Ezekiel 18:17

KJV

[That] hath taken off his hand from the poor, [that] hath not received usury nor increase, hath executed my judgments, hath walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.

KJV (with Strong's)

That hath taken off {H7725} his hand {H3027} from the poor {H6041}, that hath not received {H3947} usury {H5392} nor increase {H8636}, hath executed {H6213} my judgments {H4941}, hath walked {H1980} in my statutes {H2708}; he shall not die {H4191} for the iniquity {H5771} of his father {H1}, he shall surely {H2421} live {H2421}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he refrains from oppressing the poor; and he neither demands nor accepts interest. He obeys my rulings and lives according to my laws. So he will not die for his father's sins but will certainly live.

Berean Standard Bible

He withholds his hand from harming the poor and takes no interest or usury. He keeps My ordinances and follows My statutes. Such a man will not die for his father’s iniquity. He will surely live.

American Standard Version

that hath withdrawn his hand from the poor, that hath not received interest nor increase, hath executed mine ordinances, hath walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 18:17 presents a profound declaration of God's individual justice and accountability, directly challenging the prevailing proverb that children inherit punishment for their parents' sins. This verse describes a righteous individual who actively abstains from exploitation, adheres strictly to divine law by refusing usury, and diligently walks in God's statutes. Through these actions, he breaks any perceived cycle of ancestral iniquity, receiving the divine promise of life, thereby emphasizing that God judges each person based on their own moral and spiritual choices and offers a path to flourishing through personal obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 18 is a pivotal theological discourse within the prophet's message, directly confronting 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 saying reflected a fatalistic worldview, attributing individual suffering to ancestral sin and thereby diminishing personal responsibility. Through Ezekiel, God systematically dismantles this notion, asserting His perfect justice and the principle of individual accountability. The chapter illustrates this through three archetypal figures: a righteous man ([Ezekiel 18:5-9](/ezekiel/18-5-9 "Ezekiel 18:5-9 - The Righteous Man")), his wicked son ([Ezekiel 18:10-13](/ezekiel/18-10-13 "Ezekiel 18:10-13 - The Wicked Son")), and then the righteous son of that wicked man ([Ezekiel 18:14-17](/ezekiel/18-14-17 "Ezekiel 18:14-17 - The Righteous Son of a Wicked Father")). Ezekiel 18:17 specifically concludes the description of this third figure, highlighting his distinct moral choices and the divine consequence of his righteousness, thereby reinforcing the chapter's central thesis that "the soul who sins will die" ([Ezekiel 18:4](/ezekiel/18-4 "Ezekiel 18:4 - Individual Accountability")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the early 6th century BCE, a period marked by profound national crisis and spiritual introspection. The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, coupled with their forced displacement, led many Israelites to question God's justice and the covenant promises. The proverb of the sour grapes provided a convenient, though flawed, explanation for their collective suffering, often attributing it to the sins of previous generations (e.g., King Manasseh's idolatry, as detailed in [2 Kings 21:10-15](/2_kings/21-10-15 "2 Kings 21:10-15 - Manasseh's Sins and Judah's Doom")). Culturally, ancient Near Eastern societies often prioritized corporate identity and familial solidarity, where the actions of one could impact the entire family or community. While corporate solidarity is a biblical concept (e.g., [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Its Consequences")), Ezekiel's message in chapter 18 re-calibrates the understanding of justice, emphasizing that while corporate sin has consequences, God's ultimate judgment is based on individual repentance and righteousness. The specific mention of "usury nor increase" reflects the Mosaic Law's prohibitions against exploiting the poor through excessive interest, a vital aspect of social justice in ancient Israelite society ([Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Lending to the Poor"); [Leviticus 25:36-37](/leviticus/25-36-37 "Leviticus 25:36-37 - No Interest on Loans")).
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of Ezekiel 18:17, and indeed the entire chapter, is **Individual Accountability**. God unequivocally declares that each person is responsible for their own actions and will be judged accordingly, irrespective of their lineage. This directly challenges the deterministic worldview fostered by the "sour grapes" proverb. Another prominent theme is **Divine Justice and Righteousness**. God's character is portrayed as perfectly just, rewarding righteousness and punishing wickedness on an individual basis, thereby upholding His moral integrity. The verse also underscores **Ethical Conduct and Social Justice**, particularly through the injunctions against oppressing the poor and charging usury. These specific acts of righteousness demonstrate a practical outworking of God's covenant demands. Finally, the promise of **Life and Blessing** for the obedient, contrasted with "death" for the wicked, signifies not merely physical existence but a state of spiritual vitality, divine favor, and flourishing in covenant relationship with God. This promise serves as a powerful incentive for repentance and adherence to God's ways, offering hope even in exile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Father (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** This primitive word (H1) denotes a progenitor, but its usage here is critical in the context of Ezekiel 18. It refers to the immediate male parent, highlighting the familial lineage that the proverb sought to emphasize. By stating "he shall not die for the iniquity of his father," the text directly severs the automatic transmission of guilt and punishment through the paternal line, asserting individual moral autonomy and breaking the deterministic cycle.
* **Walked (Hebrew, _hâlak'_):** From H1980, this verb signifies movement, but in a figurative sense, it describes one's conduct, lifestyle, or manner of living. To "walk in my statutes" implies a continuous, active, and intentional adherence to God's commands, reflecting a life lived in alignment with divine principles. It suggests a journey of obedience, a consistent pattern of behavior, rather than merely a single act.
* **Live (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** Derived from H2421, this root means to exist, to be alive, or to revive. In this context, "he shall surely live" carries profound theological weight. It denotes not just physical survival, but a life of spiritual vitality, divine blessing, and flourishing. It is the antithesis of the "death" (H4191 - spiritual separation, judgment, lack of blessing) that results from iniquity, affirming God's promise of abundant life for those who turn to Him in righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That hath taken off his hand from the poor":** This clause describes an active abstention from oppression and exploitation. "Taking off his hand" (H7725, H3027) is an idiom meaning to refrain from harming, exploiting, or taking advantage of the vulnerable (H6041). It implies a commitment to protecting the marginalized and ensuring their well-being, a foundational aspect of covenant righteousness and social justice.
* **"[that] hath not received usury nor increase":** This specifies a crucial ethical practice. "Usury" (H5392, _neshek_) refers to interest charged on a loan, while "increase" (H8636, _tarbîyth_) denotes any additional gain beyond the principal. The Mosaic Law strictly prohibited charging interest to fellow Israelites, especially the poor, as it could trap them in perpetual debt and exacerbate their suffering. This clause emphasizes financial integrity and compassion, reflecting a heart aligned with God's concern for the vulnerable.
* **"hath executed my judgments":** This signifies active obedience to God's legal and moral decrees. "Judgments" (H4941, _mishpâṭ_) refer to God's righteous rulings, laws, and ordinances, which govern all aspects of life. To "execute" (H6213, _ʻâsâh_) them means to put them into practice, to live by them, and to administer justice according to divine standards, demonstrating practical righteousness.
* **"hath walked in my statutes":** Similar to executing judgments, "walking" (H1980, _hâlak_) "in my statutes" (H2708, _chuqqâh_) implies a consistent lifestyle of adherence to God's prescribed ways and established principles. It speaks to a deep, ongoing commitment to God's revealed will, guiding one's daily conduct and choices, signifying a life characterized by intentional obedience.
* **"he shall not die for the iniquity of his father":** This is the direct, emphatic refutation of the "sour grapes" proverb. It unequivocally states that the righteous son will not suffer the consequences (H4191, _mûwth_, to die) of his father's (H1, _ʼâb'_) sin (H5771, _ʻâvôn_, iniquity). God's justice is individual; personal righteousness breaks the chain of inherited guilt and punishment, offering a path to freedom from ancestral condemnation.
* **"he shall surely live."**: This powerful affirmation is the divine promise. The repetition of the verb "live" (H2421, _châyâh_) using an infinitive absolute construction ("surely live") emphasizes the certainty and abundance of the life promised. It encompasses physical well-being, spiritual vitality, divine blessing, and a flourishing relationship with God, both in the present and eternally.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 18:17 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, which is central to the entire chapter. Here, the righteous actions of the son are contrasted with the "iniquity of his father," highlighting the stark difference in moral trajectory and divine consequence. This contrast underscores the theme of individual choice and responsibility. **Repetition** is also evident in the emphatic declaration "he shall surely live," which uses a Hebrew infinitive absolute construction (H2421 H8800 followed by H2421 H8799) to intensify the promise of life, assuring the reader of its certainty and abundance. Furthermore, the phrase "taken off his hand from the poor" functions as an **Idiom** or **Metonymy**, where "hand" (H3027) represents power or action, signifying the cessation of oppressive practices. The language throughout the verse, with terms like "judgments" (H4941) and "statutes" (H2708), utilizes **Legal/Covenantal Language**, grounding the ethical conduct in God's divine law and covenant relationship with Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 18:17 stands as a powerful testament to God's individual justice, a truth that reverberates throughout Scripture. It challenges any notion of inherited guilt that negates personal responsibility, affirming that God deals with each person based on their own heart and actions. This principle is foundational to understanding repentance, salvation, and the nature of God's righteous character. While corporate sin and its consequences are acknowledged elsewhere, Ezekiel 18 elevates the individual's capacity for moral choice and transformation, offering hope that one can turn from a path of iniquity, regardless of lineage, and find life in obedience to God. This emphasis on personal moral agency is crucial for a just and compassionate society, reflecting God's desire for all to live righteously and experience His blessing.

* [Deuteronomy 24:16](/deuteronomy/24-16 "Deuteronomy 24:16 - Fathers Not Punished for Sons")
* [Jeremiah 31:29-30](/jeremiah/31-29-30 "Jeremiah 31:29-30 - Individual Accountability in the New Covenant")
* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God Will Repay Each Person According to What They Have Done")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 18:17 offers profound and liberating truths for contemporary believers. It calls us to a deep sense of personal accountability, reminding us that our spiritual standing before God is determined by our own choices and actions, not by the faith or failures of our ancestors. This means we cannot excuse our sin by blaming our upbringing or past generations, nor can we passively rely on the righteousness of others. Instead, we are challenged to actively "take off our hand from the poor," engaging in practical acts of justice, compassion, and ethical conduct in all spheres of life, especially in our financial dealings. Our walk with God is a daily, intentional commitment to His "judgments" and "statutes," reflecting a heart that genuinely seeks to please Him. The promise of "surely live" is a powerful encouragement, assuring us that a life of active obedience to God's will leads to genuine flourishing, spiritual vitality, and the profound blessing of His presence, transcending mere physical existence. It invites us to embrace the transformative power of repentance and to walk in the freedom of God's individual grace and justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to blame external circumstances or ancestral patterns for my own spiritual or moral shortcomings, rather than taking personal responsibility?**
* **How can I more actively "take off my hand from the poor" and practice ethical financial dealings in my daily life, reflecting God's justice and compassion?**
* **What specific "judgments" or "statutes" of God do I need to more intentionally "execute" and "walk in" to experience the "life" He promises, and how can I practically apply them?**
* **How does the assurance of God's individual justice empower me to pursue righteousness, knowing that my personal choices truly matter to Him and have eternal significance?**

### FAQ
**Does Ezekiel 18:17 mean that corporate sin or generational curses do not exist?**

Answer: Ezekiel 18:17, and the entire chapter, primarily emphasizes individual accountability for sin and righteousness, directly refuting the proverb that children automatically suffer for their parents' specific iniquities. It asserts that God judges each person based on their own choices. However, this does not negate the biblical concept of corporate sin or the lingering consequences of generational patterns. While God does not punish a righteous individual for the *guilt* of their ancestors' sins, the *effects* or *consequences* of sin can indeed extend across generations, impacting social structures, cultural norms, and even physical health (e.g., [Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "Exodus 20:5 - Consequences of Idolatry and Generational Impact")). Ezekiel's point is that an individual can break free from these cycles through personal repentance and obedience, thereby avoiding the *punishment* for the iniquity of their father and choosing a path to life. The chapter clarifies that while consequences may ripple through society and families, personal culpability and the path to salvation remain individual, offering hope and agency to all who turn to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 18:17, with its emphasis on individual righteousness leading to life and the breaking of ancestral curses, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law provided a pathway for individuals to live righteously and avoid the consequences of sin, it could not fully eradicate the problem of inherited sinfulness (what theology calls original sin) or provide perfect righteousness. Humanity remained trapped in a cycle of sin and death, unable to perfectly "walk in [God's] statutes" or "execute [His] judgments" consistently. Jesus, however, is the perfectly righteous Son who truly "took off his hand from the poor" by ministering to the marginalized and healing the sick, and who "received no usury" but gave His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). He perfectly "executed God's judgments" and "walked in His statutes" without blemish, fulfilling all righteousness ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ bore the "iniquity of his father" (referring to the sin of Adam and the corporate sin of humanity) so that those who believe in Him "shall not die for the iniquity of his father," but rather "shall surely live" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). In Christ, the promise of life is not merely for the obedient individual under the law, but is freely offered to all who, by faith, are united with Him, receiving His perfect righteousness and the gift of eternal life ([Romans 5:18-19](/romans/5-18-19 "Romans 5:18-19 - Righteousness and Life Through One Act")). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, breaking the power of sin and death for all who trust in Him ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 18:8

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,

Ezekiel 18:9

Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he [is] just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord GOD.

Leviticus 18:4

Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I [am] the LORD your God.

Proverbs 14:31

¶ He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

Job 29:16

I [was] a father to the poor: and the cause [which] I knew not I searched out.

Proverbs 29:7

¶ The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: [but] the wicked regardeth not to know [it].

Jeremiah 22:16

He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then [it was] well [with him: was] not this to know me? saith the LORD.