Ezekiel 16:44
Behold, every one that useth proverbs shall use this proverb against thee, saying, As is the mother, so is her daughter.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִמְשֹׁ֖ל
Behold every one that useth proverbs
H4911
יִמְשֹׁ֖ל
Behold every one that useth proverbs
Strong's:
H4911
Word #:
3 of 8
to liken, i.e., (transitively) to use figurative language (an allegory, adage, song or the like); intransitively, to resemble
עָלַ֥יִךְ
H5921
עָלַ֥יִךְ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יִמְשֹׁ֖ל
Behold every one that useth proverbs
H4911
יִמְשֹׁ֖ל
Behold every one that useth proverbs
Strong's:
H4911
Word #:
5 of 8
to liken, i.e., (transitively) to use figurative language (an allegory, adage, song or the like); intransitively, to resemble
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern culture placed enormous weight on genealogy and inherited character traits. Proverbs functioned as oral tradition preserving communal wisdom and also as public mockery. For Jerusalem to become the subject of such a proverb represented ultimate social degradation—from God's chosen city to object lesson in apostasy.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'proverbs' or patterns from your spiritual heritage do you need to break through grace?
- How does the reality of spiritual inheritance challenge us to live worthy of our adoption as God's children?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Every one that useth proverbs shall use this proverb against thee—the Hebrew mashal (מָשָׁל) means both proverb and taunt-song. Jerusalem, once exalted as God's city, will become a byword of shame among nations. As is the mother, so is her daughter establishes the principle of inherited corruption and spiritual genealogy.
This proverbial saying would cut deeply in an honor-shame culture where family reputation was paramount. The proverb implies that Jerusalem's wickedness isn't aberrational but consistent with her pagan origins (v. 3—'thy father was an Amorite, thy mother a Hittite'). Despite God's adoption and covenant grace, Jerusalem reverted to her Canaanite roots, validating the adage that she was truly her mother's daughter in idolatrous practice.