Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 16 - Verse 47

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.

Meaning

In this verse, the speaker is expressing disappointment towards a certain group of people who have strayed from the right path. The speaker acknowledges that those individuals have not followed the ways of others or engaged in their abominable practices. However, despite this, the speaker highlights the fact that the individuals in question have still managed to corrupt themselves even more than the others through their actions. The verse serves as a reminder that sometimes the greatest danger lies within ourselves, and that we must always be vigilant in guarding against corruption in all aspects of our lives. It emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's beliefs and values, and not succumbing to negative influences or temptations that can lead us astray. Ultimately, the verse serves as a cautionary tale about the insidious nature of corruption and the need to always strive for moral integrity in the face of adversity.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse highlights the concept of spiritual pride and hypocrisy. The passage emphasizes the idea that the individual described has not followed the ways of the pagans around them, yet has still fallen into even deeper corruption. This can serve as a warning against self-righteousness and the dangers of comparing oneself to others as a measure of righteousness. The verse can also be seen as a critique of selective morality, where one may avoid certain actions or behaviors but still engage in other sins. The word "corrupted" in this context suggests a complete departure from righteousness and a descent into moral decay. This can prompt readers to reflect on the importance of consistent and genuine obedience to God's commands, rather than outward appearances or superficial righteousness.

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