Ezekiel 18:13

KJV

Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hath given forth {H5414} upon usury {H5392}, and hath taken {H3947} increase {H8636}: shall he then live {H2425}? he shall not live {H2421}: he hath done {H6213} all these abominations {H8441}; he shall surely {H4191} die {H4191}; his blood {H1818} shall be upon him.

Complete Jewish Bible

demands and accepts interest. Should he live? He will not live, because he has engaged in all these disgusting practices - he must be put to death; his blood is on him.

Berean Standard Bible

He engages in usury and takes excess interest. Will this son live? He will not! Since he has committed all these abominations, he will surely die; his blood will be on his own head.

American Standard Version

hath given forth upon interest, and hath taken increase; shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 18:13 delivers a stark pronouncement of divine judgment against an individual who engages in usury and takes excessive interest, practices explicitly forbidden by God's law. This verse, part of a broader discourse on individual accountability, declares that such a person, having committed these "abominations," will not live but will surely die, with their demise being solely their own responsibility. It underscores the direct and severe consequences of personal sin and rebellion against God's righteous standards.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 18 is a powerful theological declaration directly refuting a prevalent proverb among the Jewish 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 implied that the current generation was suffering unjustly for the sins of their ancestors, thereby absolving themselves of personal guilt. God, through Ezekiel, emphatically dismantles this notion, asserting that each individual is held personally accountable for their own righteousness or wickedness. The chapter presents three archetypal figures: a righteous man ([Ezekiel 18:5-9](/ezekiel/18-5 "Ezekiel 18:5-9 - Description of a Righteous Man")), his wicked son ([Ezekiel 18:10-13](/ezekiel/18-10 "Ezekiel 18:10-13 - Description of a Wicked Son")), and the wicked son's righteous son ([Ezekiel 18:14-17](/ezekiel/18-14 "Ezekiel 18:14-17 - Description of a Righteous Grandson")). Verse 13 specifically describes the actions and fate of the wicked son, highlighting usury as one of the "abominations" that leads to his certain death, reinforcing the principle of individual retribution.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel was delivered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the sixth century BCE. This period was marked by profound national trauma and spiritual questioning. The exiles struggled to reconcile their suffering with God's justice, often resorting to fatalistic interpretations of their predicament. Economically, ancient Israelite society, particularly as envisioned in the Mosaic Law, was agrarian and communal. Lending was primarily for subsistence, not for profit or investment. The Mosaic Law strictly prohibited charging interest (usury) on loans to fellow Israelites, especially the poor or needy ([Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Lending to the Poor"), [Leviticus 25:36-37](/leviticus/25-36 "Leviticus 25:36-37 - No Interest from Brothers"), [Deuteronomy 23:19-20](/deuteronomy/23-19 "Deuteronomy 23:19-20 - Prohibition on Usury")). This prohibition was rooted in the covenantal understanding of community, where mutual support and compassion were paramount, and exploitation of the vulnerable was an affront to God's character and justice. Engaging in usury was therefore not merely an economic transgression but a profound moral and spiritual failing, indicative of a heart lacking compassion and trust in God's provision.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 18:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the chapter and the broader prophetic message. The most prominent is **Individual Accountability**, directly challenging the deterministic worldview of the exiles and asserting that God judges each person based on their own deeds, not their lineage. This verse, by detailing the wicked son's actions and consequences, underscores the theme of the **Consequences of Sin**, demonstrating that specific acts of rebellion against God's law, like usury, lead inevitably to spiritual death and divine judgment. The repeated declaration, "he shall not live: he shall surely die," emphasizes the gravity of these consequences. Furthermore, the phrase "his blood shall be upon him" highlights **Divine Justice**, portraying God as perfectly equitable and righteous in His judgments. It signifies that the individual's demise is a direct result of their own choices, affirming their full culpability and the just nature of God's retribution, a principle echoed in the New Testament's teaching on [sowing and reaping](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Usury (Hebrew, _neshek'_):** From the root meaning "to bite," this term (H5392) refers to interest on a debt, specifically the practice of lending money or goods at interest, often in a predatory manner. In the context of ancient Israel, it signified an exploitative practice that "bit" or oppressed the borrower, particularly the poor, by increasing their financial burden beyond the principal. It was seen as a violation of communal solidarity and divine law.
* **Live/Die (Hebrew, _châyâh'_ / _mûwth'_):** The verb "live" (H2421, _châyâh'_) signifies existence, vitality, and flourishing, both physically and spiritually. Its repeated negation, "he shall not live," immediately followed by the declaration "he shall surely die" (H4191, _mûwth'_), emphasizes a definitive and inescapable cessation of life and well-being. This "death" is not merely physical but encompasses spiritual separation from God, a state of condemnation and loss of divine favor due to unrepentant sin. The emphatic repetition ("surely die") underscores the certainty and severity of this judgment.
* **Abominations (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** This term (H8441) denotes something disgusting, abhorrent, or detestable, particularly in a moral or religious sense. It is used throughout the Old Testament to describe practices that are utterly contrary to God's character and covenant, such as idolatry, sexual perversion, and injustice. By labeling usury and taking increase as "abominations," the text elevates these economic transgressions to the level of grave spiritual offenses that defile the individual and incur divine wrath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase":** This clause describes the specific economic sins committed by the wicked individual. "Given forth upon usury" refers to lending money with interest, while "taken increase" (or "gain") refers to the profit derived from such a loan. Together, these phrases condemn the practice of charging interest to fellow Israelites, which was explicitly forbidden by Mosaic Law as a form of exploitation against the vulnerable.
* **"shall he then live? he shall not live":** This is a rhetorical question followed by a definitive negative answer. The question implies that such a person's actions are so egregious that their right to life, particularly a life blessed by God, is forfeited. The immediate "he shall not live" serves as a firm declaration of judgment, indicating spiritual death and separation from God's life-giving presence.
* **"he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die":** This clause provides the justification for the judgment. The practice of usury is categorized as one of "all these abominations," linking it to a broader pattern of egregious sins that violate God's law and character. The repetition of "shall surely die" (a Hebrew idiom for certain death) emphasizes the absolute certainty and severity of the consequence for engaging in such detestable acts.
* **"his blood shall be upon him":** This is a powerful legal and moral declaration. It signifies that the individual is solely and fully responsible for their own demise or judgment. Their death is not arbitrary or imposed unjustly by God, but is a direct, self-inflicted consequence of their own sinful choices. The guilt for their fate rests entirely on them, affirming God's perfect justice.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 18:13 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The prominent **Rhetorical Question** ("shall he then live?") immediately draws the listener into the moral dilemma, only to be met with a definitive, emphatic negative, "he shall not live," which serves to underscore the certainty of judgment. This is further amplified by **Repetition** of the phrase "he shall surely die," an idiomatic expression in Hebrew that emphasizes the absolute inevitability of the consequence. The use of **Legal Language** is evident in the phrase "his blood shall be upon him," which is a declaration of culpability, akin to a verdict, placing full responsibility for the outcome squarely on the individual. Finally, the categorization of usury as one of "all these **Abominations**" uses strong, evocative language to elevate the economic transgression to a profound moral and spiritual offense, aligning it with other acts that are utterly detestable to God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 18:13 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering commitment to justice and individual accountability. It challenges any notion that sin can be inherited or that one can escape the consequences of their own choices. The condemnation of usury highlights God's concern for the vulnerable and His abhorrence of exploitation, revealing that true righteousness extends beyond ritual observance to encompass ethical conduct in all spheres of life, especially economic dealings. This verse underscores that a life lived in defiance of God's commands, particularly those rooted in love for neighbor, leads to spiritual death and separation from the source of true life. It serves as a stark reminder that God's judgment is not arbitrary but a just response to unrepentant sin.

* [Deuteronomy 24:14-15](/deuteronomy/24-14 "Deuteronomy 24:14-15 - Justice for the Poor and Sojourner")
* [Proverbs 28:8](/proverbs/28-8 "Proverbs 28:8 - Wealth Gained by Usury")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 18:13, while rooted in an ancient context, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. It compels us to embrace radical personal responsibility for our spiritual state and moral choices, recognizing that we cannot blame our circumstances, upbringing, or the actions of others for our own sin. God holds each person accountable for their relationship with Him and their obedience to His commands. This verse also serves as a sobering reminder of the gravity of sin; the repeated declaration "shall surely die" emphasizes that rebellion against God's righteous standards has severe, life-negating consequences, both in this life and eternally. Therefore, it calls for a deep introspection into our own hearts and actions, prompting genuine repentance and a turning towards God's life-giving ways. Furthermore, the specific condemnation of usury challenges us to practice ethical conduct in all financial dealings, prioritizing fairness, generosity, and compassion over exploitative gain. It encourages us to reflect God's character by protecting the vulnerable and seeking justice in economic systems, ensuring our pursuit of prosperity does not come at the expense of our neighbor's well-being.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to shift blame for my choices onto others or circumstances, rather than taking personal responsibility?**
* **How do my financial practices and attitudes toward wealth reflect or contradict God's concern for justice and the vulnerable?**
* **Considering the severe consequences of sin described in this verse, what steps can I take to more fully align my life with God's commands and embrace His path to true life?**

### FAQ
**Is all interest-taking forbidden by this verse for Christians today?**

Answer: While Ezekiel 18:13 (and the Mosaic Law) strictly prohibited usury among Israelites, particularly when it exploited the poor, modern financial systems operate on different principles. The ancient prohibition was primarily aimed at preventing the oppression of the vulnerable in a subsistence economy, where loans were for basic needs rather than investment. For Christians today, the underlying principle is not a blanket ban on all interest, but a call to ethical conduct, compassion, and justice in all financial dealings. This means avoiding predatory lending, exorbitant interest rates, and any practice that exploits the vulnerable or takes unfair advantage. The spirit of the law encourages generosity, responsible stewardship, and a commitment to not profiting from another's desperation, reflecting the broader biblical themes of [love for neighbor](/mark/12-31 "Mark 12:31 - Love Your Neighbor") and [justice](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - Act Justly, Love Mercy").

**What does "his blood shall be upon him" mean?**

Answer: The phrase "his blood shall be upon him" is a strong legal and moral declaration found throughout the Old Testament. It signifies that the individual is solely and fully responsible for their own death or the judgment they receive. It means their demise is not an arbitrary act of God, but a direct, self-inflicted consequence of their own sinful choices and actions. The guilt for their fate rests entirely on them, affirming God's perfect justice and the principle of individual accountability. It is a declaration of culpability, stating that the person's own actions have brought about their just punishment, as seen in other contexts like [Leviticus 20:9](/leviticus/20-9 "Leviticus 20:9 - Cursing Parents") or [Matthew 27:25](/matthew/27-25 "Matthew 27:25 - Their Blood on Us").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 18:13, with its stark declaration of "he shall surely die" due to sin, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate consequence of humanity's rebellion against God. The "abominations" described, including usury, represent humanity's pervasive failure to live righteously and compassionately, leading to spiritual death and separation from God. This verse's emphasis on individual accountability highlights the inescapable truth that "the wages of sin is death" ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). However, it is in Christ that this dire pronouncement finds its profound fulfillment and reversal. Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, willingly took upon Himself the "blood" of our guilt, bearing the full weight of humanity's "abominations" and dying the death we deserved ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He not only paid the penalty for our sins but also conquered death, offering true life to all who believe. The "life" that the wicked man in Ezekiel 18:13 could not attain through his own works is freely given through Christ's resurrection, ushering believers into a new covenant where forgiveness and eternal life are accessed by faith, not by perfect adherence to the law ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Thus, while Ezekiel 18:13 pronounces death for sin, Christ offers life through His righteousness, fulfilling the law's demands and providing the ultimate solution to humanity's condemnation.

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

Leviticus 20:9

For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood [shall be] upon him.

Ezekiel 3:18

When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked [man] shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

Ezekiel 18:8

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,

Exodus 22:25

¶ If thou lend money to [any of] my people [that is] poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.

Ezekiel 33:4

Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.

Ezekiel 33:5

He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.

Ezekiel 18:32

For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn [yourselves], and live ye.