King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 18:7 Mean?

Ezekiel 18:7 in the King James Version says “And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his br...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;”

Ezekiel 18:7 · KJV

Context

5

But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, that: Heb. judgment and justice

6

And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour's wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman,

7

And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;

8

He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,

9

Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord GOD.

Read Ezekiel 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge.' True righteousness includes economic justice. The righteous person doesn't oppress the vulnerable but treats them fairly. Restoring the debtor's pledge refers to Mosaic law requiring return of items taken as security (Exodus 22:26-27, Deuteronomy 24:10-13). 'Hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment'—active compassion toward the needy, not merely avoiding harm.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israelite law uniquely protected the poor and vulnerable in the ancient Near East. While surrounding nations allowed debt slavery and permanent poverty, Israel's law included debt forgiveness, gleaning rights, and dignity protections. These weren't optional charity but covenant righteousness requirements.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we practice economic justice that goes beyond legal requirements to reflect God's heart?
  2. What modern applications of 'restoring pledges' and 'covering the naked' does God call us to?

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

יוֹנֶ֔ה3 of 15

“And hath not oppressed”

H3238

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

חֲבֹלָת֥וֹ4 of 15

“his pledge”

H2258

a pawn (as security for debt)

חוֹב֙5 of 15

“to the debtor”

H2326

debt

יָשִׁ֔יב6 of 15

“but hath restored”

H7725

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

גְּזֵלָ֖ה7 of 15

“none by violence”

H1500

to rob

לֹ֣א8 of 15
H3808

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

יִגְזֹ֑ל9 of 15

“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)

יִתֵּ֔ן12 of 15

“hath given”

H5414

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

וְעֵירֹ֖ם13 of 15

“the naked”

H5903

nudity

יְכַסֶּה14 of 15

“and hath covered”

H3680

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

בָּֽגֶד׃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 18:7 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 18:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 18:16Exodus 22:26Ezekiel 18:12Deuteronomy 24:12-13Ezekiel 33:15Luke 3:11

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