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He [that] hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, [that] hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,

He that hath not given forth {H5414} upon usury {H5392}, neither hath taken {H3947} any increase {H8636}, that hath withdrawn {H7725} his hand {H3027} from iniquity {H5766}, hath executed {H6213} true {H571} judgment {H4941} between man {H376} and man {H376},

he neither demands nor accepts interest on a loan; he refrains from what is evil; and he judges honestly between one person and another.

He does not engage in usury or take excess interest, but he withholds his hand from iniquity and executes true justice between men.

he that hath not given forth upon interest, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true justice between man and man,

Context

Ezekiel 18 is a pivotal chapter addressing the proverb common in Israel: "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge" (Ezekiel 18:2). God, through Ezekiel, vehemently refutes this notion of inherited guilt, emphasizing individual accountability and personal righteousness. Verses 5-9 lay out a detailed description of a righteous person, contrasting them with the wicked and highlighting the specific actions that define a just life in the eyes of God. Verse 8 focuses on financial integrity and fair dealings within the community, especially regarding the vulnerable.

Key Themes

  • Financial Integrity and Compassion: The prohibition against "usury" (Hebrew: neshekh, meaning 'biting' or 'biting interest') and "increase" (Hebrew: tarbith, referring to any additional gain on a loan) was a cornerstone of Mosaic Law. It primarily forbade charging interest to fellow Israelites, particularly the poor, to prevent exploitation. This reflects God's concern for the economically vulnerable and promotes a society built on mutual support rather than financial oppression. Exodus 22:25 and Leviticus 25:36 are foundational to this principle.
  • Withdrawal from Iniquity: The phrase "hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity" signifies an active and intentional avoidance of wrongdoing. It's not merely refraining from evil, but a deliberate choice to disengage from unjust practices and corrupt dealings. This highlights a proactive commitment to ethical living.
  • Impartial Justice: "Hath executed true judgment between man and man" underscores the importance of fairness and equity in all human interactions. A righteous person does not show favoritism or bias but strives for honest and impartial decisions, whether in personal disputes, business transactions, or community matters. This aligns with the broader biblical call for justice, as seen in passages like Micah 6:8.

Linguistic Insights

The terms "usury" (neshekh) and "increase" (tarbith) in this context emphasize the comprehensive nature of the prohibition against exploitative lending. Neshekh typically referred to interest on money, while tarbith could refer to interest on food or other goods. Together, they covered any form of profit derived from a loan that would burden the borrower, especially if they were in need. The phrase "true judgment" (Hebrew: mishpat emet) implies a verdict or decision based on truth and integrity, free from deceit or perversion of justice.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 18:8 provides timeless principles for ethical conduct in modern society. While direct usury laws may have evolved, the underlying principle of compassion and fairness in financial dealings remains vital. This verse challenges believers to:

  • Practice Financial Integrity: Be honest and fair in all financial transactions, avoiding predatory practices or taking advantage of others' vulnerability.
  • Actively Avoid Wrongdoing: Consciously choose to distance oneself from corrupt practices, gossip, injustice, and anything that would harm others.
  • Uphold Justice: Seek to be impartial and fair in all relationships, whether in personal conflicts, professional dealings, or community involvement. Strive for truth and equity in all judgments.

Ultimately, this verse is part of a larger description of a life lived in accordance with God's righteous standards, where personal responsibility and ethical behavior are paramount, leading to genuine spiritual life (Ezekiel 18:9).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Exodus 22:25

    ¶ If thou lend money to [any of] my people [that is] poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.

  • Zechariah 8:16

    These [are] the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:

  • Deuteronomy 23:19

    Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:

  • Deuteronomy 23:20

    Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

  • Leviticus 25:35

    And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: [yea, though he be] a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.

  • Leviticus 25:37

    Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase.

  • Deuteronomy 1:16

    And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear [the causes] between your brethren, and judge righteously between [every] man and his brother, and the stranger [that is] with him.

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