Ezekiel 18:16

KJV

Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, [but] hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment,

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither hath oppressed {H3238} any {H376}, hath not withholden {H2254} the pledge {H2258}, neither hath spoiled {H1497} by violence {H1500}, but hath given {H5414} his bread {H3899} to the hungry {H7457}, and hath covered {H3680} the naked {H5903} with a garment {H899},

Complete Jewish Bible

wrong others, keep pledged property or take by robbery, but gives his food to the hungry and clothing to those in need of it;

Berean Standard Bible

He does not oppress another, or retain a pledge, or commit robbery. He gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.

American Standard Version

neither hath wronged any, hath not taken aught to pledge, neither hath taken by robbery, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 18:16 delineates the characteristics of a righteous individual, emphasizing active compassion and ethical integrity as hallmarks of a life lived in accordance with God's will. This verse, part of a broader argument against the prevailing proverb of inherited guilt, illustrates that true righteousness is not merely the absence of wrongdoing but the proactive demonstration of care for the vulnerable and adherence to just dealings, thereby affirming individual accountability and the possibility of personal transformation before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 18 stands as a pivotal chapter in the book of Ezekiel, directly challenging a deeply ingrained proverb among the exiled Israelites: "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 view that the current generation was suffering solely for the sins of their ancestors, particularly Manasseh's idolatry. God, through Ezekiel, vehemently refutes this notion, asserting individual accountability for one's own actions and choices. The chapter unfolds a tripartite structure: it first describes a righteous man (verses 5-9), then contrasts him with his wicked son (verses 10-13), and finally presents a righteous grandson (verses 14-17), demonstrating that righteousness is a personal decision, not an inherited trait, and that divine justice is meted out on an individual basis, as declared in [Ezekiel 18:4](/ezekiel/18-4 "Ezekiel 18:4 - Soul Who Sins Shall Die"). Verse 16 specifically details the positive, active righteousness of the grandson, reinforcing the chapter's core message.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel is set during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national crisis and theological re-evaluation for the Judean people. Stripped of their land, temple, and monarchy, the exiles grappled with questions of God's justice, their collective sin, and their future. The proverb about sour grapes likely served as a coping mechanism or an excuse, shifting blame away from their own choices. In this context, Ezekiel's message of individual responsibility was revolutionary and crucial for fostering repentance, hope, and a renewed understanding of God's covenant. Culturally, the references to "the pledge" and "spoiled by violence" resonate with Mosaic Law principles concerning economic justice and protection for the poor. Laws in the Torah explicitly forbade withholding a poor person's cloak taken as a pledge overnight ([Exodus 22:26-27](/exodus/22-26 "Exodus 22:26-27 - Returning a Pledge")), and condemned robbery or exploitation of the vulnerable ([Leviticus 19:13](/leviticus/19-13 "Leviticus 19:13 - Prohibition Against Oppression")). The acts of feeding the hungry and clothing the naked were fundamental expressions of compassion and covenant faithfulness in ancient Israelite society, reflecting the community's responsibility for its weakest members.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 18:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Individual Accountability**, the central theme of [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility"). It asserts that each person is judged by their own conduct, not by the merits or demerits of their ancestors. Secondly, the verse highlights **Active Righteousness**, demonstrating that true godliness is not merely the absence of sin but the proactive pursuit of good. The righteous individual actively performs deeds of mercy and justice. Thirdly, it champions **Social Justice and Compassion**, illustrating practical ways to care for the vulnerable in society—feeding the hungry and clothing the naked—which are recurring themes throughout the prophetic literature, as seen in [Isaiah 58:7](/isaiah/58-7 "Isaiah 58:7 - True Fasting and Justice"). Finally, the verse speaks to **Ethical Integrity and Economic Justice**, forbidding exploitation, robbery, and the unjust withholding of pledges, aligning with the Mosaic legal framework that sought to protect the poor and ensure fair dealings within the community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Oppressed (Hebrew, _yânâh'_):** From H3238, a primitive root meaning "to rage or be violent; by implication, to suppress, to maltreat." This word signifies a forceful, often violent, mistreatment or suppression of another, particularly the vulnerable. The righteous person actively refrains from such abusive power dynamics.
* **Withholden the pledge (Hebrew, _châbal_ H2254, _chăbôl_ H2258):** H2254 (_châbal_) means "to wind tightly (as a rope), i.e. to bind; specifically, by a pledge; figuratively, to pervert, destroy." H2258 (_chăbôl_) is the noun form, meaning "a pawn (as security for debt); pledge." Together, they refer to the act of taking a security for a loan. Not withholding the pledge means returning it as required by law, especially if it was essential for the debtor's survival (e.g., a cloak needed for warmth at night), demonstrating compassion and adherence to ethical lending practices.
* **Spoiled by violence (Hebrew, _gâzal_ H1497, _gᵉzêlâh_ H1500):** H1497 (_gâzal_) is a primitive root meaning "to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob; to take away by force or violence." H1500 (_gᵉzêlâh_) is the feminine noun, meaning "robbery, or (concretely) plunder; that which he took violently away." This phrase denotes robbery, extortion, or seizing property through violent means. The righteous person abstains from all forms of illicit gain obtained through force or intimidation.
* **Covered (Hebrew, _kâçâh'_):** From H3680, a primitive root meaning "to plump, i.e. fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)." In this context, it refers to providing clothing or shelter, an act of practical care and compassion for those lacking basic necessities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither hath oppressed any":** This clause establishes the righteous person's abstinence from abusive power. It signifies a refusal to exploit, mistreat, or violently suppress others, particularly the weaker members of society. It speaks to a character that respects the dignity and rights of every individual.
* **"hath not withholden the pledge":** This refers to the practice of taking a pledge (security) for a loan. The righteous individual does not unjustly retain a pledge, especially one vital for the debtor's survival, demonstrating adherence to the spirit of Mosaic Law and a compassionate approach to economic dealings. It highlights integrity and empathy in financial interactions.
* **"neither hath spoiled by violence":** This clause condemns robbery, extortion, or the forceful seizure of another's property. The righteous person is not a thief or an aggressor but respects property rights and obtains possessions through legitimate and peaceful means, underscoring a commitment to justice and non-violence.
* **"but hath given his bread to the hungry":** This marks a shift from negative prohibitions to positive, active righteousness. "Bread" represents basic sustenance. The righteous person actively shares their resources with those in need, demonstrating practical compassion and generosity towards the impoverished and starving.
* **"and hath covered the naked with a garment":** This final clause further illustrates active mercy. Providing a "garment" to the "naked" signifies offering clothing, warmth, and protection to those who lack basic necessities. It is a tangible act of charity and care for the most vulnerable, embodying selfless love and concern for human dignity.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 18:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The verse utilizes a strong **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, juxtaposing negative actions (oppressing, withholding pledges, spoiling by violence) with positive, compassionate deeds (giving bread to the hungry, covering the naked). This structure clearly delineates what a righteous person *does not do* versus what they *do*, providing a comprehensive picture of ethical conduct. The repetition of "hath not" followed by "hath given" and "hath covered" creates a rhythmic **Parallelism** that reinforces the active nature of righteousness. Furthermore, the specific examples of "bread to the hungry" and "garment to the naked" serve as **Concrete Imagery** and **Metonymy**, representing broader acts of charity and care for the marginalized. These vivid images make the abstract concept of righteousness tangible and relatable, emphasizing practical, actionable expressions of faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 18:16 profoundly articulates the biblical emphasis on ethical living and social responsibility as integral components of true faith. It counters any notion that righteousness is merely ritualistic observance or passive avoidance of sin, instead presenting it as an active, outward demonstration of love and justice towards one's neighbor. This verse aligns with the prophetic tradition's consistent call for justice, mercy, and humility, reminding us that God's people are called to reflect His character in their dealings with others, especially the vulnerable. It underscores the principle that individual actions have moral weight and are subject to divine scrutiny, reinforcing the theme of personal accountability before a just God. The acts of charity described are not optional add-ons but essential expressions of a heart transformed by God's covenant.

* [Deuteronomy 24:12-13](/deuteronomy/24-12 "Deuteronomy 24:12-13 - Returning a Pledge")
* [Isaiah 58:7](/isaiah/58-7 "Isaiah 58:7 - True Fasting and Sharing")
* [Matthew 25:34-40](/matthew/25-34 "Matthew 25:34-40 - The Judgment of the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 18:16 offers a timeless blueprint for righteous living, challenging believers to move beyond mere abstention from evil to active engagement in good. It calls us to examine our own lives, not just for what we refrain from doing, but for what we actively do to alleviate suffering and promote justice. In a world still plagued by oppression, economic injustice, and widespread poverty, the directives to "give bread to the hungry" and "cover the naked with a garment" remain profoundly relevant. This verse compels us to consider our economic practices, our generosity, and our commitment to fairness in all interactions. It reminds us that our faith is made visible and tangible through our compassionate actions, reflecting the heart of God for the marginalized. Ultimately, it is a call to embody the love of God in practical, sacrificial ways, recognizing our individual responsibility to be agents of His kingdom in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might I be "oppressing" others, perhaps subtly, through my words, actions, or economic choices?**
* **How can I ensure my financial dealings and interactions are characterized by integrity and compassion, reflecting the spirit of "not withholding the pledge"?**
* **Beyond avoiding harm, what concrete steps can I take today to "give my bread to the hungry" or "cover the naked with a garment" in my community or globally?**
* **How does the emphasis on individual accountability in Ezekiel 18 challenge any tendencies I might have to blame external circumstances or others for my own moral choices?**

### FAQ
**What is the main message of Ezekiel 18, and how does verse 16 fit into it?**

Answer: The main message of [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility") is individual accountability before God. It directly refutes the popular 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")), asserting that each person is responsible for their own sins and righteousness. Verse 16 fits into this by providing specific examples of the positive, active deeds that characterize a righteous person. It details the compassionate and ethical actions of the "righteous grandson" (following the pattern in verses 14-17), demonstrating that one's personal choices, not inherited guilt, determine their standing with God.

**Does "not withholding the pledge" still apply today, and what does it mean for modern Christians?**

Answer: While the specific practice of taking a "pledge" (like a cloak) may not be common in modern lending, the underlying principle of ethical and compassionate financial dealings absolutely applies. "Not withholding the pledge" means not exploiting those in vulnerable financial situations, not taking unfair advantage, and honoring agreements with integrity. For modern Christians, this translates to responsible lending and borrowing, avoiding predatory practices, ensuring fairness in business transactions, and showing mercy to those in debt or financial hardship. It aligns with broader biblical principles of economic justice and care for the poor found throughout Scripture, such as in [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - Lending to the Poor").

**Is the righteousness described in Ezekiel 18:16 about earning salvation through good works?**

Answer: No, the righteousness described in Ezekiel 18:16, and throughout the Old Testament, is not about earning salvation through works in the New Testament sense of grace. Rather, it describes the **evidence** and **fruit** of a covenant relationship with God. For the Israelites, living righteously was the expected response to God's gracious covenant with them. These actions demonstrate a heart that loves God and neighbor, reflecting the Law's demands. In the New Testament, salvation is by grace through faith in Christ ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")), but genuine faith always produces good works as its natural outcome ([James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")). So, while the Old Testament does not present these works as a means to earn salvation, it does present them as essential expressions of a righteous life that God desires and rewards.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 18:16, with its emphasis on active righteousness, compassion, and ethical integrity, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the verse describes the ideal human response to God's call for justice and mercy, humanity's consistent failure to meet this standard highlights the need for a perfect righteousness that only Christ could provide. Jesus perfectly embodied every aspect of the righteous man described here: He never oppressed anyone, always dealt justly, and supremely demonstrated compassion by giving Himself as the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and covering the "nakedness" of our sin with His own righteousness. His entire ministry was characterized by feeding the hungry ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")), healing the sick, and showing profound mercy to the marginalized. Furthermore, through His atoning sacrifice, Christ took upon Himself the "sour grapes" of our sin, breaking the cycle of inherited condemnation and offering us a new life of individual accountability transformed by grace ([Romans 5:17](/romans/5-17 "Romans 5:17 - Reigning in Life Through Christ")). In Him, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out the very righteousness exemplified in Ezekiel 18:16, not to earn salvation, but as a grateful response to the One who fulfilled all righteousness on our behalf ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")).

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 18:7

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;

Proverbs 25:21

¶ If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

Ecclesiastes 11:1

¶ Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.

Ecclesiastes 11:2

Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.

Luke 11:41

But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.

Isaiah 58:7

[Is it] not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

Isaiah 58:10

And [if] thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness [be] as the noonday: