King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 16:53 Mean?

Ezekiel 16:53 in the King James Version says “When I shall bring again their captivity , the captivity of Sodom and her daughters, and the captivity of Samaria and he...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Ezekiel 16:53 · KJV

Context

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:

54

That thou mayest bear thine own shame, and mayest be confounded in all that thou hast done, in that thou art a comfort unto them.

55

When thy sisters, Sodom and her daughters, shall return to their former estate, and Samaria and her daughters shall return to their former estate, then thou and thy daughters shall return to your former estate.

Read Ezekiel 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When I shall bring again their captivity (שׁוּב שְׁבוּת, shuv shevut)—this phrase means to restore fortunes, reverse captivity. God promises future restoration for Sodom and her daughters and Samaria and her daughters, with thy captives in the midst of them indicating Jerusalem's restoration will occur alongside theirs, not privileged above them.

This verse introduces the gospel reversal: grace extends beyond covenant Israel to Gentiles (Sodom represents Gentile wickedness). Romans 11 develops this theology—Jewish hardening brings Gentile inclusion, and Israel's eventual restoration will occur alongside redeemed Gentiles. The phrase in the midst of them suggests Jerusalem won't be exalted above restored Gentiles but joined equally in God's mercy. This prepares for verses 60-63, which promise a new everlasting covenant superseding Sinai.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This restoration prophecy looks beyond the historical return from Babylonian exile (538 BC) to eschatological restoration in Christ's kingdom. 'Sodom's restoration cannot be literal (the city was obliterated), thus pointing to spiritual restoration of Gentiles from every nation. The New Testament reveals this mystery—Gentiles included in God's covenant people through Christ (Ephesians 2:11-22; 3:6).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the promise of Sodom's restoration magnify the reach of God's redeeming grace?
  2. What does Jerusalem's restoration 'in the midst of them' teach about equality in the body of Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְשַׁבְתִּי֙1 of 14

“When I shall bring again”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶת2 of 14
H853

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

וּשְׁב֥יּת3 of 14

“and the captivity”

H7622

exile, concretely, prisoners; figuratively, a former state of prosperity

אֶת4 of 14
H853

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

וּשְׁב֥יּת5 of 14

“and the captivity”

H7622

exile, concretely, prisoners; figuratively, a former state of prosperity

סְדֹם֙6 of 14

“of Sodom”

H5467

sedom, a place near the dead sea

וּבְנוֹתֶ֑יהָ7 of 14

“and her daughters”

H1323

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

וְאֶת8 of 14
H853

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

וּשְׁב֥יּת9 of 14

“and the captivity”

H7622

exile, concretely, prisoners; figuratively, a former state of prosperity

שֹׁמְר֖וֹן10 of 14

“of Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

וּבְנוֹתֶ֑יהָ11 of 14

“and her daughters”

H1323

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

וּשְׁב֥יּת12 of 14

“and the captivity”

H7622

exile, concretely, prisoners; figuratively, a former state of prosperity

שְׁבִיתַ֖יִךְ13 of 14
H7628

exiled; captured; as noun, exile (abstractly or concretely and collectively); by extension, booty

בְּתוֹכָֽהְנָה׃14 of 14

“in the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

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 16:53 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 16:53 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 12:16Ezekiel 29:14Isaiah 19:24-25Ezekiel 39:25Job 42:10Ezekiel 16:60-61

Places in This Verse

Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
SodomSettlement · Modern: south of the Lisan · 31.21°N, 35.45°E50 verses across 15 books
View all places in Ezekiel 16 →

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