Ezekiel 18:15

KJV

[That] hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, hath not defiled his neighbour's wife,

KJV (with Strong's)

That hath not eaten {H398} upon the mountains {H2022}, neither hath lifted up {H5375} his eyes {H5869} to the idols {H1544} of the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, hath not defiled {H2930} his neighbour's {H7453} wife {H802},

Complete Jewish Bible

He doesn't eat on the mountains, raise his eyes to the idols of the house of Isra'el, defile his neighbor's wife,

Berean Standard Bible

He does not eat at the mountain or look to the idols of the house of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor’s wife.

American Standard Version

that hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, hath not defiled his neighbor’s wife,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 18:15 is a crucial verse in the prophet's profound declaration of individual accountability before God, articulating the defining characteristics of a righteous person. It presents a stark contrast to the prevalent sinfulness of the exiled community, outlining a life marked by a resolute rejection of idolatrous practices, particularly those associated with pagan worship sites, and an unwavering commitment to moral purity, specifically regarding sexual integrity and the sanctity of marriage. This verse powerfully affirms that God's judgment is based on each individual's personal obedience and faithfulness, rather than on the inherited sins or righteousness of their ancestors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 18 serves as a pivotal theological discourse within the book, directly refuting the popular proverb among the Babylonian 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 fatalistic saying implied that the current generation was suffering solely for ancestral sins, thereby excusing personal responsibility. Through a series of hypothetical scenarios involving a righteous father, a wicked son, and a righteous grandson, the Lord, speaking through Ezekiel, systematically dismantles this notion. Verse 15 specifically describes the righteous grandson, detailing the tangible actions that define true godliness and reinforcing the core message that "the soul who sins shall die" ([Ezekiel 18:4](/ezekiel/18-4 "Ezekiel 18:4 - Individual Accountability Before God")). It underscores that personal choice and conduct, not lineage, determine one's standing with God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The exiles in Babylon wrestled with deep theological questions concerning God's justice and their profound suffering. Many felt unfairly punished for the sins of previous generations, leading to spiritual apathy and a sense of hopelessness. The "mountains" referenced in the verse specifically allude to the "high places" (Hebrew: *bamot*), elevated shrines where Canaanite and apostate Israelite worship frequently occurred. These sites were infamous for syncretistic practices, including cultic prostitution, child sacrifice, and feasting on offerings made to idols, all of which were abominations to Yahweh. The phrase "house of Israel" highlights that even within God's covenant people, idolatry was rampant. The prohibition against defiling a "neighbour's wife" emphasizes the critical societal importance of marital fidelity and sexual purity, which were fundamental tenets of the Mosaic Law and essential for maintaining social order and covenant faithfulness in ancient Israel.

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes found in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. Foremost is **Individual Accountability**, emphasizing that one's spiritual standing before God is determined by personal choices and actions, not inherited guilt or merit. It also highlights the **Rejection of Idolatry**, a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, underscoring the exclusive devotion demanded by Yahweh and the severe consequences of spiritual infidelity. The mention of "eating upon the mountains" and "lifting eyes to idols" directly confronts the pervasive idolatry that led to Israel's exile, reinforcing the call to return to the covenant. Furthermore, the verse champions **Moral Purity and Social Justice**, particularly in the protection of marital sanctity, reflecting God's holistic concern for both spiritual and ethical conduct within the community. This aligns with the broader prophetic call for justice and righteousness found in books like [Amos](/amos/5 "Amos 5 - A Call for Justice") and [Micah](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **eaten (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** (H398) This primitive root means "to eat" literally or figuratively. In this specific context, when paired with "upon the mountains," it carries the profound connotation of active participation in pagan sacrificial feasts and rituals. Such participation was an act of spiritual rebellion and a direct violation of the covenant with Yahweh, signifying communion with false gods. The righteous person, therefore, abstains from such defiling communal meals.
* **idols (Hebrew, _gillûwl'_):** (H1544) Derived from a word meaning "log" or "dung," this term is a highly derogatory and contemptuous designation for pagan deities and their images. It emphatically underscores their worthlessness, impotence, and abhorrent nature in God's sight. To "lift up his eyes" to them means to acknowledge, worship, or even gaze upon them with reverence or desire, which is a direct violation of the [First and Second Commandments](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-6 - The First and Second Commandments").
* **defiled (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** (H2930) This primitive root signifies "to be foul," specifically in a ceremonial or moral sense, implying contamination, impurity, or desecration. Here, it refers to the act of sexual immorality, particularly adultery. The righteous person maintains moral purity by respecting the sanctity of marriage and avoiding any action that would violate the covenant relationship between a husband and a wife, a principle deeply rooted in the [Mosaic Law](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Seventh Commandment").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[That] hath not eaten upon the mountains":** This clause describes the righteous individual's active abstention from idolatrous practices. "Eating upon the mountains" refers to participation in pagan sacrificial meals and rituals conducted at high places, which were centers of polytheistic worship and often included immoral acts. The righteous person demonstrates exclusive allegiance to Yahweh by refraining from any form of communion with false gods, thereby avoiding spiritual defilement.
* **"neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel":** This phrase further clarifies the comprehensive rejection of idolatry. "Lifting up eyes" implies adoration, longing, seeking help from, or even simply acknowledging the existence or power of. The "idols of the house of Israel" indicates that even within the covenant community, the people had embraced pagan deities. The righteous individual actively turns away from such spiritual apostasy, maintaining singular and undivided devotion to the one true God.
* **"hath not defiled his neighbour's wife":** This final clause addresses the moral dimension of righteousness, specifically sexual purity and the sanctity of marriage. "Defiling" signifies a violation that renders something unclean or impure, in this case, the sacred marital bond. The righteous person respects the marital covenant and abstains from adultery, demonstrating integrity, faithfulness, and adherence to God's moral law, which protects the foundational unit of society and reflects God's own holiness.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 18:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its powerful message regarding individual righteousness. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically negative parallelism, where three distinct prohibitions are listed, each describing an action that the righteous person *does not* do. This repetitive structure emphasizes the comprehensive nature of true righteousness, encompassing both spiritual fidelity (the rejection of idolatry in the first two clauses) and moral integrity (sexual purity in the third clause). **Symbolism** is also evident, with "mountains" serving as a potent symbol for forbidden pagan worship sites, and "idols" representing the false, detestable gods that lured Israel away from Yahweh. The act of "eating" symbolizes communion and participation, while "lifting up eyes" symbolizes adoration or seeking. These symbolic actions paint a vivid picture of the spiritual and moral landscape from which the righteous individual separates themselves. The verse also functions as a form of **Merism**, presenting a few key examples of righteous behavior to represent a broader category of obedience to God's law, implying that the truly righteous person lives out God's commands in all aspects of life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 18:15 stands as a powerful testament to the holistic nature of biblical righteousness, which encompasses both vertical (Godward) and horizontal (manward) dimensions. The rejection of idolatry speaks to the absolute necessity of exclusive devotion to Yahweh, reflecting the first commandments of the Decalogue. This is not merely about avoiding physical idols but about ensuring that nothing usurps God's rightful place in one's heart and life. Simultaneously, the prohibition against defiling a neighbor's wife underscores the sanctity of human relationships and the importance of moral purity, particularly sexual integrity, as a reflection of God's own holiness and His design for human flourishing. This verse, therefore, integrates spiritual fidelity with ethical conduct, demonstrating that true faith is always lived out in concrete acts of obedience and love towards God and neighbor, reinforcing the indivisible nature of true covenant faithfulness.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Love for God")
* [Exodus 20:3-6](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-6 - The First and Second Commandments")
* [Leviticus 18:20](/leviticus/18-20 "Leviticus 18:20 - Prohibition Against Adultery")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 18:15 offers a timeless blueprint for living a life pleasing to God, challenging us to examine the idols of our own hearts and the purity of our relationships. While literal "eating upon the mountains" may not be our contemporary struggle, the spirit of idolatry persists in myriad forms: placing ultimate trust, devotion, or hope in wealth, power, status, personal comfort, or even self-image, rather than in God. The call to not "lift up his eyes to the idols" compels us to scrutinize what truly captures our gaze and devotion, ensuring that our ultimate allegiance remains solely with the one true God. Furthermore, the command to not "defile his neighbour's wife" extends beyond the literal act of adultery to encompass all forms of sexual immorality, promoting purity in thought, word, and deed, and upholding the sanctity of marriage as a divine institution. This verse reminds us that genuine faith is not passive but actively resists the corrupting influences of the world, demonstrating personal responsibility and a commitment to God's standards in every area of life, reflecting a transformed heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "mountains" or "idols" in my life today that compete for my ultimate devotion and exclusive allegiance to God?**
* **How does the principle of not "defiling his neighbour's wife" apply to my thoughts, words, and actions regarding sexual purity and the sanctity of relationships in the modern context?**
* **In what ways do I tend to blame external circumstances or the actions of others for my own spiritual shortcomings, rather than embracing individual responsibility before God?**
* **How can I more intentionally cultivate a life of active resistance to the world's corrupting influences, demonstrating a clear and exclusive devotion to Christ in all areas?**

### FAQ
**What does "hath not eaten upon the mountains" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: In Ezekiel's time, "eating upon the mountains" refers to participating in pagan sacrificial feasts and rituals conducted at "high places" (often on hills or mountains). These were sites where Canaanite and apostate Israelite worship took place, frequently involving offerings to false gods, cultic prostitution, and other abominable practices forbidden by the Mosaic Law. Therefore, the phrase signifies a complete abstention from idolatrous worship and any form of communion with false deities, demonstrating exclusive loyalty to Yahweh. It's a vivid image of spiritual purity and separation from paganism, emphasizing that the righteous person refuses to partake in anything that compromises their devotion to God.

**How does the emphasis on individual responsibility in Ezekiel 18:15 relate to the concept of corporate sin or generational curses?**

Answer: Ezekiel 18, including verse 15, directly challenges the popular notion that children are punished for the sins of their parents, as expressed in the proverb "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")). While the Bible acknowledges that the consequences of corporate sin can affect future generations (e.g., [Exodus 34:7](/exodus/34-7 "Exodus 34:7 - God's Mercy and Justice")), Ezekiel clarifies that God's ultimate judgment is based on individual righteousness or wickedness. Verse 15 highlights that a person who chooses to obey God, rejecting idolatry and immorality, will be deemed righteous, regardless of their ancestors' sins. This does not negate the reality of societal sin or its impact, but it firmly establishes that each individual stands accountable before God for their own choices and actions, offering profound hope for personal repentance and a new beginning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 18:15, while describing the righteous individual under the Old Covenant, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ. The righteous person described here abstains from idolatry and maintains moral purity, actions that perfectly characterize the life of our Savior. Jesus never "ate upon the mountains" in the sense of participating in pagan rituals; rather, He perfectly fulfilled the law's demand for exclusive devotion to God, declaring, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve" ([Matthew 4:10](/matthew/4-10 "Matthew 4:10 - Jesus Resists Temptation")). He never "lifted up his eyes to the idols," for He Himself is the image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")), the one true God to whom all worship is due. Furthermore, Jesus lived a life of absolute moral purity, never "defiling his neighbour's wife" or committing any sin whatsoever. He perfectly upheld the sanctity of marriage and all of God's moral law, becoming the spotless Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) who takes away the sin of the world. In Christ, the ideal of righteousness presented in Ezekiel is not merely an aspiration but a living reality, and through His atoning sacrifice and the indwelling of His Spirit, believers are empowered to increasingly live out the very righteousness that Ezekiel 18:15 describes, having their hearts transformed to obey God's commands and walk in newness of life ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Living According to the Spirit")).

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

Ezekiel 18:6

[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,

Ezekiel 18:7

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;

Ezekiel 18:11

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

Ezekiel 18:13

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.