King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 16:51 Mean?

Ezekiel 16:51 in the King James Version says “Neither hath Samaria committed half of thy sins; but thou hast multiplied thine abominations more than they, and hast ju...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 · KJV

Context

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.

52

Thou also, which hast judged thy sisters, bear thine own shame for thy sins that thou hast committed more abominable than they: they are more righteous than thou: yea, be thou confounded also, and bear thy shame, in that thou hast justified thy sisters.

53

When I shall bring again their captivity , the captivity of Sodom and her daughters, and the captivity of Samaria and her daughters, then will I bring again the captivity of thy captives in the midst of them:

Read Ezekiel 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Neither hath Samaria committed half of thy sins—a devastating quantitative comparison. Samaria (Northern Kingdom) fell to Assyria in 722 BC for idolatry (2 Kings 17), yet Jerusalem's sins were double. Thou hast multiplied thine abominations more than they—the Hebrew ravah (רָבָה, multiplied) emphasizes abundance and excess.

And hast justified thy sisters in all thine abominations which thou hast done—the Hebrew tsadaq (צָדַק, justified) means declared righteous, vindicated. By exceeding Sodom and Samaria in wickedness, Jerusalem made them appear relatively righteous. This comparative justification functions ironically: Jerusalem's behavior was so egregious that cities destroyed for covenant unfaithfulness seem moderate by comparison. Paul uses similar logic in Romans 2:17-24—Jewish covenant breaking causes Gentiles to blaspheme God's name.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Samaria's sins included golden calf worship at Bethel and Dan (1 Kings 12:28-30), Ba'al worship under Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 16:31-33), child sacrifice, and syncretism (2 Kings 17:7-18). Despite witnessing Samaria's destruction as divine warning, Judah under Manasseh and later kings practiced identical sins plus temple prostitution and Molech worship in the Hinnom Valley.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does our sin 'justify' the wicked by making their behavior seem relatively acceptable?
  2. What warnings have we witnessed in others' spiritual failures that we are tempted to ignore?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְשֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן1 of 16

“Neither hath Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

כַּחֲצִ֥י2 of 16

“half”

H2677

the half or middle

חַטֹּאתַ֖יִךְ3 of 16

“of thy sins”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

לֹ֣א4 of 16
H3808

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

חָטָ֑אָה5 of 16

“committed”

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

וַתַּרְבִּ֤י6 of 16

“but thou hast multiplied”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

אֶת7 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

תּוֹעֲבֹתַ֖יִךְ8 of 16

“in all thine abominations”

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

מֵהֵ֔נָּה9 of 16

“more than they”

H2007

themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)

וַתְּצַדְּקִי֙10 of 16

“and hast justified”

H6663

to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)

אֶת11 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲחוֹתַ֔ךְ12 of 16

“thy sisters”

H269

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

בְּכָל13 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

תּוֹעֲבֹתַ֖יִךְ14 of 16

“in all thine abominations”

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

אֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשִֽׂיתי׃16 of 16

“which thou hast done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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 16:51 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 16:51 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 3:8-11Romans 3:9-20Matthew 12:41-42Luke 12:47-48

Places in This Verse

Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
View all places in Ezekiel 16 →

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