King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 18:8 Mean?

Ezekiel 18:8 in the King James Version says “He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, ha...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,”

Ezekiel 18:8 · KJV

Context

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He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,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

10

If he beget a son that is a robber, a shedder of blood, and that doeth the like to any one of these things, robber: or, breaker up of an house that doeth: or, that doeth to his brother besides any of these

Read Ezekiel 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase.' Charging interest to fellow Israelites was forbidden (Exodus 22:25, Leviticus 25:35-37, Deuteronomy 23:19-20), preventing exploitation of the poor. 'Hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man'—the righteous person pursues justice in community relationships, settling disputes fairly rather than showing partiality.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern interest rates were often 20-50%, creating debt spirals that reduced debtors to slavery. Israel's prohibition on interest among covenant members prevented this exploitation. The principle: God's people shouldn't profit from others' desperation. True judgment (mishpat) was crucial in a society without extensive legal infrastructure.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do modern financial practices sometimes exploit the vulnerable despite being legal?
  2. What does 'true judgment between man and man' require in our relationships and community leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
בַּנֶּ֣שֶׁךְ1 of 15

“upon usury”

H5392

interest on a debt

לֹֽא2 of 15
H3808

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

יִתֵּ֗ן3 of 15

“He that hath not given forth”

H5414

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

וְתַרְבִּית֙4 of 15

“any increase”

H8636

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

לֹ֣א5 of 15
H3808

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

יִקָּ֔ח6 of 15

“neither hath taken”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מֵעָ֖וֶל7 of 15

“from iniquity”

H5766

(moral) evil

יָשִׁ֣יב8 of 15

“that hath withdrawn”

H7725

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

יָד֑וֹ9 of 15

“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

מִשְׁפַּ֤ט10 of 15

“judgment”

H4941

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

אֱמֶת֙11 of 15

“true”

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

יַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה12 of 15

“hath executed”

H6213

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

בֵּ֥ין13 of 15
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

לְאִֽישׁ׃14 of 15

“and man”

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)

לְאִֽישׁ׃15 of 15

“and man”

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)

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 18:8 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 18:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 22:25Zechariah 8:16Deuteronomy 23:19-20Leviticus 25:35-37Ezekiel 18:17Ezekiel 22:12

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