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Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 16 - Verse 49

16:49
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.

Meaning

The verse describes the sins of Sodom, a city known for its wickedness in the Bible. The iniquity of Sodom is detailed as pride, overindulgence in material wealth, and excessive idleness. The lack of concern for the poor and needy is also highlighted as a major transgression of the city and its people. The verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of arrogance, gluttony, laziness, and neglecting the less fortunate. It emphasizes the importance of humility, moderation, hard work, and compassion towards those in need. By analyzing the sins of Sodom, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own actions and attitudes, striving to live a life of righteousness, generosity, and service to others.

Theological Overview

When exploring the theological interpretation of this verse, it is essential to delve into the sins of Sodom as outlined here. The sin of pride was at the heart of Sodom's downfall, leading the inhabitants to act in a self-centered and arrogant manner. The mention of "fulness of bread" points to excess and gluttony, where the people of Sodom indulged to the point of neglecting others. Furthermore, the abundance of idleness highlights a lack of industry and purpose, resulting in moral decay and apathy towards the needs of others. Lastly, the failure to strengthen the hand of the poor and needy emphasizes the responsibility to care for the less fortunate, a duty that Sodom neglected. This verse serves as a warning against the dangers of pride, excess, idleness, and neglecting to assist those in need.

American Standard Version

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