Ezekiel 18:2

KJV

What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?

KJV (with Strong's)

What mean ye, that ye use {H4911} this proverb {H4912} concerning the land {H127} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, The fathers {H1} have eaten {H398} sour grapes {H1155}, and the children's {H1121} teeth {H8127} are set on edge {H6949}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"What does it mean, that you keep quoting this proverb in the land of Isra'el 'When parents eat sour grapes, their children's teeth are set on edge'?

Berean Standard Bible

“What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel: ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the teeth of the children are set on edge’?

American Standard Version

What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 18:2 introduces a profound challenge to a popular proverb prevalent among the Jewish exiles in Babylon: "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge." This rhetorical question from God, delivered through the prophet Ezekiel, directly confronts the people's pervasive belief that they were unjustly suffering for the sins of previous generations. It sets the stage for a radical redefinition of divine justice, emphasizing individual moral accountability over inherited guilt, and paving the way for a message of personal repentance and hope in the midst of national catastrophe.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate opening of Ezekiel 18, a pivotal chapter in the book that marks a significant shift in emphasis. Prior to this, Ezekiel's prophecies often focused on corporate sin and impending judgment upon the nation of Israel, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem. Chapter 18, however, pivots sharply to address the individual. The proverb in verse 2 encapsulates the despair and fatalism of the exiles, who felt trapped by their ancestors' transgressions. God's direct refutation of this proverb in the subsequent verses (e.g., [Ezekiel 18:3-4](/ezekiel/18-3 "Ezekiel 18:3-4 - God's Oath of Individual Accountability")) lays the theological groundwork for a message of personal responsibility, repentance, and the possibility of individual righteousness, regardless of one's lineage or past national failures.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon following the first deportation in 597 BC, with the final destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple occurring in 586 BC. This period was one of immense national trauma, displacement, and spiritual crisis. The exiles grappled with the question of why God had allowed such a catastrophe to befall them. The proverb, "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge," became a common expression of their perceived injustice, reflecting a fatalistic resignation that they were being punished for the sins of their forefathers, particularly the persistent idolatry and rebellion that had characterized Israel's history. This sentiment was a misapplication or overemphasis of certain Old Testament principles, such as the consequences of sin extending to future generations (e.g., [Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "Exodus 20:5 - God visiting iniquity to the third and fourth generation")). Ezekiel's message aimed to correct this theological distortion and restore hope by clarifying the nature of God's justice.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 18:2 introduces and directly challenges the prevailing understanding of several key theological themes central to the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. The most prominent theme is **Individual Responsibility**, which becomes the cornerstone of the entire chapter. God emphatically declares that each person is accountable for their own actions and choices, directly countering the idea of inherited guilt as the sole determinant of their fate (see [Ezekiel 18:20](/ezekiel/18-20 "Ezekiel 18:20 - The Soul That Sins Will Die")). This emphasis on individual accountability is intrinsically linked to the theme of **Divine Justice and Fairness**. By refuting the proverb, God asserts His righteous character, demonstrating that His judgments are not arbitrary or unfair, but are based on the individual's moral standing. Finally, by dismantling the fatalistic outlook promoted by the proverb, Ezekiel opens the door to the theme of **Opportunity for Repentance and Life**. If individuals are personally responsible, then they also possess the agency to turn from sin and receive God's mercy and life, regardless of their family's past (as seen in [Ezekiel 18:21-23](/ezekiel/18-21 "Ezekiel 18:21-23 - The Wicked Can Turn and Live")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **proverb (Hebrew, _mâshâl'_):** From H4912, meaning a pithy maxim, usually of a metaphorical nature; hence, a simile, adage, or parable. In this context, it refers to a common saying or popular adage that the people of Israel were using to explain their current suffering. The word implies a concise, often figurative, statement that captures a perceived truth or wisdom.
* **sour grapes (Hebrew, _bôçer'_):** From H1155, referring to an immature or unripe grape. This word vividly describes the unpleasant, astringent taste of unripened fruit. In the idiom, it represents the unpleasant actions or sins of the fathers.
* **set on edge (Hebrew, _qâhâh'_):** From H6949, meaning to be dull or blunt, or to be set on edge. When applied to teeth, it describes the unpleasant, tingling, or aching sensation caused by eating something extremely sour or astringent. This word captures the painful and involuntary reaction experienced by the children, metaphorically representing the suffering they believed they were enduring due to their ancestors' sins.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying,"**: This is a direct, rhetorical question from God, challenging the people's understanding and application of the proverb. It indicates divine disapproval and a forthcoming correction. The phrase "concerning the land of Israel" underscores that this proverb was widely used to explain the national catastrophe and the exiles' plight.
* **"The fathers have eaten sour grapes,"**: This clause refers to the actions of previous generations, specifically their sins and idolatry. "Sour grapes" are a metaphor for the unpleasant, bitter, and harmful consequences of these actions. The imagery suggests that the fathers indulged in something that, while perhaps initially appealing, ultimately led to a bitter outcome.
* **"and the children's teeth are set on edge?"**: This clause describes the perceived consequence experienced by the current generation. The "teeth set on edge" symbolize the painful, involuntary, and unpleasant suffering endured by the children, which they attributed directly to the "sour grapes" (sins) consumed by their fathers. This expresses their belief that they were unjustly bearing the punishment for their ancestors' transgressions.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 18:2 is rich in literary devices that enhance its impact. The verse opens with a **Rhetorical Question**, "What mean ye, that ye use this proverb...?", which is not seeking information but rather challenging a deeply ingrained misconception and preparing the audience for a divine refutation. The core of the verse is a **Proverb** or **Adage**, "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge." This popular saying functions as a vivid **Idiom** or **Metaphor**, where "sour grapes" symbolize the sins of ancestors and "teeth set on edge" represent the resulting bitter consequences or suffering experienced by the descendants. The imagery is tactile and relatable, making the perceived injustice palpable. There is also an element of **Irony** in God's challenge, as the people's use of this proverb to explain their suffering actually reveals their misunderstanding of God's true justice, which the rest of the chapter will clarify.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 18:2 serves as the divine catalyst for a profound theological correction regarding the nature of sin, justice, and responsibility. While the Old Testament does acknowledge that the consequences of corporate sin can extend across generations (e.g., [Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "God visiting iniquity to the third and fourth generation")), this proverb represented a fatalistic misinterpretation that absolved individuals of personal responsibility. God's challenge asserts that while societal and familial influences are real, ultimate accountability before Him rests with the individual. This truth offers both a stern warning about personal sin and a liberating message of hope: one's destiny is not irrevocably sealed by the actions of their ancestors, but by their own choices to obey or disobey God. This emphasis on individual moral agency underpins the possibility of repentance and God's just and merciful dealings with humanity.

* [Jeremiah 31:29-30](/jeremiah/31-29 "The New Covenant and Individual Responsibility") directly echoes this proverb and God's refutation, looking forward to a time under the New Covenant when "every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge," emphasizing that personal responsibility will be fully realized.
* [Deuteronomy 24:16](/deuteronomy/24-16 "Individual Accountability in Mosaic Law") provides a legal precedent in the Mosaic Law, stating, "The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin." This highlights that the principle of individual accountability was always part of God's revealed law, even if its application was misunderstood.
* [Romans 14:12](/romans/14-12 "Each of us will give an account to God") affirms the New Testament perspective on individual accountability, stating, "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 18:2, and the chapter it introduces, offers a powerful and liberating truth for believers today. It confronts the tendency to blame external factors, including ancestral sins or societal injustices, as the sole determinants of our spiritual state or suffering. While acknowledging the real impact of generational patterns and systemic issues, God's challenge calls each individual to profound personal accountability before Him. We are not merely passive recipients of inherited curses or blessings, but active moral agents capable of choosing righteousness or sin. This truth encourages us to take ownership of our spiritual journey, to repent of our own transgressions, and to trust in God's perfect justice and abundant mercy. It reminds us that regardless of our family history or past circumstances, God offers a path to life and righteousness for all who turn to Him with a sincere heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to blame my current struggles or spiritual condition on the "sour grapes" of past generations or external circumstances?**
* **How does the emphasis on individual responsibility in Ezekiel 18:2 challenge or affirm my understanding of God's justice and fairness?**
* **What specific actions can I take to embrace personal accountability for my own choices and spiritual walk before God?**

### FAQ
**Was God contradicting earlier scriptures that mentioned generational consequences for sin?**

Answer: No, God was not contradicting Himself, but rather clarifying and correcting a common misinterpretation of His justice. Earlier scriptures like [Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "God visiting iniquity to the third and fourth generation") state that God visits the iniquity of the fathers upon the children "to the third and fourth generation of them that hate me." This refers to the *consequences* of corporate sin, where patterns of rebellion and idolatry can lead to societal decay and judgment that impacts subsequent generations. However, this does not mean God punishes an innocent individual for the unrepented sin of their ancestor. Ezekiel 18:2-4 clarifies that each individual soul is responsible for its own sin or righteousness. The "sour grapes" proverb was being used to deny personal culpability, which God emphatically refutes. God's justice is both corporate (where sin has broad, lasting effects) and individual (where each person is judged on their own choices).

**What was the significance of the "sour grapes" proverb in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The "sour grapes" proverb was a popular idiom that reflected a deep sense of despair and fatalism among the exiles. It encapsulated their belief that they were suffering unjustly for the sins of their ancestors. In a time of national catastrophe and exile, it provided a convenient, albeit incorrect, explanation for their plight, allowing them to externalize blame and avoid confronting their own contemporary sins. It also highlighted a misunderstanding of God's covenantal justice, where the consequences of breaking the covenant could indeed affect the nation for generations, but personal salvation and judgment remained tied to individual obedience or rebellion. Jeremiah also addresses this proverb in [Jeremiah 31:29-30](/jeremiah/31-29 "The New Covenant and Individual Responsibility"), indicating its widespread use.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 18:2, in its powerful refutation of inherited guilt and its emphasis on individual accountability, profoundly anticipates the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "sour grapes" proverb highlighted humanity's deep-seated problem: the pervasive nature of sin and its seemingly inescapable consequences. While Ezekiel clarified that God judges individuals based on their own choices, the underlying issue of sin's power remained. Christ, however, provides the ultimate solution. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), breaking the power of sin and death for all who believe. Through His atoning sacrifice, He bore the full weight of humanity's sin, both corporate and individual, so that those who are "in Christ" are no longer under the condemnation of inherited sin or their own past transgressions. The [New Covenant prophesied in Jeremiah 31](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") and inaugurated by Christ (see [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood")) promises a new heart and a new spirit, where God's law is written on the heart, enabling true personal righteousness and freedom from the bitter taste of sin. In Christ, the old proverb is truly undone; no longer do the children's teeth need to be set on edge for the fathers' grapes, for Christ has fully paid the price, offering a path to life and righteousness for every individual who turns to Him in faith (as declared in [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

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

Lamentations 5:7

Our fathers have sinned, [and are] not; and we have borne their iniquities.

Jeremiah 31:29

In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge.

Jeremiah 31:30

But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.

Ezekiel 37:19

Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which [is] in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, [even] with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.

Isaiah 3:15

What mean ye [that] ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor? saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

Ezekiel 17:12

Say now to the rebellious house, Know ye not what these [things mean]? tell [them], Behold, the king of Babylon is come to Jerusalem, and hath taken the king thereof, and the princes thereof, and led them with him to Babylon;

Ezekiel 37:25

And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, [even] they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and my servant David [shall be] their prince for ever.