King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 18:16 Mean?

Ezekiel 18:16 in the King James Version says “Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, but hath given his bread t...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment, hath not: Heb. hath not pledged the pledge, or, taken to pledge”

Ezekiel 18:16 · KJV

Context

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,

15

That hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, hath not defiled his neighbour's wife,

16

Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment, hath not: Heb. hath not pledged the pledge, or, taken to pledge

17

That hath taken off his hand from the poor, that hath not received usury nor increase, hath executed my judgments, hath walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.

18

As for his father, because he cruelly oppressed, spoiled his brother by violence, and did that which is not good among his people, lo, even he shall die in his iniquity.

Read Ezekiel 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment.' The righteous grandson practices the same righteousness as his grandfather (verses 7-9), despite his father's wickedness. He breaks the family pattern of rebellion and returns to covenant faithfulness. This demonstrates that wickedness is not inevitable or inherited.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Biblical genealogies show varied patterns: faithful-unfaithful-faithful (Abraham-Isaac-Jacob), and unfaithful-faithful-unfaithful (Ahaz-Hezekiah-Manasseh). Each generation's faithfulness depends on their own choices, not automatic transmission of character. God's grace can break any negative cycle.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we encourage those from difficult family backgrounds that they can pursue faithfulness?
  2. What does this teach about the power of personal choice and God's grace to transform?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְאִישׁ֙1 of 15

“any”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לֹ֣א2 of 15
H3808

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

הוֹנָ֔ה3 of 15

“Neither hath oppressed”

H3238

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

חֲבֹל֙4 of 15

“the pledge”

H2258

a pawn (as security for debt)

לֹ֣א5 of 15
H3808

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

חָבָ֔ל6 of 15

“hath not withholden”

H2254

to wind tightly (as a rope), i.e., to bind; specifically, by a pledge; figuratively, to pervert, destroy; also to writhe in pain (especially of partur

וּגְזֵלָ֖ה7 of 15

“by violence”

H1500

to rob

לֹ֣א8 of 15
H3808

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

גָזָ֑ל9 of 15

“neither hath spoiled”

H1497

to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob

לַחְמוֹ֙10 of 15

“his bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

לְרָעֵ֣ב11 of 15

“to the hungry”

H7457

hungry (more or less intensely)

נָתָ֔ן12 of 15

“but hath given”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

וְעֵר֖וֹם13 of 15

“the naked”

H5903

nudity

כִּסָּה14 of 15

“and hath covered”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

בָֽגֶד׃15 of 15

“with a garment”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

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 18:16 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 18:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 18:7Psalms 41:1Luke 11:41Ecclesiastes 11:1-2Proverbs 31:20Job 31:19

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