King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 18:20 Mean?

Ezekiel 18:20 in the King James Version says “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear th... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

Ezekiel 18:20 · KJV


Context

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.

20

The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

21

But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

22

All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The principle of individual accountability reaches climax: "The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son." Each person bears responsibility for their own sin. The phrase "the soul that sinneth" emphasizes personal agency. This doesn't contradict original sin or corporate solidarity but establishes individual judgment. The righteous person's righteousness benefits only themselves; the wicked person's wickedness condemns only themselves. This anticipates the Great White Throne judgment where each gives account personally (Revelation 20:12-13).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This clear statement (591 BC) corrected the exiles' misunderstanding of corporate judgment. While nations and families experience collective consequences, ultimate judgment is individual. Godly Josiah couldn't save Judah from his fathers' wickedness, nor did wicked Manasseh's idolatry doom his repentant son Josiah. Each stood before God based on personal covenant faithfulness. This principle shapes biblical justice—punishment falls on the guilty, not the innocent. While Christ bore our sins as substitute, individuals must personally trust Him for salvation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse challenge attempts to blame others for your spiritual condition?
  2. What is the relationship between personal accountability and Christ bearing our sins as substitute?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ1 of 22

The soul

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

הַחֹטֵ֖את2 of 22

that sinneth

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

הִ֣יא3 of 22
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

תָמ֑וּת4 of 22

it shall die

H4191

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

הַבֵּ֔ן5 of 22

The 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

לֹא6 of 22
H3808

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

יִשָּׂא֙7 of 22

bear

H5375

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

בַּעֲוֺ֣ן8 of 22

the iniquity

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

וְאָב֙9 of 22

neither shall the father

H1

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

וְאָב֙10 of 22

neither shall the father

H1

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

לֹ֤א11 of 22
H3808

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

יִשָּׂא֙12 of 22

bear

H5375

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

בַּעֲוֺ֣ן13 of 22

the iniquity

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

הַבֵּ֔ן14 of 22

The 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

צִדְקַ֤ת15 of 22

the righteousness

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

הַצַּדִּיק֙16 of 22

of the righteous

H6662

just

עָלָ֣יו17 of 22
H5921

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

תִּֽהְיֶ֔ה18 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

וְרִשְׁעַ֥ת19 of 22

shall be upon him and the wickedness

H7564

wrong (especially moral)

רָשָׁ֖ע20 of 22

of the wicked

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

עָלָ֥יו21 of 22
H5921

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

תִּֽהְיֶֽה׃22 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)


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 18:20 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 18:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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