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Ezekiel 16:47

Ezekiel 16:47 in Multiple Translations

And you not only walked in their ways and practiced their abominations, but soon you were more depraved than they were.

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.

Yet hast thou not walked in their ways, nor done after their abominations; but, as if that were a very little thing, thou wast more corrupt than they in all thy ways.

Still you have not gone in their ways or done the disgusting things which they have done; but, as if that was only a little thing, you have gone deeper in evil than they in all your ways.

You didn't just follow their ways and do the same disgusting things they did, you very quickly became even worse than them.

Yet hast thou not walked after their wayes, nor done after their abominations: but as it had bene a very little thing, thou wast corrupted more then they in all thy wayes.

And — in their ways thou hast not walked, And according to their abominations done, As a little thing it hath been loathed, And thou dost more corruptly than they in all thy ways.

Yet you have not walked in their ways, nor done their abominations; but soon you were more corrupt than they in all your ways.

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.

But neither hast thou walked in their ways, nor hast thou done a little less than they according to their wickednesses: thou hast done almost more wicked things than they in all thy ways.

You not only imitated all [DOU] their detestable behavior, but you quickly became more sinful than they were.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 16:47

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ezekiel 16:47 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/לֹ֤א בְ/דַרְכֵי/הֶן֙ הָלַ֔כְתְּ וּ/בְ/תוֹעֲבֽוֹתֵי/הֶ֖ן עשיתי עָשִׂ֑ית כִּ/מְעַ֣ט קָ֔ט וַ/תַּשְׁחִ֥תִי מֵ/הֵ֖ן בְּ/כָל דְּרָכָֽיִ/ךְ
וְ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
בְ/דַרְכֵי/הֶן֙ derek H1870 way Prep | N-cp | Suff
הָלַ֔כְתְּ hâlak H1980 to go V-Qal-Perf-2fs
וּ/בְ/תוֹעֲבֽוֹתֵי/הֶ֖ן tôwʻêbah H8441 abomination Conj | Prep | N-fp | Suff
עשיתי ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-2fs
עָשִׂ֑ית ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-2fs
כִּ/מְעַ֣ט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 little Prep | N-ms
קָ֔ט qaṭ H6985 only Adj
וַ/תַּשְׁחִ֥תִי shâchath H7843 to ruin Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-2fs
מֵ/הֵ֖ן hên H2004 they(fem.) Prep | Suff
בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms
דְּרָכָֽיִ/ךְ derek H1870 way N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 16:47

וְ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
בְ/דַרְכֵי/הֶן֙ derek H1870 "way" Prep | N-cp | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
הָלַ֔כְתְּ hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Qal-Perf-2fs
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
וּ/בְ/תוֹעֲבֽוֹתֵי/הֶ֖ן tôwʻêbah H8441 "abomination" Conj | Prep | N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for abomination refers to something disgusting, like idolatry or unclean food, and is often used to describe wickedness in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a disgusting thing, abomination, abominable 1a) in ritual sense (of unclean food, idols, mixed marriages) 1b) in ethical sense (of wickedness etc)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: abominable (custom, thing), abomination. See also: Genesis 43:32; Proverbs 26:25; Psalms 88:9.
עשיתי ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-2fs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
עָשִׂ֑ית ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-2fs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
כִּ/מְעַ֣ט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 "little" Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
קָ֔ט qaṭ H6985 "only" Adj
This word means something is small or insignificant, used to emphasize that something is merely or only a little thing, as seen in various biblical descriptions.
Definition: 1) a small thing, little, merely (adv) 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: very. See also: Ezekiel 16:47.
וַ/תַּשְׁחִ֥תִי shâchath H7843 "to ruin" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-2fs
This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.
Definition: 1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay 1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spoil, ruin 1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy 1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally) 1c3) destroyer (participle) 1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle) Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)
Usage: Occurs in 136 OT verses. KJV: batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r). See also: Genesis 6:11; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:2.
מֵ/הֵ֖ן hên H2004 "they(fem.)" Prep | Suff
A Hebrew pronoun meaning they or them, used for emphasis, as seen in the writings of King Solomon. It refers to a group of people or things, often in a general sense.
Definition: they, these, the same, who A grammatical form of hu (הוּא "he/she/it" H1931)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in, such like, (with) them, thereby, therein, (more than) they, wherein, in which, whom, withal. See also: Genesis 19:29; Numbers 16:7; Jeremiah 4:29.
בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
דְּרָכָֽיִ/ךְ derek H1870 "way" N-cp | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 16:47

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Kings 21:9 But the people did not listen and Manasseh led them astray, so that they did greater evil than the nations that the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites.
2 Ezekiel 16:51 Furthermore, Samaria did not commit half the sins you did. You have multiplied your abominations beyond theirs, and all the abominations you have committed have made your sisters appear righteous.
3 Ezekiel 5:6–7 But she has rebelled against My ordinances more wickedly than the nations, and against My statutes worse than the countries around her. For her people have rejected My ordinances and have not walked in My statutes.’ Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You have been more insubordinate than the nations around you; you have not walked in My statutes or kept My ordinances, nor have you even conformed to the ordinances of the nations around you.’
4 Ezekiel 16:48 As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, your sister Sodom and her daughters never did as you and your daughters have done.
5 1 Kings 16:31 And as if it were not enough for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he even married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he then proceeded to serve and worship Baal.
6 1 Corinthians 5:1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife.
7 Ezekiel 8:17 “Son of man,” He said to me, “do you see this? Is it not enough for the house of Judah to commit the abominations they are practicing here, that they must also fill the land with violence and continually provoke Me to anger? Look, they are even putting the branch to their nose!
8 John 15:21–22 But they will treat you like this because of My name, since they do not know the One who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin.
9 2 Kings 21:16 Moreover, Manasseh shed so much innocent blood that he filled Jerusalem from end to end, in addition to the sin that he had caused Judah to commit, doing evil in the sight of the LORD.

Ezekiel 16:47 Summary

This verse is saying that the people of Jerusalem not only copied the sinful ways of the surrounding nations, but they actually became even more sinful than them. This is a warning to us today to be careful not to compromise with the world's values and practices, but instead to strive to live according to God's Word and will (Romans 12:1-2). By following God's ways, we can avoid the trap of sin and instead live a life that is pleasing to Him (Psalm 119:1-3). As we reflect on this verse, let's ask God to show us any areas in our lives where we may be following 'their ways' and to give us the strength to turn to Him and follow His ways instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is meant by 'their ways' and 'their abominations' in Ezekiel 16:47?

The 'ways' and 'abominations' refer to the sinful practices of the surrounding nations, such as idolatry and immorality, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:9 and Leviticus 18:3. By following these ways, the people of Jerusalem were rebelling against God's laws and commands.

How could Jerusalem be 'more depraved' than Sodom and Samaria?

According to Ezekiel 16:48, Sodom and her daughters did not commit the same level of sin as Jerusalem, despite their own wickedness. This suggests that Jerusalem's depravity was not just in the quantity of sin, but also in the depth of rebellion against God, as seen in Romans 1:21-23.

What does this verse reveal about God's character?

This verse shows that God is a holy and just God who hates sin and abominations, as stated in Proverbs 6:16-19 and Psalm 11:5. At the same time, God is also a God of mercy and love, who calls His people to repentance and restoration, as seen in Ezekiel 18:30-32 and Jeremiah 31:3.

How does this apply to Christians today?

As Christians, we are called to be separate from the world and its sinful ways, as commanded in 2 Corinthians 6:17 and 1 Peter 1:14-16. We must be careful not to compromise with the world's values and practices, but instead strive to live according to God's Word and will, as seen in Romans 12:1-2 and Colossians 3:1-10.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I may be following 'their ways' and 'their abominations' in my own life, and how can I repent and turn to God?
  2. How can I balance the truth of God's holiness and justice with the truth of His love and mercy, and what does this mean for my relationship with Him?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I may be 'more depraved' than others, and how can I seek God's help and restoration in these areas?
  4. What does it mean to 'walk in the ways' of the world, and how can I instead 'walk in the ways' of God, as commanded in Psalm 119:1-3 and Micah 6:8?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 16:47

Yet hast thou not walked after their ways,.... But in ways more evil; were not content to keep pace with them, and do as they did; but outwent them, outstripped them in wickedness: nor done after

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 16:47

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:47

Yet, Heb. And. Walked; lived and behaved thyself as they did, for they, all things considered, were less sinners than thou. Nor done, & c.; the same in other words; their doings were abominable, but thine have been worse. Thou, O Jerusalem! wast corrupted more than they; art deeper dyed in sin. These deep sins were more universal, if not as to the actors, for number, yet as to extent of the wickednesses those actors committed.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:47

Ezekiel 16:47 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.Ver. 47. Yet hast thou not walked after their ways.] But hast out sinned them. Nolunt solita peccare, Do not make a habit of sinning, saith Seneca of some, They will not sin in an ordinary way. Et pudet non esse impudentes, saith Augustine of others; i.e., they are ashamed not to be past shame. But as if that were a very little thing.] Paululum pauxillumque; A peccadillo.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:47

(47) As if that were a very little thing.—Better, thou hast not walked after their ways, nor done after their abominations a little only, but hast done more corruptly than they, &c. This excess of wickedness is constantly charged upon the Jews (see Ezekiel 5:6-7). Sodom had indeed sinned grievously in its day, but more than 1,000 years had since passed, in which resistance to Divine admonitions had led on to a still more grievous depth of wickedness; and Samaria had been carried into captivity more than a century before the time of the prophet, and during this period the people, with now and then a few short intervals of reformation, had been tending steadily downwards. This same thought is dwelt upon in the four following verses, in which the sin of Sodom is described, while that of Samaria is passed over as being sufficiently well known.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 16:47

47–51. The depravity of Jerusalem exceeded that of either of her sisters: Sodom (Ezekiel 16:48-50), Samaria (Ezekiel 16:51).

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:47

47. Yet hast thou not walked after their ways — Every Hebrew would say Amen to this statement, but would grind his teeth when he found that the contrast drawn was in favor of these despised cities and nations.

Sermons on Ezekiel 16:47

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen Revelation and the Way of the Cross by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of justification by faith, highlighting Martin Luther's stand against salvation by works. It delves into the truth that our righteousness is l
Zac Poonen (Basics) 64. Unforgiveness and Bitterness by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the role of Satan as a full-time worker who constantly accuses and deceives believers. The preacher warns against harboring bitterness and u
G.W. North Apostle's Doctrine - Part 2 by G.W. North In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the redemption of the body and the anticipation of the trumpet blowing while believers are still on earth. The speaker emphasiz
William MacDonald Studies in 1 Corinthians-05 1 Cor 5:8-13 by William MacDonald In this sermon, the preacher introduces a chorus that the congregation has previously learned and liked. The chorus emphasizes the belief in God's guidance and trust in Him during
Brian Brodersen (1 Corinthians) Overview to Chapter 5 by Brian Brodersen In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of sexual immorality within the congregation. He emphasizes that this problem should not be overlooked or condoned, but rather deal
Stephen Kaung Leavening and Judging in Corinthians by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker discusses the doctrine of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The Pharisees are known for their strict adherence to studying and following the Old Testamen
Stephen Kaung Corinthians: Discipline of the Christian by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of church discipline as a form of correction and guidance within the Christian community. He emphasizes that church discipline is

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