Ezekiel 18:18

KJV

[As for] his father, because he cruelly oppressed, spoiled his brother by violence, and did [that] which [is] not good among his people, lo, even he shall die in his iniquity.

KJV (with Strong's)

As for his father {H1}, because he cruelly {H6233} oppressed {H6231}, spoiled {H1497} his brother {H251} by violence {H1499}, and did {H6213} that which is not good {H2896} among {H8432} his people {H5971}, lo, even he shall die {H4191} in his iniquity {H5771}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yet his father, because he oppressed so cruelly, committed robbery against his brother and never did anything good among his people - he will die for his sins.

Berean Standard Bible

As for his father, he will die for his own iniquity, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother, and did what was wrong among his people.

American Standard Version

As for his father, because he cruelly oppressed, robbed his brother, and did that which is not good among his people, behold, he shall die in his iniquity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 18:18 is a crucial declaration within a chapter that profoundly reshapes the understanding of divine justice and individual accountability in ancient Israel. This verse specifically condemns the father of a righteous son, detailing his personal transgressions of cruel oppression, violent plunder of his brother, and general wickedness among his people. It emphatically states that this father will die "in his iniquity," thereby reinforcing the chapter's core message that each individual is personally responsible for their own sins and will face the consequences of their unrighteous actions, directly refuting the popular proverb of inherited guilt.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 18:18 is strategically placed within a larger theological argument that spans the entire chapter, directly challenging the prevailing proverb, "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge" (Ezekiel 18:2). The chapter presents a series of case studies: first, a righteous man (Ezekiel 18:5-9); then, his wicked son (Ezekiel 18:10-13); and finally, the wicked son's righteous son (Ezekiel 18:14-17). Verse 18 then circles back to the *father* of the righteous son (introduced in Ezekiel 18:14), clarifying that despite having a righteous offspring, his own personal wickedness—specifically "cruelly oppressed, spoiled his brother by violence, and did that which is not good among his people"—will lead to his death. This structure meticulously demonstrates that divine judgment is meted out on an individual basis, not inherited through lineage, thereby setting the stage for the powerful declaration in [Ezekiel 18:20](/ezekiel/18-20 "Ezekiel 18:20 - The Soul Who Sins Shall Die") that "the soul that sinneth, it shall die."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile, a period of immense national trauma and despair for the Judean people. Stripped of their land, temple, and monarchy, many sought to understand their suffering. The proverb cited in [Ezekiel 18:2](/ezekiel/18-2 "Ezekiel 18:2 - The Proverb of Sour Grapes") and [Jeremiah 31:29](/jeremiah/31-29 "Jeremiah 31:29 - Individual Responsibility in the New Covenant") reflected a common belief that the current generation was being punished for the sins of their ancestors, particularly Manasseh's idolatry (2 Kings 21). This fatalistic view undermined personal responsibility and hope for restoration. Ezekiel's message, therefore, was revolutionary. It countered this popular fatalism by reasserting God's absolute justice and the principle of individual accountability. In a culture that often emphasized corporate identity and familial solidarity, this radical emphasis on personal moral choice and its direct consequences was both challenging and liberating, offering a path to repentance and life regardless of one's ancestry.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. First and foremost is **Individual Accountability**, a cornerstone of God's justice, emphasizing that each person is judged based on their own actions and moral choices, not those of their parents or children. This directly counters the notion of inherited guilt, asserting that "the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him" ([Ezekiel 18:20](/ezekiel/18-20 "Ezekiel 18:20 - Personal Accountability")). Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Sin**, explicitly linking the father's oppression, violence, and general wickedness to the certain outcome of death "in his iniquity." This underscores the serious nature of unrepentant transgression and the certainty of divine judgment. Finally, the passage speaks to **God's Impartial Justice**, demonstrating that God's judgment is fair and consistent, treating each individual according to their deeds rather than their lineage or social standing. This principle offers both a warning to the wicked and hope to those who choose to turn from sin, as seen in the promise of life for the repentant ([Ezekiel 18:21-23](/ezekiel/18-21 "Ezekiel 18:21-23 - The Opportunity for Repentance")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **oppressed (Hebrew, _‘âshaq'_):** This verb (H6231) signifies to press upon, to defraud, to exploit, or to violate. The associated noun (`‘ôsheq`, H6233) refers to injury, fraud, or unjust gain. In this context, it describes the father's systematic and cruel exploitation of others, often the vulnerable, by taking advantage of their weaker position. It's not merely a single act but a pattern of behavior characterized by deceit and abuse of power.
* **spoiled (Hebrew, _gâzal'_):** This primitive root (H1497) means to pluck off, to flay, strip, or rob. It denotes the aggressive and forceful appropriation of another's property, rights, or dignity, often through violence. The related noun (`gêzel`, H1499) signifies plunder or violence itself. This word emphasizes the father's predatory nature, specifically targeting his own "brother" (H251, a broad term for kinsman or fellow Israelite), indicating a betrayal of communal trust and familial bonds.
* **iniquity (Hebrew, _‘âvôn'_):** This term (H5771) refers to perversity, moral evil, fault, or sin. Crucially, it also encompasses the guilt and punishment that are due to such sin. The phrase "die in his iniquity" therefore means that the father's death is not an arbitrary act but the just and deserved consequence of his own personal wickedness and the accumulated guilt arising from it. It highlights that his demise is directly tied to his unrepentant sinful state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As for his father":** This phrase immediately points to the subject of the judgment, the parent in the generational sequence, distinguishing him from his righteous son (mentioned in previous verses). It sets up the direct contrast between the father's actions and the son's righteousness, emphasizing that each individual's fate is determined by their own conduct.
* **"because he cruelly oppressed":** This clause details the first specific charge against the father. "Cruelly oppressed" (from `‘âshaq`) indicates a pattern of exploiting or defrauding others, often the vulnerable, through unjust means or abuse of power. It speaks to a systemic injustice perpetrated by the father.
* **"spoiled his brother by violence":** This second charge specifies the nature of his oppression. "Spoiled" (from `gâzal`) implies robbery, plunder, or seizure by force. The phrase "his brother" (from `’âch`, meaning kinsman or fellow Israelite) intensifies the accusation, highlighting a violation of communal solidarity and familial trust. The addition of "by violence" underscores the aggressive and forceful nature of his illicit gains.
* **"and did that which is not good among his people":** This is a comprehensive indictment, summarizing the father's character. "Not good" (from `ṭôwb`, H2896, meaning good in the widest sense) signifies actions that are morally corrupt, harmful, and contrary to God's law and the well-being of the community. "Among his people" emphasizes that his wickedness was public and had a detrimental impact on the very society he belonged to.
* **"lo, even he shall die in his iniquity":** This is the pronouncement of judgment. "Lo" (Hebrew `hinnēh`) serves as an exclamation, drawing attention to the certainty of the outcome. "He shall die" (from `mûwth`, H4191) is a direct declaration of physical and spiritual death. "In his iniquity" (from `‘âvôn`, H5771) clarifies that his death is not an arbitrary punishment but the direct and just consequence of his own accumulated sin and guilt, affirming the principle of individual accountability.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 18:18 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as the father's wickedness is implicitly contrasted with the righteousness of his son (and the father's own righteous father in the broader chapter's schema), underscoring the individual nature of judgment. The verse also utilizes **Legal Language** and a **Forensic Tone**, presenting the father's actions as specific charges ("cruelly oppressed," "spoiled his brother by violence," "did that which is not good") leading to a clear verdict ("he shall die in his iniquity"). This structure mimics a courtroom proceeding, emphasizing the justice and certainty of God's judgment. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of the concept of individual accountability throughout [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility") reinforces its central theological point, making it unforgettable for the audience. The phrase "die in his iniquity" serves as a **Thematic Summary**, encapsulating the chapter's core message that personal sin leads to personal consequences, a direct refutation of the inherited guilt proverb.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 18:18 stands as a pivotal statement in the development of Old Testament theology, particularly concerning divine justice and individual responsibility. Prior to this, a strong emphasis on corporate solidarity meant that the actions of one generation could indeed affect the next, as seen in the consequences of the golden calf incident or the sins of Achan. However, in the context of the exile, God through Ezekiel re-emphasizes the principle that each soul is ultimately accountable for its own choices. This verse, by meticulously detailing the father's personal sins and declaring his individual demise, serves as a powerful corrective to a fatalistic worldview that blamed ancestral sin for current suffering. It asserts that God's justice is not arbitrary or inherited, but precise and personal, offering hope for repentance and a new beginning to any individual, regardless of their family history. It is a profound declaration of God's fairness and His desire for individuals to turn from their wicked ways and live.

* [Deuteronomy 24:16](/deuteronomy/24-16 "Deuteronomy 24:16 - Individual Punishment for Sin")
* [Jeremiah 31:29-30](/jeremiah/31-29 "Jeremiah 31:29-30 - The New Covenant and Individual Accountability")
* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God's Impartial Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 18:18 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. In a world where it's easy to blame circumstances, upbringing, or ancestral patterns for our struggles, this verse calls us back to the fundamental truth of personal accountability. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and actions, recognizing that we stand before a just God who holds us responsible for our choices, not for the sins of our parents or the societal ills we inherit. This truth is both sobering and liberating: sobering, because it demands genuine self-reflection and repentance for our own transgressions; liberating, because it breaks the perceived chains of inherited guilt and offers immense hope for change. Regardless of our family history or past mistakes, God deals with individuals, and He offers a path to life and righteousness for anyone who chooses to turn from wickedness. This encourages us to pursue personal holiness, knowing that our choices have direct consequences, and that God's justice will ultimately prevail, both in judgment for the unrepentant and in mercy for those who turn to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to blame external factors or my family history for my own sinful patterns or struggles, rather than taking personal responsibility?**
* **How does the principle of individual accountability motivate me to pursue a deeper level of personal holiness and repentance?**
* **Considering the father's specific sins of oppression and violence, what practical steps can I take to ensure my actions are "good among my people" and do not exploit or harm others?**
* **How does the truth that "everyone shall die for his own iniquity" deepen my appreciation for God's grace and the provision for sin found in the gospel?**

### FAQ

**Does Ezekiel 18:18 negate the concept of generational curses or corporate responsibility in the Bible?**

Answer: Ezekiel 18:18, along with the entire chapter, significantly re-emphasizes individual accountability, directly challenging the proverb of inherited guilt prevalent during the exile. It does not entirely negate the broader biblical concept of corporate responsibility (where the actions of a group or leader can affect the community, as seen in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Its Consequences") with Achan's sin) or the long-term consequences of sin that can indeed impact future generations (e.g., [Exodus 34:7](/exodus/34-7 "Exodus 34:7 - God's Mercy and Justice")). Rather, it clarifies that while consequences may ripple through generations, ultimate divine judgment for sin is always based on the individual's personal choice and action. No one will be condemned eternally for another's sin if they themselves turn to God. The core message is that each person has the opportunity to choose righteousness and receive life, regardless of their ancestors' deeds.

**What does it mean for someone to "die in his iniquity" as stated in this verse?**

Answer: To "die in his iniquity" means that the person's death is a direct and just consequence of their own unrepentant sin and the guilt accumulated from it. It implies that their life ended while they were still in a state of rebellion against God, without having turned from their wicked ways. It is not merely a physical death, but a spiritual one, signifying separation from God and the just penalty for their moral evil. This phrase underscores the principle of individual accountability, emphasizing that the father's demise was a direct result of his personal choices, not an inherited curse or an arbitrary act of divine judgment.

**How does this verse apply to modern concepts of justice and personal responsibility?**

Answer: Ezekiel 18:18 provides a timeless framework for understanding justice and personal responsibility. In contemporary society, where discussions often revolve around systemic issues, inherited privilege, or historical injustices, this verse serves as a crucial reminder that while external factors are important, individual moral agency remains paramount. It calls us to acknowledge our own choices, repent of our own sins, and actively pursue righteousness. It affirms that true justice, from God's perspective, always accounts for the individual's actions. This principle empowers individuals to break cycles of sin and dysfunction, offering hope for personal transformation regardless of one's background or circumstances, aligning with the broader biblical call to personal repentance and faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 18:18, with its stark declaration that "even he shall die in his iniquity," lays bare humanity's fundamental problem: our individual sin leads to death. This verse powerfully establishes the principle of personal accountability, highlighting that each person's unrighteousness earns them a just condemnation. However, this very truth points us directly to Christ. The New Testament reveals that while we are indeed accountable for our own sins and would justly "die in our iniquity" ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")), God, in His boundless love, provided a substitute. Jesus Christ, the perfectly righteous Son of God, "knew no sin" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), yet He willingly "became sin for us" on the cross. He bore the full weight of our individual iniquities, dying in our place so that we would not have to "die in our iniquity." Through His atoning sacrifice, the just requirement of the law is met, and those who believe in Him are no longer condemned but are declared righteous, receiving eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")). Thus, Christ fulfills the ultimate consequence of Ezekiel 18:18 by taking our death upon Himself, offering us a way to live in righteousness, not by our own merit, but by His perfect work.

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 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 18:20

The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

John 8:21

¶ Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.

Isaiah 3:11

Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

Ezekiel 18:26

When a righteous [man] turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.

Ezekiel 18:4

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.

John 8:24

I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am [he], ye shall die in your sins.