Definition: Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 16:49. It's a really important message about sin and judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where a city called Sodom – which was a very prosperous and decadent place – was plagued by serious problems. These problems weren’t just economic; they were rooted in pride and a lack of concern for others. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 16:49” : This is the verse itself, coming from a prophetic book written by Ezekiel, who was a Jewish priest during the time of King Josiah. It’s a specific passage from God. “Behold…” : This phrase is like a warning or an observation. It's setting up something important to be understood. “This was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom…” : "Iniquity" means moral wrong, wickedness, or sin. Ezekiel is saying that Sodom had this problem – it was a serious issue for God. He’s referring back to their past behavior. “Pride…” : This is the key word here. Pride is an excessive belief in one's own importance and abilities. It’s a feeling of superiority, often leading to arrogance and disregard for others. Sodom was puffed up with its own glory, and this pride caused them problems. “…fulness of bread…” : This refers to overabundance – having too much food. It suggests a lavish lifestyle that wasn't focused on helping those in need. “…and abundance of idleness…” : This means they weren’t working hard for others or contributing positively to the world. They were lazy and spent their time doing nothing useful. What does it mean for us? This verse is a reminder that everyone can be susceptible to sin and wrongdoing. It's not just about Sodom, but about all of humanity – we all have the potential for pride and selfishness. It’s a call to: Reflect on our own lives: Are we striving for more than what we need? Are we focusing on ourselves instead of others? Practice humility: Recognizing that we are not superior to anyone, and that we're all part of the same community. Seek to help those in need: True wealth isn’t about possessions; it’s about using our gifts and opportunities to make a positive impact on the world. In short, the verse warns against pride and encourages us to be generous with our time, resources, and attention to others. --- Do you have any specific questions about this passage that you'd like me to answer? For example: Are you curious about its historical context? Would you like a more detailed explanation of any particular part of the verse?