King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 18:2 Mean?

Ezekiel 18:2 in the King James Version says “What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and th...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?”

Ezekiel 18:2 · KJV

Context

1

The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying,

2

What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?

3

As I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel.

4

Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

Read Ezekiel 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The proverb "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge" expressed fatalistic resignation—children inevitably suffer for parents' sins. God rejects this excuse in verse 3: "ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb." This passage establishes individual moral responsibility before God. While sin has corporate and generational consequences, each person stands accountable for their own choices. The Reformed view of original sin acknowledges inherited corruption (Psalm 51:5) while maintaining personal culpability for actual transgressions (Ezekiel 18:20). God judges both corporate solidarity and individual agency.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The exiles in Babylon (591 BC) blamed their fathers' idolatry for their suffering, denying personal responsibility. This fatalism excused continued rebellion—"we're suffering for previous generations' sins anyway." God confronts this evasion, demanding personal repentance. The proverb appears also in Jeremiah 31:29-30, indicating widespread use. While the second commandment warns of visiting fathers' iniquity on children (Exodus 20:5), this describes consequences not determinism. Each generation must choose covenant faithfulness or rebellion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you use generational patterns or family background as excuses for personal sin rather than taking responsibility?
  2. What is the relationship between inherited sinfulness and personal accountability before God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
מַה1 of 17
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

לָּכֶ֗ם2 of 17
H0
אַתֶּם֙3 of 17
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

מֹֽשְׁלִים֙4 of 17

“What mean ye that ye use”

H4911

to liken, i.e., (transitively) to use figurative language (an allegory, adage, song or the like); intransitively, to resemble

אֶת5 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמָּשָׁ֣ל6 of 17

“this proverb”

H4912

properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)

הַזֶּ֔ה7 of 17
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

עַל8 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אַדְמַ֥ת9 of 17

“concerning the land”

H127

soil (from its general redness)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל10 of 17

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לֵאמֹ֑ר11 of 17

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אָבוֹת֙12 of 17

“The fathers”

H1

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

יֹ֣אכְלוּ13 of 17

“have eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בֹ֔סֶר14 of 17

“sour grapes”

H1155

sour grape

וְשִׁנֵּ֥י15 of 17

“teeth”

H8127

a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff

הַבָּנִ֖ים16 of 17

“and the children's”

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

תִּקְהֶֽינָה׃17 of 17

“are set on edge”

H6949

to be dull

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 18:2 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 18:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Lamentations 5:7Jeremiah 31:29-30Ezekiel 37:11Ezekiel 37:19Ezekiel 17:12Ezekiel 37:25

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