Definition: Thou also, which hast judged thy sisters, bear thine own shame for thy sins that thou hast committed more abominable than they: they are more righteous than thou: yea, be thou confounded also, and bear thy shame, in that thou hast justified thy sisters.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 16:52. It's a really powerful and complex passage about forgiveness and responsibility. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that you are responsible for the wrongs you've committed, even if they are worse than those of your sisters. It’s a call to confront your own failings and experience genuine shame. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Thou also, which hast judged thy sisters…” : This is a direct address to you , the speaker. It’s acknowledging that you have been holding others accountable for their actions – specifically, the actions of your sisters. "...bear thine own shame for thy sins that thou hast committed more abominable than they:" This means you need to take responsibility for the terrible things you've done. The “abominable” part is key - it’s something so deeply wrong and harmful that it goes beyond just being a mistake. It suggests a level of wrongdoing that truly offends God. “they are more righteous than thou:” : This highlights the contrast. Your sisters, in their own way, have been living righteously – following God’s laws and principles. They've demonstrated a better moral character. “yea, be thou confounded also, and bear thy shame…” : This is a strong command. It doesn’t just mean you feel bad; it means you must experience profound shame. The word "confound" suggests a deep sense of being overwhelmed by guilt and remorse. "...in that thou hast justified thy sisters." : This is the crucial part. “Justified” means to make something right or to prove its truth. The speaker says that you have proven your own righteousness – meaning, you have shown God that you are worthy of His forgiveness and grace, even though you’ve done wrong. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This verse isn't about being unfairly treated. It’s a statement of profound accountability. It’s saying: You are held to the same standard as your sisters – you must demonstrate that you are truly worthy of God’s forgiveness. The speaker is essentially urging us to confront our own wrongdoing and acknowledge its severity, recognizing that we have fallen short of His standards. Why is this important? It's a reminder that true righteousness isn’t just about following rules; it’s about being righteous – living in accordance with God’s will and demonstrating love and compassion. It emphasizes the importance of repentance, acknowledging our mistakes, and striving to be better people. --- To help me tailor this explanation further, could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand better about this verse? (e.g., its meaning for a specific situation?) Are there any particular aspects of the verse that you're curious about?