Ezekiel 16:52 - You also bear your own shame yourself, in that you have given judgment for your sisters; through your sins that you have committed more abominable than they, they are more righteous than you. Yes, be also confounded, and bear your shame, in that you have justified your sisters.

Generated Verse: Ezekiel 16:52

What does "Ezekiel 16:52" mean?


Ezekiel 16 is a scathing indictment of Jerusalem, portrayed as an adulterous wife who has betrayed God. Verse 52 is part of this larger metaphorical accusation and carries significant weight:

"You also bear your own shame yourself, in that you have given judgment for your sisters..." This refers to Jerusalem's hypocrisy. Jerusalem likely judged other nations (represented as "sisters" - Sodom and Samaria, mentioned earlier in the chapter) for their sins. However, the verse points out that Jerusalem's own sins are even worse.

"...through your sins that you have committed more abominable than they, they are more righteous than you." This is a shocking statement. It's not that Sodom and Samaria were righteous, but that Jerusalem's wickedness had surpassed theirs. Jerusalem's betrayal was more egregious because she had received more blessings and knowledge of God than the other nations.

"Yes, be also confounded, and bear your shame, in that you have justified your sisters." Because of Jerusalem's own wickedness, they have inadvertently made their "sisters" (Sodom and Samaria) look more righteous by comparison. This brings further shame upon Jerusalem. They are to be confused and bear the full weight of their dishonor.

In essence, the verse is saying:

Jerusalem, you have judged other nations, but your sins are far worse. In fact, your sins are so terrible that they make those other nations appear relatively righteous. You should be ashamed of your hypocrisy and wickedness.

Key Takeaways:

Hypocrisy: Jerusalem's condemnation of others while engaging in even greater sins highlights the danger of hypocrisy.
Responsibility: With greater privilege and knowledge comes greater responsibility. Jerusalem, having received more from God, was held to a higher standard.
Shame and Repentance: The verse calls for Jerusalem to acknowledge and bear the shame of their actions, which is a necessary step toward repentance and restoration.
God's Justice: The passage underscores God's justice. He will hold all accountable for their actions, and those who claim righteousness while living wickedly will face particularly severe judgment.

What categories does "Ezekiel 16:52" have?