King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 18:12 Mean?

Ezekiel 18:12 in the King James Version says “Hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath spoiled by violence, hath not restored the pledge, and hath lifted up his eyes t...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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,”

Ezekiel 18:12 · KJV

Context

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,

13

Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him. blood: Heb. bloods

14

Now, lo, if he beget a son, that seeth all his father's sins which he hath done, and considereth, and doeth not such like,

Read Ezekiel 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath spoiled by violence, hath not restored the pledge.' The wicked son violates economic justice—oppressing the vulnerable, stealing, refusing to return pledges. These are exact opposites of his father's righteousness (verse 7). 'And hath lifted up his eyes to the idols, hath committed abomination'—idolatry and moral abominations complete his rebellion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Pre-exilic Judah's social sins—oppression of the poor, corrupt justice, exploitation—were major prophetic themes (Isaiah 1:23, 10:1-2; Jeremiah 5:28, 22:13-17; Amos 2:6-7, 5:11-12). Economic injustice revealed deeper covenant unfaithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How are social justice and worship purity connected in biblical theology?
  2. What economic practices in our society constitute 'oppressing the poor and needy'?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
עָנִ֤י1 of 14

“the poor”

H6041

depressed, in mind or circumstances

וְאֶבְיוֹן֙2 of 14

“and needy”

H34

destitute

הוֹנָ֔ה3 of 14

“Hath oppressed”

H3238

to rage or be violent; by implication, to suppress, to maltreat

גְּזֵל֣וֹת4 of 14

“by violence”

H1500

to rob

גָּזָ֔ל5 of 14

“hath spoiled”

H1497

to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob

חֲבֹ֖ל6 of 14

“the pledge”

H2258

a pawn (as security for debt)

לֹ֣א7 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָשִׁ֑יב8 of 14

“hath not restored”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וְאֶל9 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַגִּלּוּלִים֙10 of 14

“to the idols”

H1544

properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol

נָשָׂ֣א11 of 14

“and hath lifted up”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

עֵינָ֔יו12 of 14

“his eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

תּוֹעֵבָ֖ה13 of 14

“abomination”

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

עָשָֽׂה׃14 of 14

“hath committed”

H6213

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

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 18:12 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 18:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 8:17Ezekiel 8:6Amos 4:12 Kings 21:11Zechariah 7:10Ezekiel 18:16

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