Ezekiel 16:46 Meaning and Explanation
“And thine elder sister is Samaria, she and her daughters that dwell at thy left hand: and thy younger sister, that dwelleth at thy right hand, is Sodom and her daughters.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jerusalem's sisters in unfaithfulness are Samaria (to the left/north) and Sodom (to the right/south), representing degrees of transgression.
The Context of Ezekiel 16:46
Jerusalem is sisters with Samaria (north) and Sodom (south) in covenant-breaking.
What Does Ezekiel 16:46 Mean?
The geographical positioning establishes relationships: Samaria, the northern kingdom of Israel, is Jerusalem's 'elder sister' (historically it diverged from the united kingdom earlier). Sodom, the infamous city destroyed for sin, is the 'younger sister.' Both cities, like Jerusalem, are characterized by fundamental covenant-breaking and rebellion.
The directional markers—left and right—may allude to Psalm 109:6 or other contexts where left represents judgment and right represents grace. Both sisters represent different forms of covenant failure. Samaria represents Israel's political and spiritual schism; Sodom represents the extreme of sexual perversion and violence. Jerusalem is positioned among these sisters, sharing their fundamental character.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 16:46
What does Ezekiel 16:46 mean?
Jerusalem's sisters in unfaithfulness are Samaria (to the left/north) and Sodom (to the right/south), representing degrees of transgression.
What is the context of Ezekiel 16:46?
Jerusalem is sisters with Samaria (north) and Sodom (south) in covenant-breaking.