King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 18:17 Mean?

Ezekiel 18:17 in the King James Version says “That hath taken off his hand from the poor, that hath not received usury nor increase, hath executed my judgments, hath ... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Ezekiel 18:17 · KJV


Context

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.

19

Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'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.' The righteous grandson's verdict: life, not death. 'He shall not die for the iniquity of his father'—explicit rejection of inherited guilt. Each person's eternal fate depends on their own relationship with God through covenant faithfulness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This principle is stated in Deuteronomy 24:16 ('fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers') and demonstrated in 2 Kings 14:6 when Amaziah spared the children of his father's assassins. Personal responsibility is a consistent biblical theme.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding individual accountability free us from fatalism about family patterns?
  2. What hope does this offer to those from troubled or unbelieving families?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
מֵעָנִ֞י1 of 18

from the poor

H6041

depressed, in mind or circumstances

הֵשִׁ֣יב2 of 18

That hath taken off

H7725

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

יָד֗וֹ3 of 18

his hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

נֶ֤שֶׁךְ4 of 18

usury

H5392

interest on a debt

וְתַרְבִּית֙5 of 18

nor increase

H8636

multiplication, i.e., percentage or bonus in addition to principal

לֹ֣א6 of 18
H3808

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

לָקָ֔ח7 of 18

that hath not received

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִשְׁפָּטַ֣י8 of 18

my judgments

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

עָשָׂ֔ה9 of 18

hath executed

H6213

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

בְּחֻקּוֹתַ֖י10 of 18

in my statutes

H2708

a statute

הָלָ֑ךְ11 of 18

hath walked

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ה֗וּא12 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לֹ֥א13 of 18
H3808

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

יָמ֛וּת14 of 18

he shall not die

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

בַּעֲוֺ֥ן15 of 18

for the iniquity

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

אָבִ֖יו16 of 18

of his father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

יִחְיֶֽה׃17 of 18

he shall surely

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

יִחְיֶֽה׃18 of 18

he shall surely

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive


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 18:17 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 18:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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