Ezekiel 18:10

KJV

¶ If he beget a son [that is] a robber, a shedder of blood, and [that] doeth the like to [any] one of these [things],

KJV (with Strong's)

If he beget {H3205} a son {H1121} that is a robber {H6530}, a shedder {H8210} of blood {H1818}, and that doeth {H6213} the like {H251} to any one {H259} of these things,

Complete Jewish Bible

"Now suppose he is the father of a son who is a robber, a murderer, or who does any of these things to a brother -

Berean Standard Bible

Now suppose that man has a violent son, who sheds blood or does any of these things,

American Standard Version

If he beget a son that is a robber, a shedder of blood, and that doeth any one of these things,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 18:10 introduces a pivotal hypothetical scenario within the broader discourse on individual accountability, immediately following the description of a righteous man. This verse starkly portrays the son of such a righteous father who, despite his lineage, chooses a path of grave wickedness, characterized by robbery and bloodshed. It serves as a crucial counterpoint to the prevailing proverb of inherited guilt, emphasizing that each individual, regardless of their parentage, is personally responsible for their own moral choices and will bear the consequences of their actions, whether righteous or wicked, before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 18:10 is strategically placed in a chapter that directly confronts and refutes the popular proverb, "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge" (found in [Ezekiel 18:2](/ezekiel/18-2 "Ezekiel 18:2 - The Proverb of Sour Grapes")). This proverb reflected a deep-seated belief among the exiles that they were suffering for the sins of their ancestors. God, through Ezekiel, systematically dismantles this notion, asserting individual responsibility. The chapter begins by outlining the life of a righteous man (vv. 5-9) who lives by God's statutes. Verse 10 then immediately presents a stark contrast: the son of this very righteous man who deviates into a life of violent sin. This hypothetical case is then followed by a description of the wicked son's judgment (vv. 11-13) and, further still, the possibility of a righteous grandson emerging from such a wicked father (vv. 14-17). This structured presentation powerfully illustrates that righteousness and wickedness are matters of personal choice, not inherited destiny, thereby reinforcing the core message of individual culpability and divine justice throughout [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel was written during the Babylonian exile (597-538 BC), a period of profound national trauma and spiritual questioning for the Israelites. Stripped of their land, temple, and monarchy, the exiles grappled with the reasons for their suffering. The "sour grapes" proverb became a common expression of their despair and a way to externalize blame, attributing their predicament to the sins of previous generations. This cultural belief in collective or generational guilt was prevalent in the ancient Near East, and even within Israelite tradition, there were instances of corporate responsibility (e.g., [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and its Consequences")). However, in the context of the exile, this belief had become a theological stumbling block, leading to fatalism and a lack of personal repentance. Ezekiel's message, therefore, was revolutionary: it was a direct challenge to this prevailing mindset, emphasizing that God's justice is precise and personal. It called the exiles to individual introspection and repentance, asserting that their present suffering was a direct consequence of their *own* unfaithfulness, not merely an inherited curse.

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. Foremost is the theme of **Individual Accountability**, which is the central thesis of [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - The Doctrine of Individual Accountability"). The son's wickedness is presented as his own choice and responsibility, independent of his father's righteousness, directly refuting the idea of inherited guilt. This underscores God's impartial justice, where each person stands before Him based on their own deeds. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Sin**. The specific acts described—robbery and bloodshed—are grave violations of God's covenant law and fundamental moral order, illustrating that such actions inevitably lead to divine judgment, as detailed later in the chapter. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **Personal Choice and Moral Autonomy**. Even within a family lineage, individuals possess the capacity to choose their own moral path. This theme is further developed in the chapter by showing how a righteous son can emerge from a wicked father ([Ezekiel 18:14-17](/ezekiel/18-14 "Ezekiel 18:14-17 - The Righteous Grandson")). This emphasizes that spiritual destiny is not predetermined by ancestry but by one's personal relationship with God and obedience to His commands.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** H1121, from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc.). In this context, "son" specifies a direct generational link to the previously described righteous father, making the contrast in character particularly striking and emphasizing that moral character is not genetically inherited.
* **robber (Hebrew, _pᵉrîyts'_):** H6530, from פָּרָץ; violent, i.e. a tyrant; destroyer, ravenous, robber. This term signifies more than mere theft; it denotes a violent, lawless individual who breaks bounds, oppresses others, and acts with aggressive disregard for established order and justice. It points to a character marked by destructive and oppressive behavior.
* **shedder of blood (Hebrew, _shâphak dâm'_):** H8210, from שָׁפַךְ; to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e. to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc.). H1818, from דָּמַם; blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal. The phrase "shedder of blood" is a direct and unambiguous reference to murder, the unlawful taking of human life. It highlights the extreme gravity of this sin, which defiles the land and cries out for justice, underscoring the son's profound moral depravity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If he beget a son":** This clause sets up a hypothetical scenario, a conditional statement that introduces a potential deviation from the righteous father's character. It highlights the possibility that even a righteous person may have offspring who choose a different path, underscoring that spiritual inheritance is not automatic.
* **"[that is] a robber":** This describes the first specific characteristic of the son's wickedness. It signifies a person who engages in violent appropriation of others' property, demonstrating a disregard for justice, property rights, and the well-being of the community.
* **"a shedder of blood":** This second characteristic escalates the severity of the son's sin, identifying him as a murderer. This act is the most egregious violation against human life, made in the image of God, and represents a profound rebellion against divine law.
* **"and [that] doeth the like to [any] one of these [things]":** This concluding phrase broadens the scope beyond the two explicitly named sins. It indicates that the son's wickedness is not limited to isolated acts of robbery or murder but encompasses a pattern of similar violent, unjust, and lawless behaviors. This emphasizes his overall character as a destructive and morally corrupt individual, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of his sinfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 18:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Contrast**, as the verse immediately follows the detailed description of a righteous man (vv. 5-9) and then presents his son as a "robber" and "shedder of blood." This stark juxtaposition powerfully highlights the central theme of individual accountability, demonstrating that virtue is not inherited, nor is vice automatically passed down. The verse also functions as a **Hypothetical Case**, introduced by the conditional "If he beget a son." This allows the prophet to explore various scenarios of moral choice within a family lineage without necessarily implying that this specific outcome is inevitable for every righteous person's offspring. It serves as a didactic tool to illustrate the principles of divine justice. Furthermore, the verse uses **Enumeration** by listing specific egregious sins ("a robber, a shedder of blood"). This provides concrete examples of the kind of wickedness God is addressing, making the son's depravity tangible and emphasizing the severity of his chosen path. The concluding phrase, "and [that] doeth the like to [any] one of these [things]," acts as a form of **Generalization**, indicating that these specific sins are representative of a broader pattern of lawlessness, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the son's moral corruption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 18:10 stands as a foundational text for understanding God's justice and the doctrine of individual accountability. It radically shifts the focus from inherited guilt or collective punishment to personal responsibility, asserting that each soul is answerable for its own choices. This principle underscores God's absolute fairness and righteousness, demonstrating that He judges individuals based on their own conduct, not on the merits or demerits of their ancestors. It challenges any fatalistic worldview that might suggest one's destiny is predetermined by lineage, instead emphasizing the profound significance of personal repentance, obedience, and moral decision-making in the eyes of a just God. This divine standard offers both a stern warning to the wicked and a profound hope to those seeking to turn from sin, regardless of their past or family history.

* [Deuteronomy 24:16](/deuteronomy/24-16 "Deuteronomy 24:16 - Fathers and Children's Punishment")
* [Jeremiah 31:29-30](/jeremiah/31-29 "Jeremiah 31:29-30 - Individual Accountability in the New Covenant")
* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God's Impartial Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 18:10 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to embrace full personal responsibility for our spiritual lives. In a world often quick to assign blame to circumstances, upbringing, or societal pressures, this verse unequivocally declares that our moral standing before God is determined by our own choices and actions. It reminds us that while our family background and environment certainly influence us, they do not ultimately dictate our spiritual destiny. We are not condemned to repeat the sins of our ancestors, nor are we guaranteed righteousness by the piety of our parents. This truth liberates us from fatalism and empowers us to actively pursue holiness, knowing that our repentance and obedience are genuinely valued and judged by God. It calls us to introspect, to identify areas where we might be excusing our own sin, and to actively choose the path of righteousness, trusting in God's grace to transform us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding individual accountability challenge any tendency to blame others or circumstances for our own moral failures?**
* **In what specific areas of your life might you need to take greater personal responsibility before God, rather than relying on past achievements or family legacy?**
* **How does the possibility of breaking negative patterns, as implied by this verse, encourage you in your walk with Christ and your pursuit of holiness?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that good parenting doesn't matter, since a righteous father can have a wicked son?**

Answer: No, this verse does not diminish the importance of good parenting. Scripture consistently affirms the responsibility of parents to raise their children in the Lord (e.g., [Proverbs 22:6](/proverbs/22-6 "Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child")). Rather, Ezekiel 18:10 highlights the reality of individual free will and accountability. While godly parenting provides a vital foundation, teaches biblical principles, and models righteousness, it cannot ultimately force a child's heart to choose God. Each individual, regardless of their upbringing, must make their own choices before God. The verse underscores that even with the best upbringing, a person can choose a path of sin, and conversely, a righteous person can emerge from a wicked lineage ([Ezekiel 18:14-17](/ezekiel/18-14 "Ezekiel 18:14-17 - The Righteous Grandson")). It emphasizes God's just judgment, which is based on personal deeds, not inherited status.

**How does this concept of individual accountability in Ezekiel 18 relate to corporate sin or generational curses mentioned elsewhere in the Bible?**

Answer: The Bible presents a multifaceted view of sin and its consequences, encompassing both individual and corporate dimensions. While Ezekiel 18 strongly emphasizes individual accountability, other passages acknowledge the reality of corporate sin (e.g., a nation's sin leading to judgment, as seen in [Isaiah 1:4-7](/isaiah/1-4 "Isaiah 1:4-7 - The Sinful Nation")) and the consequences of sin that can extend across generations (often referred to as "generational curses" in popular language, as in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6-7 - God's Mercy and Justice")). These concepts are not mutually exclusive but represent different aspects of God's justice and the pervasive nature of sin. Ezekiel 18 specifically addresses a *misapplication* of the generational curse concept by the exiles, who used it to excuse their own lack of repentance. God clarifies that while the *consequences* of sin can be far-reaching, the *guilt* for sin is ultimately personal. No one is punished for another's sin if they themselves have turned to righteousness, and conversely, no one is saved by another's righteousness if they persist in wickedness. The chapter's core message is that each person has the opportunity to repent and live, or to persist in sin and die, regardless of their ancestors' actions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 18:10, with its stark portrayal of a son's personal wickedness and the emphasis on individual accountability, powerfully foreshadows the universal human condition and the ultimate solution found in Jesus Christ. The verse highlights that even a righteous lineage cannot guarantee a righteous heart, underscoring the biblical truth that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All have sinned")). The "robber" and "shedder of blood" represent humanity's inherent capacity for sin and rebellion against God's perfect law, leading to the inescapable consequence that the wages of sin is death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The wages of sin is death")). However, the very problem of individual accountability, which condemns every person, is precisely what Christ came to resolve. Jesus, the perfectly righteous Son of God, lived a life of absolute obedience, fulfilling all righteousness that we could not ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")). He then willingly became sin for us, bearing the full weight of our individual transgressions, including robbery and bloodshed in all their forms, on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ became sin for us")). By His sacrificial death, He redeemed us from the curse of the law and the condemnation of our own sins ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law")). Through faith in Him, our individual guilt is removed, and His perfect righteousness is imputed to us, allowing us to stand justified before God, not by our own works or lineage, but by His grace alone ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Thus, Ezekiel 18:10, while emphasizing our inescapable personal responsibility for sin, ultimately points to the glorious truth that God, in His infinite love, provided a Savior who perfectly fulfilled the demands of justice and offers eternal life to all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God so loved the world")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 21:12

¶ He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.

John 18:40

Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.

Genesis 9:5

And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man.

Genesis 9:6

Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

Malachi 3:8

Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

Malachi 3:9

Ye [are] cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, [even] this whole nation.

Leviticus 19:13

Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob [him]: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.