Ezekiel 18:6

KJV

[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,

KJV (with Strong's)

And 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}, neither hath defiled {H2930} his neighbour's {H7453} wife {H802}, neither hath come near {H7126} to a menstruous {H5079} woman {H802},

Complete Jewish Bible

He doesn't eat on the mountains or raise his eyes toward the idols of the house of Isra'el; he doesn't defile his neighbor's wife or touch a woman during her time of menstrual impurity;

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 or approach a woman during her period.

American Standard Version

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 neighbor’s wife, neither hath come near to a woman in her impurity,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 18:6 is a pivotal verse within a chapter that profoundly reshapes the understanding of individual responsibility before God, directly challenging the prevailing proverb of inherited guilt among the exiles. It meticulously outlines specific behaviors characteristic of a righteous person, emphasizing abstention from idolatry and pagan practices, adherence to moral purity in sexual relationships, and a commitment to the ritual purity laws of the Mosaic covenant. This verse serves as a concrete illustration of the personal holiness and obedience required for a soul to "live" in God's sight, underscoring that divine judgment and blessing are meted out based on individual conduct, not ancestral sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 18:6 is part of a profound theological discourse in [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility and Righteousness"), where God directly confronts the widespread belief among the exiled Israelites that they were being punished for the sins of their ancestors, encapsulated 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")). The preceding verses (Ezekiel 18:1-5) emphatically declare God's justice and the principle of individual accountability: "The soul who sins will die" ([Ezekiel 18:4](/ezekiel/18-4 "Ezekiel 18:4 - The Soul Who Sins Will Die")). Verse 6, along with subsequent verses (Ezekiel 18:7-9), provides a detailed, practical definition of what constitutes a righteous person—one who "will surely live" ([Ezekiel 18:9](/ezekiel/18-9 "Ezekiel 18:9 - The Righteous Will Live")). This specific list of prohibitions serves as a stark contrast to the unrighteous behaviors that led to Israel's exile, illustrating the path to life and covenant faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile (c. 597-571 BCE), a period of profound national trauma and spiritual crisis for the Judeans. Stripped of their land, temple, and monarchy, the exiles grappled with the reasons for their suffering. The "sour grapes" proverb reflected a fatalistic worldview and a deflection of personal responsibility. Against this backdrop, Ezekiel's message of individual accountability was revolutionary. The specific prohibitions in verse 6 address prevalent cultural and religious practices of the time. "Eating upon the mountains" refers to participation in pagan cultic feasts held at "high places" or mountain shrines, common in Canaanite and even apostate Israelite worship ([1_kings/14-23](/1-kings/14-23 "1 Kings 14:23 - High Places and Idolatry")). "Lifting eyes to idols" directly condemns the worship of false gods, a pervasive sin that violated the [first commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods"). The prohibitions against defiling a neighbor's wife and approaching a menstruous woman speak to the importance of sexual purity and adherence to the detailed ritual purity laws central to the Mosaic covenant, which distinguished Israel from surrounding nations ([Leviticus 15](/leviticus/15 "Leviticus 15 - Laws Concerning Bodily Discharges")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Ezekiel and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **individual accountability**, asserting that righteousness or wickedness is a personal choice with direct consequences, not merely an inherited status. Secondly, it highlights the paramount importance of **exclusive devotion to Yahweh** and the absolute rejection of **idolatry**, which was a recurring sin of Israel throughout its history and a primary cause of the exile. Thirdly, it underscores the value of **moral purity** and **sexual ethics**, particularly in upholding the sanctity of marriage and family. Finally, the inclusion of ritual purity laws emphasizes the comprehensive nature of **covenant faithfulness**—that true righteousness involves obedience to God's commands in all spheres of life, both moral and ceremonial, reflecting a desire for **holiness** and **separation** unto God, as outlined in the [Mosaic Law](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **mountains (Hebrew, _har'_):** Referring to "a mountain or range of hills," this term often carries figurative weight, representing places of worship or spiritual significance. In the context of Ezekiel 18:6, "upon the mountains" specifically denotes the "high places" where pagan cultic activities, including idolatrous feasts and sacrifices, were performed. Abstaining from eating on these mountains signifies a complete rejection of syncretistic worship and exclusive devotion to Yahweh.
* **idols (Hebrew, _gillûwl'_):** This is a highly derogatory term used frequently by Ezekiel, derived from a root meaning "to roll," implying something worthless or contemptible, like "dung-pellets." Its use here underscores the prophet's profound disdain for the false gods worshipped by Israel and surrounding nations. "Lifting up his eyes to the idols" implies not just visual acknowledgment but an act of adoration, seeking guidance, or offering worship to these detestable figures.
* **defiled (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be foul, especially in a ceremonial or moral sense (contaminated)." In this verse, its application to "his neighbour's wife" clearly points to a moral defilement—adultery or sexual impurity. This highlights that righteousness encompasses not only cultic purity but also ethical conduct in interpersonal relationships, maintaining the sanctity of marriage and respecting the boundaries of others.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And hath not eaten upon the mountains":** This clause refers to the abstention from participating in pagan sacrificial feasts held at "high places" (mountain shrines). These meals were integral parts of idolatrous worship, signifying communion with false gods. A righteous person, therefore, demonstrates exclusive loyalty to Yahweh by refusing to partake in such abominable practices.
* **"neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel":** This prohibition directly addresses the sin of idolatry. "Lifting up his eyes" implies not merely seeing but actively acknowledging, revering, or worshipping the "idols" (contemptuously called _gillûlîm_). The phrase "of the house of Israel" is particularly poignant, highlighting that even within God's chosen people, the temptation and practice of idolatry were rampant. A righteous individual steadfastly rejects all forms of false worship.
* **"neither hath defiled his neighbour's wife":** This is a direct and unambiguous prohibition against adultery, a fundamental violation of the [Seventh Commandment](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Seventh Commandment"). It emphasizes the importance of sexual purity, fidelity within marriage, and respect for the marital covenant of others. This moral command underscores that righteousness extends beyond ritual observance to ethical conduct in human relationships.
* **"neither hath come near to a menstruous woman":** This clause refers to adherence to the ritual purity laws found in the [Mosaic Law](/leviticus/15-19 "Leviticus 15:19 - Laws Concerning Menstruation"), specifically concerning contact with a woman during her menstrual period. Such contact rendered an individual ritually unclean, requiring purification rites. While not a moral sin, this command highlights the righteous person's commitment to observing all aspects of God's detailed covenant, including those pertaining to holiness, separation, and the maintenance of ritual purity within the community.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 18:6 employs several literary devices to convey its message of righteousness. The verse utilizes **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts of a whole are used to represent the whole. By listing specific prohibitions against idolatry (eating on mountains, lifting eyes to idols) and against moral and ritual impurity (defiling a neighbor's wife, coming near a menstruous woman), the verse comprehensively defines a person who lives in full obedience to God's covenant. The term "idols" (Hebrew: _gillûlîm_) functions as a powerful **Dysphemism**, a derogatory term used to express contempt, effectively demeaning the false gods as mere "dung-gods." Furthermore, the entire list of negative commands serves as an **Antithesis** to the unrighteous behavior that led to Israel's exile, providing a clear counter-example to the prevailing sinfulness and illustrating the path to life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 18:6 is a profound theological statement on the nature of true righteousness and individual accountability. It moves beyond a superficial understanding of external compliance to reveal a heart committed to God's comprehensive law, encompassing both moral and ceremonial purity. The prohibitions against idolatry underscore God's absolute demand for exclusive worship, viewing any deviation as spiritual adultery. The emphasis on sexual fidelity highlights the sanctity of human relationships and the importance of ethical conduct as an outflow of a righteous character. The inclusion of ritual purity laws demonstrates that holiness is not merely abstract but penetrates every aspect of life, reflecting a desire to live set apart for God's purposes. This verse lays foundational theological groundwork for understanding that God's justice is precise and that genuine faith is demonstrated through holistic obedience.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema and Love for God")
* [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")
* [Psalm 15:1-5](/psalm/15-1 "Psalm 15:1-5 - Who May Dwell on Your Holy Hill?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 18:6 offers timeless principles for righteous living that transcend its specific historical context. While the ritual laws concerning menstruation have been fulfilled or reinterpreted in the New Covenant, the underlying call to holiness, purity, and exclusive devotion to God remains profoundly relevant. For us today, "eating upon the mountains" and "lifting eyes to idols" can symbolize any activity or object that competes for God's rightful place in our hearts—be it wealth, power, pleasure, self-image, or even intellectual pursuits that supplant divine authority. The prohibition against defiling a neighbor's wife speaks to the enduring importance of sexual purity, marital fidelity, and respecting the dignity and relationships of others in a world increasingly challenged by moral relativism. Ultimately, this verse calls us to a holistic righteousness, where our internal devotion to God is reflected in our external actions, demonstrating a commitment to His revealed will in all areas of life, striving for personal holiness and integrity in a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "mountains" or "idols" in my life might be subtly competing for the exclusive devotion that belongs to God alone?**
* **How does the principle of respecting a "neighbor's wife" translate into my broader relationships, promoting purity and integrity in all my interactions?**
* **In what ways can I demonstrate a commitment to God's holiness and purity in my daily life, even in areas that may seem "ritualistic" or less overtly "moral"?**

### FAQ
**Why are "eating on the mountains" and "lifting eyes to idols" mentioned together as signs of unrighteousness?**

Answer: These two phrases are closely linked because they both refer to acts of idolatry, specifically the worship of false gods at pagan shrines. "Eating upon the mountains" refers to participating in cultic feasts that were part of the worship rituals at "high places" or mountain altars dedicated to foreign deities. "Lifting up his eyes to the idols" signifies the act of reverence, adoration, or seeking guidance from these false gods. By listing them together, Ezekiel emphasizes a complete and utter rejection of all forms of idolatry, whether through direct worship or participation in associated rituals, underscoring the righteous person's exclusive devotion to Yahweh, as commanded in [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment").

**What is the significance of "neither hath come near to a menstruous woman" in this list of moral and religious prohibitions?**

Answer: This prohibition refers to the ritual purity laws found in the [Mosaic Law](/leviticus/15 "Leviticus 15 - Laws Concerning Bodily Discharges"), particularly [Leviticus 15:19-24](/leviticus/15-19 "Leviticus 15:19-24 - Laws Concerning Menstruation"). While not a moral sin like idolatry or adultery, contact with a menstruous woman rendered a person ritually unclean for a period, requiring specific purification rites. Its inclusion in this list highlights that righteousness in the Old Covenant was comprehensive, encompassing not only moral and theological fidelity but also adherence to ceremonial laws that distinguished Israel as a holy people set apart for God. It demonstrates a commitment to God's detailed covenant and a desire for holistic purity, reflecting an obedient heart that seeks to honor God in all aspects of life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 18:6, with its detailed list of prohibitions defining Old Covenant righteousness, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The righteous person described here is one who perfectly abstains from idolatry, maintains sexual purity, and adheres to the Law's demands. Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly embodied this righteousness. He never "ate upon the mountains" in pagan worship, for He perfectly honored God the Father, declaring, "I always do what pleases him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). He never "lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel," but consistently directed all worship and glory to God, even resisting Satan's temptations to worship him ([Matthew 4:10](/matthew/4-10 "Matthew 4:10 - Worship God Alone")). Furthermore, Jesus perfectly upheld the sanctity of marriage and sexual purity, teaching on the spiritual dimension of adultery ([Matthew 5:28](/matthew/5-28 "Matthew 5:28 - Adultery in the Heart")) and modeling perfect purity in all His relationships. While the ritual purity laws concerning menstruation were part of the Old Covenant's shadows, Jesus's perfect obedience fulfilled the spirit of these laws, demonstrating a life utterly set apart and holy. He touched the unclean, not to become defiled, but to make them clean, embodying a new kind of purity that flows from within ([Mark 7:15](/mark/7-15 "Mark 7:15 - What Defiles a Person")). Through His sinless life, sacrificial death, and resurrection, Christ became our righteousness ([2_corinthians/5-21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Our Righteousness")), enabling believers, through faith, to be declared righteous and empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in newness of life, fulfilling the Law's righteous requirements from a transformed heart ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled in Us")).

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 18:15

[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,

Deuteronomy 4:19

And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, [even] all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.

Ezekiel 22:9

In thee are men that carry tales to shed blood: and in thee they eat upon the mountains: in the midst of thee they commit lewdness.

Ezekiel 22:11

And one hath committed abomination with his neighbour's wife; and another hath lewdly defiled his daughter in law; and another in thee hath humbled his sister, his father's daughter.

Ezekiel 6:13

Then shall ye know that I [am] the LORD, when their slain [men] shall be among their idols round about their altars, upon every high hill, in all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak, the place where they did offer sweet savour to all their idols.

Ezekiel 20:24

Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers' idols.

Ezekiel 18:11

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