Ezekiel 16:53
When I shall bring again their captivity, the captivity of Sodom and her daughters, and the captivity of Samaria and her daughters, then will I bring again the captivity of thy captives in the midst of them:
Original Language Analysis
וְשַׁבְתִּי֙
When I shall bring again
H7725
וְשַׁבְתִּי֙
When I shall bring again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
1 of 14
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וּשְׁב֥יּת
and the captivity
H7622
וּשְׁב֥יּת
and the captivity
Strong's:
H7622
Word #:
3 of 14
exile, concretely, prisoners; figuratively, a former state of prosperity
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וּשְׁב֥יּת
and the captivity
H7622
וּשְׁב֥יּת
and the captivity
Strong's:
H7622
Word #:
5 of 14
exile, concretely, prisoners; figuratively, a former state of prosperity
וּבְנוֹתֶ֑יהָ
and her daughters
H1323
וּבְנוֹתֶ֑יהָ
and her daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
7 of 14
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וּשְׁב֥יּת
and the captivity
H7622
וּשְׁב֥יּת
and the captivity
Strong's:
H7622
Word #:
9 of 14
exile, concretely, prisoners; figuratively, a former state of prosperity
וּבְנוֹתֶ֑יהָ
and her daughters
H1323
וּבְנוֹתֶ֑יהָ
and her daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
11 of 14
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
וּשְׁב֥יּת
and the captivity
H7622
וּשְׁב֥יּת
and the captivity
Strong's:
H7622
Word #:
12 of 14
exile, concretely, prisoners; figuratively, a former state of prosperity
Cross References
Ezekiel 39:25Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my holy name;Ezekiel 29:14And I will bring again the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation; and they shall be there a base kingdom.
Historical Context
This restoration prophecy looks beyond the historical return from Babylonian exile (538 BC) to eschatological restoration in Christ's kingdom. 'Sodom's restoration cannot be literal (the city was obliterated), thus pointing to spiritual restoration of Gentiles from every nation. The New Testament reveals this mystery—Gentiles included in God's covenant people through Christ (Ephesians 2:11-22; 3:6).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the promise of Sodom's restoration magnify the reach of God's redeeming grace?
- What does Jerusalem's restoration 'in the midst of them' teach about equality in the body of Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When I shall bring again their captivity (שׁוּב שְׁבוּת, shuv shevut)—this phrase means to restore fortunes, reverse captivity. God promises future restoration for Sodom and her daughters and Samaria and her daughters, with thy captives in the midst of them indicating Jerusalem's restoration will occur alongside theirs, not privileged above them.
This verse introduces the gospel reversal: grace extends beyond covenant Israel to Gentiles (Sodom represents Gentile wickedness). Romans 11 develops this theology—Jewish hardening brings Gentile inclusion, and Israel's eventual restoration will occur alongside redeemed Gentiles. The phrase in the midst of them suggests Jerusalem won't be exalted above restored Gentiles but joined equally in God's mercy. This prepares for verses 60-63, which promise a new everlasting covenant superseding Sinai.