Ezekiel 16:61

Ezekiel 16:61 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then you will remember your ways and be ashamed when you receive your older and younger sisters. I will give them to you as daughters, but not because of My covenant with you.

King James Version KJV

Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed, when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thine elder and thy younger: and I will give them unto thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant.

American Standard Version ASV

Then shalt thou remember thy ways, and be ashamed, when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thine elder sisters and thy younger; and I will give them unto thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then at the memory of your ways you will be overcome with shame, when I take your sisters, the older and the younger, and give them to you for daughters, but not by your agreement.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then you will remember the way you are meant to live and be ashamed when you meet your older and younger sisters when they return to you. I will give them to you as daughters, even though this was not part of our original agreement.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then thou shalt remember thy wayes, and be ashamed, when thou shalt receiue thy sisters, both thy elder and thy yonger, and I will giue them vnto thee for daughters, but not by thy couenat.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And thou hast remembered thy ways, And thou hast been ashamed, In thy receiving thy sisters — Thine elder with thy younger, And I have given them to thee for daughters, And not by thy covenant.

World English Bible WEB

Then you will remember your ways and be ashamed when you receive your sisters, your elder sisters and your younger; and I will give them to you for daughters, but not by your covenant.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed, when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thy elder and thy younger: and I will give them to thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed: when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thy elder and thy younger: and I will give them to thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then you will think about what you have done, and you will be ashamed about those things when you welcome the people of Sodom and Samaria, cities which are like [MET] older and younger sisters to you people of Jerusalem. I will put them under your control by causing them to become like [MET] your daughters, but they will not have the same agreement that I will make with you.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 16:61

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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 16:61 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/זָכַ֣רְתְּ אֶת דְּרָכַיִ/ךְ֮ וְ/נִכְלַמְתְּ֒ בְּ/קַחְתֵּ֗/ךְ אֶת אֲחוֹתַ֨יִ/ךְ֙ הַ/גְּדֹל֣וֹת מִמֵּ֔/ךְ אֶל הַ/קְּטַנּ֖וֹת מִמֵּ֑/ךְ וְ/נָתַתִּ֨י אֶתְ/הֶ֥ן לָ֛/ךְ לְ/בָנ֖וֹת וְ/לֹ֥א מִ/בְּרִיתֵֽ/ךְ

וְ/זָכַ֣רְתְּ zâkar H2142 to remember Conj | V-Qal-2fs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

דְּרָכַיִ/ךְ֮ derek H1870 way N-cp | Suff

וְ/נִכְלַמְתְּ֒ kâlam H3637 be humiliated Conj | V-Niphal-2fs

בְּ/קַחְתֵּ֗/ךְ lâqach H3947 to take Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

אֲחוֹתַ֨יִ/ךְ֙ ʼâchôwth H269 sister N-fp | Suff

הַ/גְּדֹל֣וֹת gâdôwl H1419 Great (Sea) Art | Adj

מִמֵּ֔/ךְ min H4480 from Prep | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הַ/קְּטַנּ֖וֹת qâṭân H6996 small Art | Adj

מִמֵּ֑/ךְ min H4480 from Prep | Suff

וְ/נָתַתִּ֨י nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-1cs

אֶתְ/הֶ֥ן ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

לָ֛/ךְ Prep | Suff

לְ/בָנ֖וֹת bath H1323 Bath (Shua) Prep | N-fp

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

מִ/בְּרִיתֵֽ/ךְ bᵉrîyth H1285 covenant Prep | N-fs | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 16:61

וְ/זָכַ֣רְתְּ zâkar H2142 "to remember" Conj | V-Qal-2fs

To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.

Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance

Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

דְּרָכַיִ/ךְ֮ 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.

וְ/נִכְלַמְתְּ֒ kâlam H3637 "be humiliated" Conj | V-Niphal-2fs

To be humiliated means to be insulted or shamed, as seen in the Bible's use of this word to describe people's reactions to their mistakes. It is about feeling ashamed or reproached.

Definition: 1) to insult, shame, humiliate, blush, be ashamed, be put to shame, be reproached, be put to confusion, be humiliated 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be humiliated, be ashamed 1a2) to be put to shame, be dishonoured, be confounded 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to put to shame, insult, humiliate, cause shame to 1b2) to exhibit shame 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be insulted, be humiliated 1c2) to be put to shame, be dishonoured, be confounded

Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: be (make) ashamed, blush, be confounded, be put to confusion, hurt, reproach, (do, put to) shame. See also: Numbers 12:14; Proverbs 25:8; Psalms 35:4.

בְּ/קַחְתֵּ֗/ךְ lâqach H3947 "to take" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

אֲחוֹתַ֨יִ/ךְ֙ ʼâchôwth H269 "sister" N-fp | Suff

A sister in the Bible can be a biological sibling, a half-sister, or a close relative. In Genesis 4:2, Cain's sister is not named, but in Genesis 24:15, Rebekah is Isaac's cousin and future wife.

Definition: 1) sister 1a) sister (same parents) 1b) half-sister (same father) 1c) relative 1c1) (metaph) of Israel's and Judah's relationship 1d) beloved 1d1) bride 1e) (fig.) of intimate connection 1f) another

Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other, sister, together. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Samuel 13:22; Proverbs 7:4.

הַ/גְּדֹל֣וֹת gâdôwl H1419 "Great (Sea)" Art | Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.

Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)

Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.

מִמֵּ֔/ךְ min H4480 "from" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

הַ/קְּטַנּ֖וֹת qâṭân H6996 "small" Art | Adj

This Hebrew word means something or someone small in size, amount, or importance. It can describe something as little or least, and is often used to convey a sense of youth or insignificance. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: young, small, unimportant Another spelling of qa.ton (קָטֹן ": small" H6996B)

Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: least, less(-er), little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing), young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 1:16; 1 Kings 22:31; Psalms 104:25.

מִמֵּ֑/ךְ min H4480 "from" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

וְ/נָתַתִּ֨י nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-1cs

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

אֶתְ/הֶ֥ן ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

לָ֛/ךְ "" Prep | Suff

לְ/בָנ֖וֹת bath H1323 "Bath (Shua)" Prep | N-fp

The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.

Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')

Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.

וְ/לֹ֥א 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.

מִ/בְּרִיתֵֽ/ךְ bᵉrîyth H1285 "covenant" Prep | N-fs | Suff

A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.

Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation

Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 16:61

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ezekiel 16:61 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 16:61
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 16:61
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:61
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:61
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:61
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:61
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 16:61
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:61
Sermons on Ezekiel 16:61

Context — The Covenant Remembered

59For this is what the Lord GOD says: I will deal with you according to your deeds, since you have despised the oath by breaking the covenant. 60But I will remember the covenant I made with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you.

61Then you will remember your ways and be ashamed when you receive your older and younger sisters. I will give them to you as daughters, but not because of My covenant with you.

62So I will establish My covenant with you, and you will know that I am the LORD, 63so that when I make atonement for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your disgrace, declares the Lord GOD.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Hebrews 8:13	By speaking of a new covenant, He has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear.
2	Galatians 4:26–31	But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written: “Rejoice, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband.” Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. At that time, however, the son born by the flesh persecuted the son born by the Spirit. It is the same now. But what does the Scripture say? “Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.” Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.
3	Isaiah 66:7–12	“Before she was in labor, she gave birth; before she was in pain, she delivered a boy. Who has heard of such as this? Who has seen such things? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be delivered in an instant? Yet as soon as Zion was in labor, she gave birth to her children. Shall I bring a baby to the point of birth and not deliver it?” says the LORD. “Or will I who deliver close the womb?” says your God. Be glad for Jerusalem and rejoice over her, all who love her. Rejoice greatly with her, all who mourn over her, so that you may nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you may drink deeply and delight yourselves in her glorious abundance. For this is what the LORD says: “I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flowing stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm, and bounced upon her knees.
4	Romans 11:11	I ask then, did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Certainly not! However, because of their trespass, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous.
5	Ezekiel 20:43	There you will remember your ways and all the deeds with which you have defiled yourselves, and you will loathe yourselves for all the evils you have done.
6	Romans 15:16	to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
7	Ephesians 3:6	This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus.
8	Jeremiah 50:4–5	“In those days and at that time, declares the LORD, the children of Israel and the children of Judah will come together, weeping as they come, and will seek the LORD their God. They will ask the way to Zion and turn their faces toward it. They will come and join themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will never be forgotten.
9	Song of Solomon 8:8–9	We have a little sister, and her breasts are not yet grown. What shall we do for our sister on the day she is spoken for? If she is a wall, we will build a tower of silver to protect her. If she is a door, we will enclose her with panels of cedar.
10	Isaiah 11:9–10	They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the sea is full of water. On that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples. The nations will seek Him, and His place of rest will be glorious.

Ezekiel 16:61 Summary

[Ezekiel 16:61 is a verse about God's promise to restore and redeem His people, even when they have failed to keep their end of the covenant. This verse reminds us that God's love and mercy are not based on our own actions, but on His sovereign grace, as seen in Romans 5:8. When we remember our past mistakes and are ashamed, we can receive God's gift of forgiveness and restoration, just like Israel received their 'older and younger sisters' as a gift from God.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'remember your ways and be ashamed' in Ezekiel 16:61?

This phrase means to recall and reflect on past actions with a sense of regret and remorse, as seen in Ezekiel 16:61, similar to the concept of repentance in 1 John 1:9, where acknowledging our sins leads to forgiveness and cleansing.

Who are the 'older and younger sisters' mentioned in Ezekiel 16:61?

The 'older and younger sisters' refer to the nations or cities that were related to or allied with Israel, such as Sodom and Samaria, as mentioned in Ezekiel 16:46, which represents a restoration of relationships under God's covenant, as promised in Ezekiel 16:60.

Why does God say He will give them as daughters 'but not because of My covenant with you'?

This statement emphasizes that God's actions are not based solely on His covenant with Israel, but also on His sovereign grace and mercy, as seen in Romans 9:15-16, where God's choices are not based on human merit or actions.

How does this verse relate to the concept of restoration in the Bible?

Ezekiel 16:61 points to God's desire to restore and redeem His people, as seen in Isaiah 61:4, where God promises to rebuild and restore the ruins of His people, and in Ezekiel 16:62, where God establishes an everlasting covenant with His people.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which I have 'despised the oath by breaking the covenant' in my own life, and how can I seek restoration and forgiveness?
How does the concept of 'remembering my ways and being ashamed' apply to my personal relationship with God, and what steps can I take to cultivate a sense of humility and repentance?
In what ways can I, like Israel, receive 'older and younger sisters' as a gift from God, and how can I demonstrate love and care for those around me?
What does it mean for me to 'know that I am the LORD' in Ezekiel 16:62, and how can I deepen my understanding of God's character and nature in my own life?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 16:61

Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed,.... When covenant grace is manifested and applied, it brings persons to a sense of their sins, and to an ingenuous acknowledgment of them, with

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 16:61

Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed, when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thine elder and thy younger: and I will give them unto thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant. Then thou shalt remember.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:61

Then; when that new covenant, made and confirmed, shall operate and take effect. Remember; consider and lay to heart, repent of, mourn for, loathe and abhor, and turn from all thy wicked ways, all thy evil practices and doings. Be ashamed; though whilst thou wast an adulteress, and false to thy Husband, thou didst not blush, now thou shalt with a deep shame remember and detest thy lewdness. Receive; admit into church communion, own them as members of the church of God. Thy sisters; the Gentiles, now strangers, but then sisters. Thine elder; or those that are greater and mightier than thou, or that by their power, wealth, and honour are as much above thee as the elder children are above the younger. Thy younger; thy lesser or meaner sister. I will give them unto thee; they shall be to thee as a gift bestowed in love. For daughters: as daughters in duty hearken to and obey, so shall the Gentiles brought into the church hearken to the word of God, which sounded out from the Jews from Jerusalem. By thy covenant; not by that old covenant which was violated, not by external ceremonies, which were a great part of the first covenant, but by that covenant which writes the law in the heart, and puts the fear of God into the inward parts.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:61

Ezekiel 16:61 Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed, when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thine elder and thy younger: and I will give them unto thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant.Ver. 61. And be ashamed.] With a saving and savoury shame, such as was that of Ezra and of the penitent publican, proceeding from true compunction, and producing repentance never to be repented of. When thou shalt receive thy sisters.] Not Sodom only and Samaria, but all the Gentiles whom thou hast imitated; but now shalt become a worthy example of better things. But not by thy covenant.] Made with thee in Mount Sinai, but by a covenant of grace made in Mount Zion.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:61

(61) Give them unto thee for daughters.—The humiliation of Jerusalem must be so complete that she will gladly receive these once-despised enemies to the closest family relationship. We are not here to think of Sodom specifically, but (the concrete passing into the general) of that which Sodom represented, the heathen world at large. This shall be received with Jerusalem to the church of God; “but not by thy covenant.” The covenant with Israel, however it may have been preceded by a “preaching of the Gospel” to Abraham (Galatians 3:8), was distinctly a covenant of works, under which neither Jew nor Gentile could attain salvation (see Rom. and Gal. throughout). Not, therefore, by this should the nations of the earth be given to Jerusalem as representing the Church.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:61

Verse 61. Thy sisters, thine elder and thy younger] The Gentiles, who were before the Jews were called, and after the Jews were cast off, are here termed the elder and younger sister. These were to be given to Jerusalem for daughters; the latter should be converted to God by the ministry of men who should spring out of the Jewish Church. The former, who were patriarchs, c., profited by the Lamb who was slain from the foundation of the world. Among the latter the Gospel was preached, first by Christ and his apostles, and since by persons raised up from among themselves. But not by thy covenant.] This was the ancient covenant, the conditions of which they broke, and the blessings of which they forfeited but by that new covenant, or the renewal to the Gentiles of that covenant that was made originally with Abraham while he was a Gentile, promising that in his seed all the nations of the earth should be blessed; that covenant which respected the incarnation of Christ, and was ratified by the blood of his cross.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 16:61

61. Sodom and Samaria, the sisters of Jerusalem, shall be restored also with her and given her for daughters. This restoration of her sinful sisters and her receiving them for daughters shall bring the sense of her own sin home to Jerusalem, and she shall be ashamed of all she has done. not by thy covenant] This glory of receiving Samaria and Sodom and her other sister cities and nationalities for daughters shall not accrue to Jerusalem as the result of her former covenant with Jehovah, for that covenant of his she broke. It shall be like the new covenant itself, something altogether additional, an act of God’s goodness in no way depending on former relations (Ezekiel 16:62).

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:61

61. But not by thy covenant — Smend and Cornill, “but not because of thy covenant;” Kliefoth and Keil, “though they be not of thy covenant.” None of these new glories of Israel will bring pride, but

Sermons on Ezekiel 16:61

	Sermon	Description
	(The Better Covenant) 4 - the Spirit's Fullness by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the friend at midnight from Luke 11:5-13. He emphasizes the promise that God will give us as much as we need when we ask Him.
	God's Dwelling Place by George Warnock	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord earnestly and experiencing His visitation. The speaker shares a personal testimony of going through a diff
	(Covenant Series) 4. Experiencing the Power & Liberty of the New Covenant by Al Whittinghill	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of deserving good treatment and how it relates to our relationship with God. He compares society's questioning of God's love and
	Help Is on the Way by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Isaiah 41:8, where God addresses Israel as His chosen servant. The preacher emphasizes that God has chosen and called His people, and theref
	New Covenant - Superior to the Law - Part 6 by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the challenge of transitioning from the old covenant to the new covenant, highlighting the difficulty in letting go of ingrained traditions and mindsets. It
	Motivated by Love by Zac Poonen	This sermon delves into the profound understanding of being a servant of the New Covenant, emphasizing the inadequacy of human efforts and the sufficiency found in God. It explores
	Priests of God by Art Katz	This sermon emphasizes the importance of embracing the priestly calling alongside the apostolic calling, highlighting the need for a deep sense of priestliness that is often lackin