King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 16:49 Mean?

Ezekiel 16:49 in the King James Version says “Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in ... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Ezekiel 16:49 · KJV


Context

47

Yet hast thou not walked after their ways, nor done after their abominations: but, as if that were a very little thing, thou wast corrupted more than they in all thy ways. as if: or, that was lothed as a small thing

48

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.

49

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.

50

And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"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." Sodom's sin exceeded sexual immorality to include pride, luxury, and neglect of the poor. The threefold indictment—pride, satiation, idleness—depicts self-centered affluence ignoring others' suffering. This challenges assumptions that Sodom's sin was exclusively sexual. Comfortable prosperity combined with neglect of vulnerable exemplifies covenant violation. True religion requires both right worship and compassionate justice.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ezekiel's indictment (589 BC) compared Jerusalem unfavorably to Sodom—shocking rhetoric designed to pierce complacency. Archaeological evidence confirms ancient Sodom's wealth and luxury before destruction. The prophets consistently linked prosperity with responsibility: wealth is stewardship requiring generosity and justice. Jerusalem's affluent class (before exile) exploited the poor while maintaining religious ceremonies—the same pattern that destroyed Sodom. The comparison warns wealthy societies that comfortable prosperity combined with indifference to suffering invites judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does prosperity sometimes breed pride, satiation, and indifference to others' suffering?
  2. What responsibility do affluent believers have toward the poor and needy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
הִנֵּה1 of 19
H2009

lo!

זֶ֣ה2 of 19
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

הָיָ֔ה3 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עֲוֹ֖ן4 of 19

Behold this was the iniquity

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

סְדֹ֣ם5 of 19

Sodom

H5467

sedom, a place near the dead sea

אֲחוֹתֵ֑ךְ6 of 19

of thy sister

H269

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)

גָּא֨וֹן7 of 19

pride

H1347

the same as h1346

שִׂבְעַת8 of 19

fulness

H7653

satiety

לֶ֜חֶם9 of 19

of bread

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וְשַׁלְוַ֣ת10 of 19

and abundance

H7962

security (genuine or false)

הַשְׁקֵ֗ט11 of 19

of idleness

H8252

to repose (usually figurative)

הָ֤יָה12 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָהּ֙13 of 19
H0
וְלִבְנוֹתֶ֔יהָ14 of 19

was in her and in her daughters

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

וְיַד15 of 19

the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עָנִ֥י16 of 19

of the poor

H6041

depressed, in mind or circumstances

וְאֶבְי֖וֹן17 of 19

and needy

H34

destitute

לֹ֥א18 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֶחֱזִֽיקָה׃19 of 19

neither did she strengthen

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 16:49 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 16:49 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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