King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 16:56 Mean?

Ezekiel 16:56 in the King James Version says “For thy sister Sodom was not mentioned by thy mouth in the day of thy pride, mentioned: Heb. for a report, or, hearing p...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For thy sister Sodom was not mentioned by thy mouth in the day of thy pride, mentioned: Heb. for a report, or, hearing pride: Heb. prides, or, excellencies”

Ezekiel 16:56 · KJV

Context

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.

56

For thy sister Sodom was not mentioned by thy mouth in the day of thy pride, mentioned: Heb. for a report, or, hearing pride: Heb. prides, or, excellencies

57

Before thy wickedness was discovered, as at the time of thy reproach of the daughters of Syria, and all that are round about her, the daughters of the Philistines, which despise thee round about. Syria: Heb. Aram despise: or, spoil

58

Thou hast borne thy lewdness and thine abominations, saith the LORD. borne: Heb. borne them

Read Ezekiel 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For thy sister Sodom was not mentioned by thy mouth in the day of thy pride. The Hebrew phrase lō' hāytâ Sedom... lišemû'â befîk (literally, "Sodom was not for a report in your mouth") means Jerusalem never spoke of Sodom except in scorn. In the day of thy pride (beyôm geônēk, בְּיוֹם גְּאוֹנֵךְ) refers to Jerusalem's period of prosperity and arrogance, when she presumed on covenant privilege while practicing abominations surpassing Sodom's.

The verse exposes judgmental pride. Jerusalem mentioned Sodom only to congratulate herself on being better—classic Pharisaism. Jesus similarly condemned those who thanked God they weren't like "other men" (Luke 18:11). Self-righteous comparison blinds us to our own sin. Jerusalem's pride prevented recognition of her worse condition. She invoked Sodom's name to deflect from her own guilt, yet her sins—religious hypocrisy, oppression of the poor, child sacrifice—exceeded Sodom's. Pride always distorts moral vision, making comparative righteousness seem acceptable while absolute righteousness (God's standard) goes unmet.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

During Judah's final decades before exile, false prophets proclaimed peace while the nation wallowed in syncretism (Jeremiah 6:14, 8:11). Jerusalem's pride was religious—she possessed the temple, Davidic monarchy, and covenant promises, assuming these guaranteed security regardless of conduct. Jeremiah and Ezekiel shattered this presumption. Archaeological evidence confirms late-monarchic Judah's prosperity, which fueled spiritual complacency. The Lachish ostraca and other texts show a society confident in its stability, blind to approaching judgment. This verse warns that seasons of prosperity often breed pride that prevents repentance.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who serves as your "Sodom"—the person or group you mentally compare yourself to in order to feel righteous?
  2. How does self-righteous comparison with others prevent honest examination of your own heart before God's standard?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְל֤וֹא1 of 8
H3808

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

הָֽיְתָה֙2 of 8
H1961

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

סְדֹ֣ם3 of 8

“Sodom”

H5467

sedom, a place near the dead sea

אֲחוֹתֵ֔ךְ4 of 8

“For thy sister”

H269

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

לִשְׁמוּעָ֖ה5 of 8

“was not mentioned”

H8052

something heard, i.e., an announcement

בְּפִ֑יךְ6 of 8

“by thy mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

בְּי֖וֹם7 of 8

“in the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

גְּאוֹנָֽיִךְ׃8 of 8

“of thy pride”

H1347

the same as h1346

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 16:56 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 16:56 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 65:5Zephaniah 3:11Luke 18:11Luke 15:28-30

Places in This Verse

SodomSettlement · Modern: south of the Lisan · 31.21°N, 35.45°E50 verses across 15 books
View all places in Ezekiel 16 →

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ezekiel 16 with CommentaryAll Ezekiel ChaptersComplete Ezekiel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes