Ezekiel 16:44 Meaning and Explanation
“Behold, every one that useth proverbs shall use this proverb against thee, saying, As is the mother, so is her daughter.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jerusalem will become a proverb among nations, exemplifying the truth that children inherit their parents' character.
The Context of Ezekiel 16:44
Jerusalem will become a proverbial example of inherited character and failure.
What Does Ezekiel 16:44 Mean?
Jerusalem's judgment will be so notorious that she becomes the subject of widespread proverbs. Nations will use her as an example when discussing how daughters inherit and perpetuate their mothers' character and behavior. The proverb format suggests her story will become legendary as an illustration of this principle.
This ties back to earlier verses where God traced Jerusalem's ancestry to Amorites and Hittites. Just as ancestry shapes character, Jerusalem has inherited or developed the spiritual unfaithfulness that characterizes her origins. Her downfall will illustrate this principle so thoroughly that her name becomes synonymous with the saying.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 16:44
What does Ezekiel 16:44 mean?
Jerusalem will become a proverb among nations, exemplifying the truth that children inherit their parents' character.
What is the context of Ezekiel 16:44?
Jerusalem will become a proverbial example of inherited character and failure.