Ezekiel 16:56 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 16:56 mean?

Ezekiel 16:56 says that Jerusalem did not even mention Sodom—called her “sister”—when Jerusalem was proud. The verse points out that, in the past, Jerusalem looked down on Sodom and did not speak of her, especially during times when Jerusalem felt secure and superior.

The prophet Ezekiel is speaking God’s message to Jerusalem, comparing the city to Sodom to highlight Jerusalem’s own failings. The verse is part of a larger passage where Jerusalem’s sins are being exposed, and it reminds the people that their pride once kept them from even acknowledging Sodom, a city known for its wickedness.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 16:56

• “Sister” (אָחוֹת, ’achot): This word shows that Ezekiel is drawing a family-like comparison between Jerusalem and Sodom, emphasizing their close connection in guilt, not just geography.
• “Mentioned” (שֵׁמֻעָה, shemu‘ah): This word often means “report” or “news,” so the verse is saying Sodom’s name or reputation was not even brought up by Jerusalem.
• “Mouth” (פֶּה, peh): The use of “mouth” here stresses that Jerusalem would not even speak of Sodom, underlining the degree of disdain or denial.
• “Day” (יוֹם, yom) and “pride” (גָּאוֹן, ga’on): Together, these words point to a specific time when Jerusalem was proud—suggesting that pride led to ignoring Sodom’s fate, perhaps out of a sense of superiority.

Why Ezekiel 16:56 matters

• This verse clears up that Jerusalem once felt so superior that she would not even talk about Sodom, a city destroyed for its sins, showing how pride can blind people to their own faults.
• It highlights the irony that Jerusalem, who once looked down on Sodom, is now being compared to her, warning against self-righteousness.
• The verse connects to the wider passage by setting up the shock that Jerusalem’s own actions have become as bad as, or worse than, those of Sodom, making the coming judgment more pointed.