Ezekiel 18:14

KJV

Now, lo, [if] he beget a son, that seeth all his father's sins which he hath done, and considereth, and doeth not such like,

KJV (with Strong's)

Now, lo, if he beget {H3205} a son {H1121}, that seeth {H7200} all his father's {H1} sins {H2403} which he hath done {H6213}, and considereth {H7200}, and doeth {H6213} not such like {H2004},

Complete Jewish Bible

"But now suppose he has a son who sees all the sins his father committed, thinks about them, and behaves differently.

Berean Standard Bible

Now suppose this son has a son who sees all the sins his father has committed, considers them, and does not do likewise:

American Standard Version

Now, lo, if he beget a son, that seeth all his father’s sins, which he hath done, and feareth, and doeth not such like;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 18:14 presents a powerful counter-narrative to the prevailing belief in corporate guilt, asserting the principle of individual moral accountability. It describes a son born to a wicked father who, despite his lineage, actively observes and discerns his father's sinful ways, consciously choosing to deviate from them. This verse underscores God's righteous judgment, which is based on personal conduct rather than inherited sin, offering hope for moral transformation and a break from generational patterns of iniquity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial component of Ezekiel chapter 18, a profound theological discourse that directly challenges a deeply ingrained proverb among the 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 'Sour Grapes' Proverb")). This proverb reflected a fatalistic view that the current generation was unjustly suffering for the sins of their ancestors. God, through Ezekiel, vehemently refutes this notion, declaring, "Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die" ([Ezekiel 18:4](/ezekiel/18-4 "Ezekiel 18:4 - Individual Accountability")). The chapter then unfolds as a series of three illustrative cases: first, a righteous man ([Ezekiel 18:5-9](/ezekiel/18-5 "Ezekiel 18:5-9 - The Righteous Man")); second, a wicked son of a righteous man ([Ezekiel 18:10-13](/ezekiel/18-10 "Ezekiel 18:10-13 - The Wicked Son")); and finally, the case presented in verses 14-17, a righteous son of a wicked father. Ezekiel 18:14 specifically introduces this third scenario, demonstrating that personal righteousness is not inherited, nor is sin necessarily perpetuated across generations, thereby emphasizing God's equitable and individual judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel delivered this message during the Babylonian exile, a period of immense despair and questioning for the Jewish people. They grappled with the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and their displacement from the promised land. Many believed they were suffering due to the cumulative sins of previous generations, particularly Manasseh's idolatry, as alluded to in passages like [2 Kings 23:26](/2_kings/23-26 "2 Kings 23:26 - Manasseh's Sins"). This corporate understanding of sin and judgment was deeply embedded in Israelite thought (e.g., [Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "Exodus 20:5 - The Second Commandment")). Ezekiel's prophecy marks a significant theological shift, moving towards a stronger emphasis on individual culpability and personal repentance. This was crucial for fostering hope and encouraging moral reform among the exiles, showing them that their future was not predetermined by their ancestors' failures but by their own choices.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 18:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. The most prominent is **Individual Responsibility**, asserting that each person is accountable for their own actions before God, regardless of their family lineage or societal context. This challenges the fatalism of the exiles and empowers them to make personal moral choices. Closely related is **Moral Discernment and Choice**, as the verse highlights the son's active role: he "seeth all his father's sins," "considereth," and then "doeth not such like." This emphasizes the importance of observation, critical reflection, and intentional decision-making in shaping one's moral path, a theme also echoed in the wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Keep Your Heart")). Furthermore, the verse offers profound hope by illustrating the possibility of **Breaking Cycles of Sin**, demonstrating that individuals can choose to deviate from generational patterns of unrighteousness and embrace a new way of living, a concept foundational to the idea of a "new creation" in the New Testament ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Finally, it powerfully affirms **Divine Justice**, showcasing God's perfectly equitable judgment, which assesses individuals based on their personal conduct rather than their ancestry or the actions of others.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **seeth (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** From H7200, this word signifies more than mere casual observation. It implies a deep, discerning perception, a careful consideration, and even a spiritual understanding. In the context of the verse, the son doesn't just glance at his father's sins; he "sees" them in a way that leads to profound internal processing and a rejection of those paths. It's an active, cognitive engagement with the reality of sin.
* **sins (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** From H2403, this term denotes an offense, often implying habitual sinfulness, and encompasses its penalty, occasion, and even the sacrifice for expiation. Here, it refers to the father's moral transgressions against God's law. The son's observation of these "sins" is key to his subsequent moral divergence, highlighting the serious nature of the father's actions and their negative consequences.
* **doeth (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** From H6213, this versatile primitive root means "to do or make" in the broadest sense. In this verse, it emphasizes the son's active choice and execution of a different moral path. It's not a passive avoidance but a deliberate, intentional act of living righteously, contrasting sharply with his father's "done" (also `ʻâsâh`) sins. This word underscores the son's agency and responsibility in his moral conduct.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now, lo, [if] he beget a son":** This clause introduces a hypothetical but illustrative scenario, emphasizing the generational aspect. It sets the stage for a son emerging from a particular lineage, specifically one whose father has committed sins. The "lo" (KJV "behold") draws attention to the profound truth about to be revealed.
* **"that seeth all his father's sins which he hath done":** This is a critical component, highlighting the son's awareness and discernment. He is not ignorant of his father's transgressions; rather, he actively observes and recognizes the full extent of his father's sinful actions. This "seeing" implies a deep understanding of the nature and consequences of those sins.
* **"and considereth":** This phrase denotes an internal, reflective process. The son doesn't just observe; he contemplates, weighs, and evaluates his father's actions. This "consideration" implies a moral assessment, a deliberate thought process that leads to a conclusion about the rightness or wrongness of those ways. It's a mental engagement that precedes action.
* **"and doeth not such like":** This final clause presents the decisive outcome of the son's observation and consideration. Having seen and reflected upon his father's sins, he makes a conscious and active choice to *not* emulate them. This is the crux of the verse's message: individual moral agency and the ability to break from inherited patterns of sin through deliberate righteous action.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 18:14 powerfully employs **Contrast** as its primary literary device, juxtaposing the wicked father with his righteous son. This stark comparison highlights the core message of individual accountability, demonstrating that a person's moral standing is not determined by their lineage but by their own choices and actions. The verse also utilizes **Didacticism**, serving as a direct teaching or instruction from God to His people. It's part of a larger prophetic discourse designed to correct a theological misunderstanding and instill a new understanding of divine justice and personal responsibility. The structure of the chapter, moving through different case studies (righteous man, wicked son, righteous son), functions as a form of **Exemplum**, providing concrete examples to illustrate abstract theological principles. The phrase "seeth all his father's sins... and considereth, and doeth not such like" also contains an element of **Parallelism** in its structure, emphasizing the progression from observation to reflection to action, thereby reinforcing the active role of the son in his moral journey.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 18:14 stands as a foundational text for understanding the biblical emphasis on individual accountability before God. It refutes the notion of inherited guilt as a sole determinant of one's spiritual destiny, paving the way for a deeper appreciation of personal repentance and faith. This prophetic declaration anticipates the New Covenant emphasis on an internalized law and a direct, personal relationship with God, where each heart is transformed, and each person is judged by their own deeds. It affirms God's perfect justice, which is not arbitrary or based on lineage, but on the choices and actions of the individual soul. This truth offers profound liberation from fatalism and empowers believers to actively pursue righteousness, knowing that their efforts are seen and honored by a just God.

* [Jeremiah 31:29-30](/jeremiah/31-29 "Jeremiah 31:29-30 - No More Sour Grapes")
* [Deuteronomy 24:16](/deuteronomy/24-16 "Deuteronomy 24:16 - Fathers Not Put to Death for Sons")
* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God Renders to Every Man According to His Deeds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 18:14 holds profound relevance for every believer today, challenging us to embrace personal responsibility for our spiritual and moral walk. It serves as a powerful reminder that while our family backgrounds, upbringings, and societal influences may shape us, they do not ultimately dictate our destiny or excuse our sin. We are called, like the son in the verse, to actively "see" and "consider" the patterns of sin, both in the world around us and potentially within our own past or family lines, and then to intentionally "do not such like." This requires spiritual discernment, a willingness to confront unrighteousness, and the courage to forge a new path rooted in God's truth. It is an invitation to break free from cycles of dysfunction, addiction, or spiritual apathy, trusting that God's justice is perfect and that He empowers us to live a life of righteousness, regardless of our past or our lineage. Our hope is not in our ancestry, but in our personal relationship with the living God and the transformative power of His Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly blaming my past or my family's patterns for my current struggles, rather than taking personal responsibility?**
* **How effectively do I "see" and "consider" the consequences of sin, both in my own life and in the lives of others, allowing it to inform my choices?**
* **What specific "such like" behaviors or attitudes, if any, from my background or environment am I called to actively "do not" in my walk with Christ?**
* **How does the truth of individual accountability motivate me to pursue holiness and rely more fully on God's grace for transformation?**

### FAQ
**Does Ezekiel 18:14 contradict passages like Exodus 20:5, which speak of God visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children?**

Answer: No, Ezekiel 18:14 does not contradict passages like [Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "Exodus 20:5 - Visiting Iniquity on Generations") but rather clarifies and expands upon them. The earlier passages often refer to the *consequences* of corporate sin that can affect subsequent generations (e.g., societal breakdown, national judgment, or the perpetuation of sinful patterns through upbringing), not necessarily individual damnation for sins they did not commit. Ezekiel 18, particularly [Ezekiel 18:4](/ezekiel/18-4 "Ezekiel 18:4 - The Soul Who Sins Shall Die"), emphasizes that ultimate spiritual accountability and eternal destiny are based on the individual's personal choices and moral standing before God. The son in Ezekiel 18:14 demonstrates that even if he is born into a family with a sinful legacy, he can choose to break that cycle and live righteously, and God will judge him according to his own actions, not his father's. This highlights God's justice and His desire for individual repentance and transformation.

**What is the significance of the son "seeing" and "considering" his father's sins before choosing a different path?**

Answer: The active verbs "seeth" (Hebrew _râʼâh_) and "considereth" are crucial. "Seeing" implies more than just casual observation; it suggests a deep, discerning perception and understanding of the nature and consequences of his father's sins. It's an intellectual and moral awareness. "Considereth" (implied in the KJV's _râʼâh_ and often linked to an internal "lifting up of the heart" or setting one's mind) signifies a process of internal reflection, evaluation, and moral deliberation. This isn't a passive inheritance of righteousness but an active, conscious choice. The son doesn't just stumble into righteousness; he thoughtfully assesses the wrongness of his father's ways and deliberately chooses to reject them. This highlights the importance of moral discernment and intentionality in one's spiritual journey, emphasizing that true righteousness stems from a conscious decision to align with God's will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 18:14, with its emphasis on individual transformation and breaking cycles of sin, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament verse highlights the human capacity for moral choice, it is Christ who provides the power and means for such a radical break from inherited and personal sin. Humanity, in its fallen state, is inherently prone to sin, often perpetuating the "sins of the fathers" not merely through influence but through a shared sinful nature ([Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin Entered the World Through One Man")). Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering not just forgiveness for past transgressions but also the transformative power to "do not such like." Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, believers are united with Him, becoming "new creations" where the old has passed away and the new has come ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). The Holy Spirit, given to those who believe, empowers them to walk in newness of life, fulfilling the righteous requirements of the law not by human effort alone, but by the Spirit's indwelling power ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled by the Spirit")). Thus, the hope of Ezekiel 18:14—that a son can choose a path of righteousness despite a sinful heritage—is fully realized in Christ, who enables a complete spiritual rebirth and empowers believers to live a life truly free from the dominion of sin's patterns ([Romans 6:11-14](/romans/6-11 "Romans 6:11-14 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ")).

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

2 Chronicles 34:21

Go, enquire of the LORD for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found: for great [is] the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to do after all that is written in this book.

Proverbs 23:24

The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise [child] shall have joy of him.

Matthew 23:32

Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

Ezekiel 20:18

But I said unto their children in the wilderness, Walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols:

1 Peter 1:18

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers;

Jeremiah 9:14

But have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them:

Jeremiah 8:6

I hearkened and heard, [but] they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle.