Ezekiel 18:11

KJV

And that doeth not any of those [duties], but even hath eaten upon the mountains, and defiled his neighbour's wife,

KJV (with Strong's)

And that doeth {H6213} not any of those duties, but even hath eaten {H398} upon the mountains {H2022}, and defiled {H2930} his neighbour's {H7453} wife {H802},

Complete Jewish Bible

whereas the father himself does none of them. He eats on the mountains, defiles his neighbor's wife,

Berean Standard Bible

though the father has done none of them: Indeed, the son eats at the mountain and defiles his neighbor’s wife.

American Standard Version

and that doeth not any of those duties, but even hath eaten upon the mountains, and defiled his neighbor’s wife,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 18:11 vividly portrays the egregious sins of a wicked individual, specifically highlighting the neglect of righteous duties, participation in idolatrous practices on "high places," and the heinous act of adultery. This verse serves as a stark contrast to the righteous man described earlier in the chapter, underscoring the prophet's central message of individual moral accountability before God, irrespective of one's lineage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 18 is a pivotal chapter within the book of Ezekiel, directly confronting a prevailing proverb among the Israelite exiles in Babylon: "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge" ([Ezekiel 18:2](/ezekiel/18-2 "Ezekiel 18:2 - The Proverb of Sour Grapes")). This proverb reflected a fatalistic belief that the current generation was suffering solely for the sins of their ancestors, absolving them of personal responsibility. In response, God, through Ezekiel, meticulously outlines the principles of individual righteousness and wickedness. Verses 5-9 detail the characteristics of a righteous man who lives by God's statutes, while verses 10-13 then present the antithesis: a wicked son of that righteous man. Ezekiel 18:11 specifically elaborates on the sinful actions of this wicked son, demonstrating that personal choices, not inherited guilt, determine one's spiritual standing and ultimate fate. The verse is part of a larger argument establishing God's justice in judging each soul according to its own deeds.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The exiles in Babylon were grappling with profound theological questions regarding God's justice and their suffering. The "high places" (mountains) mentioned in the verse were ubiquitous sites across ancient Israel and the Near East, often serving as centers for pagan worship, particularly of Baal and Asherah. These cultic sites involved various abominable practices, including ritual prostitution, child sacrifice, and feasts where food offered to idols was consumed. Participation in such activities was a direct violation of the Mosaic Law and a persistent sin that led to Israel's downfall (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:2-4](/deuteronomy/12-2 "Deuteronomy 12:2-4 - Destroying Pagan Sites")). Adultery, also mentioned, was a severe transgression against the seventh commandment ([Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Seventh Commandment")) and undermined the very fabric of Israelite society, which placed high value on family integrity and lineage. Ezekiel's audience would have immediately recognized these actions as grave offenses against God's covenant.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Individual Accountability**, a direct refutation of the proverb in [Ezekiel 18:2](/ezekiel/18-2 "Ezekiel 18:2 - The Proverb of Sour Grapes"). The wicked son's demise is attributed solely to his own transgressions, not his father's righteousness. Another significant theme is **Idolatry and Covenant Disloyalty**, highlighted by "eating upon the mountains." This practice represents a profound betrayal of Israel's covenant with Yahweh, substituting the worship of the true God with pagan deities. The inclusion of "defiled his neighbour's wife" underscores the theme of **Moral Purity and Social Justice**, emphasizing that God's law extends beyond ritual to encompass personal ethics and the protection of community relationships. Finally, the verse implicitly points to the **Consequences of Sin**, as these actions are presented as leading directly to the individual's death, reinforcing the principle that "the soul who sins will die" ([Ezekiel 18:4](/ezekiel/18-4 "Ezekiel 18:4 - The Soul Who Sins Will Die")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **eaten (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** This primitive root broadly means "to eat" or "to consume." However, in the context of "eating upon the mountains," it carries a specific and highly negative connotation. It refers not merely to the physical act of eating but to participation in idolatrous feasts and rituals conducted at pagan shrines. This act signifies a deliberate and active engagement in forbidden worship, consuming food that had been offered to idols, thereby defiling oneself and breaking covenant with Yahweh.
* **mountains (Hebrew, _har'_):** A shortened form of הָרָר, this word denotes a "mountain" or "range of hills." In the biblical context, especially for Israel, "mountains" or "high places" (_bamoth_) were notorious locations where Canaanite and other pagan deities were worshipped. These sites were frequently associated with abominable practices. Therefore, "eating upon the mountains" is a metonymy for engaging in idolatry and all its associated immoralities, a direct affront to God's command to worship Him alone.
* **defiled (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** This primitive root means "to be foul," specifically in a ceremonial or moral sense, implying contamination or pollution. When applied to "his neighbour's wife," it refers to the act of adultery, which renders one morally and ceremonially unclean. This word highlights the severe breach of purity, not just in a ritualistic sense but in a profound moral and relational sense, violating the sanctity of marriage and community trust.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And that doeth not any of those [duties],"**: This opening clause establishes the wicked person's fundamental character by contrasting him with the righteous man described in [Ezekiel 18:5-9](/ezekiel/18-5 "Ezekiel 18:5-9 - Description of the Righteous Man"). The "duties" refer to the righteous acts, statutes, and judgments that the righteous man carefully observes. Thus, this wicked individual is characterized by a deliberate neglect or outright rejection of God's commands and righteous living, setting the stage for the specific transgressions that follow.
* **"but even hath eaten upon the mountains,"**: This phrase describes the first specific sin: active participation in idolatrous worship. "Eating upon the mountains" is an idiomatic expression for partaking in pagan feasts and rituals conducted at "high places" dedicated to false gods. This act represents a profound spiritual infidelity, a direct violation of the first commandment, and a turning away from the exclusive worship of Yahweh. It signifies a deep-seated rebellion against God's covenant.
* **"and defiled his neighbour's wife,"**: This clause presents the second specific and grave sin: adultery. This is a direct violation of the seventh commandment ([Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Seventh Commandment")), which protects the sanctity of marriage and family. The act of "defiling" emphasizes the moral impurity and the profound damage inflicted upon the innocent party, the marriage covenant, and the community. This sin underscores the wicked person's disregard for both divine law and human relationships.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Contrast** is foundational, as the actions of this wicked individual are set in stark opposition to the righteous conduct of the father described earlier in [Ezekiel 18:5-9](/ezekiel/18-5 "Ezekiel 18:5-9 - Description of the Righteous Man"). This highlights the chapter's central theme of individual accountability. **Metonymy** is evident in the phrase "eaten upon the mountains," where the physical act of eating at a specific location stands in for the broader, more insidious practice of idolatry and pagan worship. This vivid imagery would have immediately resonated with the audience, who were familiar with the pervasive nature of such cultic sites. Furthermore, the verse uses **Juxtaposition** by placing two distinct yet equally severe sins—idolatry and adultery—side by side. This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the wicked person's moral depravity, encompassing both spiritual apostasy and social transgression, demonstrating a complete disregard for God's law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 18:11 is a powerful articulation of God's unwavering commitment to individual accountability, a truth that echoes throughout Scripture. It dismantles the notion of inherited guilt, asserting that each person stands responsible for their own choices and actions. The specific sins mentioned—idolatry and adultery—are not arbitrary but represent fundamental breaches of God's covenant, striking at the heart of both spiritual fidelity and social morality. The theological implication is clear: God's justice is precise, judging individuals based on their personal conduct, not merely their lineage or the sins of their forebears. This principle offers both a stern warning to the unrepentant and profound hope for those who turn from wickedness to righteousness, as articulated later in the chapter.

* [Deuteronomy 24:16](/deuteronomy/24-16 "Deuteronomy 24:16 - Individual Responsibility for Sin")
* [Jeremiah 31:29-30](/jeremiah/31-29 "Jeremiah 31:29-30 - New Covenant and Individual Accountability")
* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God Will Repay Each Person According to What They Have Done")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 18:11 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting us to examine the state of our own hearts and actions. It challenges any tendency to deflect responsibility for our moral choices onto external circumstances, upbringing, or even ancestral sin. The call to individual accountability is as relevant today as it was to the exiles in Babylon. We are reminded that true faith is not merely a matter of inherited tradition or association but is demonstrated through personal obedience and a commitment to God's standards. "Eating upon the mountains" can be a metaphor for any form of modern idolatry—placing anything (career, wealth, pleasure, self-image, social media) above God. Similarly, "defiling a neighbor's wife" extends beyond literal adultery to encompass any act of sexual immorality, exploitation, or disregard for the sanctity of relationships and purity. This verse compels us to live with integrity, recognizing that our choices have profound spiritual consequences and that God's righteous judgment is based on our personal walk with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "eating upon the mountains," placing something or someone above my devotion to God?**
* **How does the concept of individual accountability challenge my excuses or tendencies to blame others for my own moral failings?**
* **Beyond literal adultery, what are ways I might be "defiling" relationships or compromising moral purity in my thoughts, words, or actions?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of personal responsibility before God in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does "eaten upon the mountains" specifically refer to in this context?**

Answer: "Eaten upon the mountains" is an idiom referring to participation in idolatrous feasts and rituals conducted at "high places" or pagan shrines. These were common sites in ancient Israel where people worshipped false gods like Baal and Asherah, often involving immoral practices and consuming food offered to idols. It signifies a direct and active engagement in forbidden worship, a profound act of spiritual rebellion against God's covenant. This practice was a persistent sin among the Israelites, frequently condemned by the prophets, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 12:2-4](/deuteronomy/12-2 "Deuteronomy 12:2-4 - Destroying Pagan Sites") and [1 Kings 14:23](/1_kings/14-23 "1 Kings 14:23 - Judah's High Places").

**Why is Ezekiel 18 so focused on individual responsibility?**

Answer: Ezekiel 18 directly addresses a prevailing proverb among the Israelite exiles: "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge" ([Ezekiel 18:2](/ezekiel/18-2 "Ezekiel 18:2 - The Proverb of Sour Grapes")). This proverb suggested that the current generation was being punished solely for the sins of their ancestors, leading to a sense of fatalism and a denial of personal culpability. God, through Ezekiel, refutes this notion emphatically, declaring that "the soul who sins will die" ([Ezekiel 18:4](/ezekiel/18-4 "Ezekiel 18:4 - The Soul Who Sins Will Die")). The chapter's focus is to assure the exiles of God's justice, demonstrating that He judges each person based on their own righteousness or wickedness, thereby encouraging repentance and personal transformation rather than despair.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 18:11, with its stark portrayal of sin and the emphasis on individual accountability, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The chapter’s declaration that "the soul who sins will die" ([Ezekiel 18:4](/ezekiel/18-4 "Ezekiel 18:4 - The Soul Who Sins Will Die")) highlights humanity's universal predicament: all have sinned and fall short of God's glory ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). The very "duties" neglected by the wicked man in Ezekiel 18:11, representing the righteousness required by God's law, are perfectly fulfilled by Christ. Jesus lived a life of impeccable obedience, never "eating upon the mountains" of idolatry or "defiling his neighbor's wife," but perfectly upholding every aspect of God's righteous demands ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Furthermore, Christ addresses the very problem of individual sin by taking upon Himself the penalty for our transgressions. He became the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the judgment we individually deserve on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through faith in Him, believers are not only forgiven of their individual sins but are also clothed with His perfect righteousness ([Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")), enabling them to stand before God not on the basis of their own flawed performance, but on the flawless obedience and atoning sacrifice of Christ. Thus, the rigid accountability of Ezekiel 18 is met, and mercy extended, through the redemptive work of Jesus.

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

James 2:17

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

John 15:14

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Luke 11:28

But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Philippians 4:9

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

1 John 3:22

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

John 13:17

If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

1 Kings 13:22

But camest back, and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place, of the which [the LORD] did say to thee, Eat no bread, and drink no water; thy carcase shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers.