King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 18:10 Mean?

Ezekiel 18:10 in the King James Version says “If he beget a son that is a robber, a shedder of blood, and that doeth the like to any one of these things, robber: or, ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“If he beget a son that is a robber, a shedder of blood, and that doeth the like to any one of these things, robber: or, breaker up of an house that doeth: or, that doeth to his brother besides any of these”

Ezekiel 18:10 · KJV

Context

8

He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,

9

Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord GOD.

10

If he beget a son that is a robber, a shedder of blood, and that doeth the like to any one of these things, robber: or, breaker up of an house that doeth: or, that doeth to his brother besides any of these

11

And that doeth not any of those duties, but even hath eaten upon the mountains, and defiled his neighbour's wife,

12

Hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath spoiled by violence, hath not restored the pledge, and hath lifted up his eyes to the idols, hath committed abomination,

Read Ezekiel 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'If he beget a son that is a robber, a shedder of blood, and that doeth the like to any one of these things.' Now the contrast: a righteous father can have a wicked son. The son is a 'robber' (periyts—violent, lawless person) and 'shedder of blood' (shaphak dam—murderer). This establishes that righteousness is not inherited genetically or automatically through family lineage.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This directly refutes the fatalistic proverb of verse 2. Ancient Near Eastern cultures emphasized corporate identity and ancestral connection. Ezekiel's teaching that a righteous father's son can still be condemned was radical, emphasizing personal moral agency.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we respond when children of faithful believers reject the faith?
  2. What does this teach about the limits of parental influence and the reality of individual choice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְהוֹלִ֥יד1 of 9

“If he beget”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

בֵּן2 of 9

“a son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

פָּרִ֖יץ3 of 9

“that is a robber”

H6530

violent, i.e., a tyrant

שֹׁפֵ֣ךְ4 of 9

“a shedder”

H8210

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

דָּ֑ם5 of 9

“of blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

וְעָ֣שָׂה6 of 9

“and that doeth”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אָ֔ח7 of 9

“the like”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

מֵאַחַ֖ד8 of 9

“to any one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מֵאֵֽלֶּה׃9 of 9
H428

these or those

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 18:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 18:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 21:121 John 3:12Leviticus 19:13Exodus 22:2Numbers 35:31John 18:40

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ezekiel 18 with CommentaryAll Ezekiel ChaptersComplete Ezekiel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes