though it existed in Jerusalem (2 Kings 23:7), was probably not prevalent there. As I saw good; better, according to what I saw. The word "good" is not in the Hebrew, and the words apparently refer to Genesis 18:21.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Nowהִנֵּה־ (hin·nêh-) Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! this זֶ֣ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that was הָיָ֔ה (hā·yāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be the iniquity עֲוֺ֖ן (‘ă·wōn) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 5771: Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity of your sister אֲחוֹתֵ֑ךְ (’ă·ḥō·w·ṯêḵ) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person feminine singular Strong's 269: Sister -- a sister Sodom: סְדֹ֣ם (sə·ḏōm) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5467: Sodom -- a Canaanite city near the Dead Sea She and her daughters וְלִבְנוֹתֶ֔יהָ (wə·liḇ·nō·w·ṯe·hā) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 1323: A daughter were הָ֤יָה (hā·yāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be arrogant, גָּא֨וֹן (gā·’ō·wn) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1347: Arrogance, majesty, ornament overfed, שִׂבְעַת־ (śiḇ·‘aṯ-) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 7653: Fullness and complacent; הַשְׁקֵ֗ט (haš·qêṭ) Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute Strong's 8252: To be quiet or undisturbed they did not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no help הֶחֱזִֽיקָה׃ (he·ḥĕ·zî·qāh) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer the poor עָנִ֥י (‘ā·nî) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 6041: Poor, afflicted, humble and needy. וְאֶבְי֖וֹן (wə·’eḇ·yō·wn) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 34: In want, needy, poor Links Ezekiel 16:49 NIVEzekiel 16:49 NLT Ezekiel 16:49 ESV Ezekiel 16:49 NASB Ezekiel 16:49 KJV Ezekiel 16:49 BibleApps.com Ezekiel 16:49 Biblia Paralela Ezekiel 16:49 Chinese Bible Ezekiel 16:49 French Bible Ezekiel 16:49 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Ezekiel 16:49 Behold this was the iniquity of your (Ezek. Eze Ezk) |
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