Ezekiel 18:17

Ezekiel 18:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version 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.

American Standard Version ASV

that hath withdrawn his hand from the poor, that hath not received interest nor increase, hath executed mine ordinances, hath walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the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

Bible in Basic English BBE

Who has kept his hand from evil-doing and has not taken interest or great profits, who has done my orders and been guided by my rules: he will certainly not be put to death for the evil-doing of his father; life will certainly be his.

Free Bible Version FBV

He refuses to do wrong and does not charge interest or make a profit on loans. He keeps my regulations and follows my laws. A man like that won't die because of his father's sins, he will certainly live!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Neither hath withdrawen his hand from the afflicted, nor receiued vsurie nor increase, but hath executed my iudgements, and hath walked in my statutes, he shall not die in the iniquitie of his father, but he shall surely liue.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

From the afflicted he hath turned back his hand, Usury and increase he hath not taken, My judgments he hath done, In My statutes he hath walked, He doth not die for the iniquity of his father, He doth surely live.

World English Bible WEB

who has withdrawn his hand from the poor, who hasn’t received interest or increase, has executed my ordinances, has walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father. He shall surely live.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

That hath taken off his hand from the poor, that hath not received interest 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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

That hath turned away his hand from injuring the poor, hath not taken usury and increase, but hath executed my judgments, and hath walked in my commandments: this man shall not die for the iniquity of his father, but living he shall live.

Translation for Translators T4T

He does not commit sins, like his father did, and does not charge big interest [DOU] when he lends money. He faithfully obeys all [DOU] my laws. That person will not be executed for his father’s sins; he will surely remain alive.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 18:17

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ezekiel 18:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB מֵ/עָנִ֞י הֵשִׁ֣יב יָד֗/וֹ נֶ֤שֶׁךְ וְ/תַרְבִּית֙ לֹ֣א לָקָ֔ח מִשְׁפָּטַ֣/י עָשָׂ֔ה בְּ/חֻקּוֹתַ֖/י הָלָ֑ךְ ה֗וּא לֹ֥א יָמ֛וּת בַּ/עֲוֺ֥ן אָבִ֖י/ו חָיֹ֥ה יִחְיֶֽה

מֵ/עָנִ֞י ʻânîy H6041 afflicted Prep | Adj

הֵשִׁ֣יב shûwb H7725 to return V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

יָד֗/וֹ yâd H3027 hand N-cs | Suff

נֶ֤שֶׁךְ neshek H5392 interest N-ms

וְ/תַרְבִּית֙ tarbîyth H8636 increment Conj | N-fs

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

לָקָ֔ח lâqach H3947 to take V-Qal-Perf-3ms

מִשְׁפָּטַ֣/י mishpâṭ H4941 justice N-mp | Suff

עָשָׂ֔ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-3ms

בְּ/חֻקּוֹתַ֖/י chuqqâh H2708 statute Prep | N-cp | Suff

הָלָ֑ךְ hâlak H1980 to go V-Qal-Perf-3ms

ה֗וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part

יָמ֛וּת mûwth H4191 to die V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

בַּ/עֲוֺ֥ן ʻâvôn H5771 iniquity Prep | N-cs

אָבִ֖י/ו ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff

חָיֹ֥ה châyâh H2421 to live V-Qal-Ptc

יִחְיֶֽה châyâh H2421 to live V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 18:17

מֵ/עָנִ֞י ʻânîy H6041 "afflicted" Prep | Adj

This word describes someone who is depressed, humble, or weak, often due to difficult circumstances, as described in the Psalms and other biblical books.

Definition: 1) poor, afflicted, humble, wretched 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak, afflicted, wretched 1d) humble, lowly

Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor. See also: Exodus 22:24; Psalms 88:16; Psalms 9:13.

הֵשִׁ֣יב shûwb H7725 "to return" V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

יָד֗/וֹ yâd H3027 "hand" N-cs | Suff

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

נֶ֤שֶׁךְ neshek H5392 "interest" N-ms

The Hebrew word for interest or usury, this term is used to describe the practice of lending money at excessive rates. It is prohibited in the Bible, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 23:19-20 and Ezekiel 18:8. The concept of fair lending is central to the book of Leviticus.

Definition: interest, usury

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: usury. See also: Exodus 22:24; Proverbs 28:8; Psalms 15:5.

וְ/תַרְבִּית֙ tarbîyth H8636 "increment" Conj | N-fs

This word refers to an increment or addition, like earning interest on money. It can also mean usury or unjust gain, which is getting money unfairly. The Bible warns against taking advantage of others.

Definition: increment, usury, interest, bonus

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: increase, unjust gain. See also: Leviticus 25:36; Ezekiel 18:13; Proverbs 28:8.

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

לָקָ֔ח lâqach H3947 "to take" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

מִשְׁפָּטַ֣/י mishpâṭ H4941 "justice" N-mp | Suff

Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.

Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan

Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.

עָשָׂ֔ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

בְּ/חֻקּוֹתַ֖/י chuqqâh H2708 "statute" Prep | N-cp | Suff

This Hebrew word refers to a statute or ordinance, often given by God to the Israelites. It appears in books like Leviticus and Numbers, outlining rules for sacrifices and festivals. These statutes helped the Israelites understand God's requirements.

Definition: 1) statute, ordinance, limit, enactment, something prescribed 1a) statute

Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: appointed, custom, manner, ordinance, site, statute. See also: Genesis 26:5; Deuteronomy 28:15; Psalms 18:23.

הָלָ֑ךְ hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.

Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.

ה֗וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

יָמ֛וּת mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.

Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely

Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

בַּ/עֲוֺ֥ן ʻâvôn H5771 "iniquity" Prep | N-cs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.

Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity

Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.

אָבִ֖י/ו ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff

In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.

Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

חָיֹ֥ה châyâh H2421 "to live" V-Qal-Ptc

To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.

Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life

Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.

יִחְיֶֽה châyâh H2421 "to live" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

Study Notes — Ezekiel 18:17

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Context
Cross References
Ezekiel 18:17 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 18:17
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 18:17
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:17
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:17
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:17
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 18:17
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:17
Sermons on Ezekiel 18:17

Context — The Soul Who Sins Will Die

15He does not eat at the mountain or look to the idols of the house of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor’s wife. 16He does not oppress another, or retain a pledge, or commit robbery. He gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.

17He 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.

18As 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. 19Yet you may ask, ‘Why shouldn’t the son bear the iniquity of his father?’ Since the son has done what is just and right, carefully observing all My statutes, he will surely live.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 18:8–9	He does not engage in usury or take excess interest, but he withholds his hand from iniquity and executes true justice between men. He follows My statutes and faithfully keeps My ordinances. That man is righteous; surely he will live, declares the Lord GOD.
2	Matthew 18:27–35	His master had compassion on him, forgave his debt, and released him. But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ So his fellow servant fell down and begged him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you back.’ But he refused. Instead, he went and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay his debt. When his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and recounted all of this to their master. Then the master summoned him and declared, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave all your debt because you begged me. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you?’ In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should repay all that he owed. That is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”
3	Ezekiel 18:13	He engages in usury and takes excess interest. Will this son live? He will not! Since he has committed all these abominations, he will surely die; his blood will be on his own head.
4	Ezekiel 20:30	Therefore tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: Will you defile yourselves the way your fathers did, prostituting yourselves with their abominations?
5	Jeremiah 16:19	O LORD, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in the day of distress, the nations will come to You from the ends of the earth, and they will say, “Our fathers inherited nothing but lies, worthless idols of no benefit at all.
6	Proverbs 29:7	The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no regard for such concerns.
7	Jeremiah 22:16	He took up the cause of the poor and needy, and so it went well with him. Is this not what it means to know Me?” declares the LORD.
8	Malachi 3:7	Yet from the days of your fathers, you have turned away from My statutes and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of Hosts. “But you ask, ‘How can we return?’
9	Ezekiel 18:28	Because he considered and turned from all the transgressions he had committed, he will surely live; he will not die.
10	Matthew 23:29–33	Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous. And you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ So you testify against yourselves that you are the sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your fathers. You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape the sentence of hell?

Ezekiel 18:17 Summary

[Ezekiel 18:17 is saying that if we treat others with kindness and respect, especially those who are less fortunate, and if we follow God's commands, then we will have eternal life. This means that we should try to help those in need and be fair in all our dealings, as seen in Micah 6:8, where it says 'to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God'. By doing so, we can be sure that we will not be punished for the sins of our parents, but will instead have a personal relationship with God. This is a promise that is repeated throughout the Bible, such as in Romans 6:23, where it says 'the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord'.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'withhold his hand from harming the poor' in Ezekiel 18:17?

This phrase means to refrain from exploiting or oppressing those who are less fortunate, as seen in the example of Isaiah 58:6-7, where God commands us to 'loose the chains of injustice' and 'set the oppressed free'.

Is it true that we will not be punished for the sins of our parents, according to Ezekiel 18:17?

Yes, according to Ezekiel 18:17, 'Such a man will not die for his father’s iniquity', which means that each person is responsible for their own actions, as also stated in Deuteronomy 24:16, where it says 'Parents are not to be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their parents'.

What does it mean to 'keep My ordinances and follow My statutes' in Ezekiel 18:17?

This phrase means to obey God's commands and laws, as outlined in the Bible, such as in Exodus 20:1-17, where the Ten Commandments are given, and in Leviticus 18:5, where it says 'Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them'.

How can we be sure that we will 'surely live' if we follow God's ordinances, as stated in Ezekiel 18:17?

According to Ezekiel 18:17, if we follow God's ordinances and statutes, we will 'surely live', which means we will have eternal life, as also promised in John 3:16, where it says 'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life'.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can 'withhold my hand from harming the poor' in my daily life, and what are the consequences if I do not?
How can I ensure that I am 'keeping God's ordinances and following His statutes' in my own life, and what are the benefits of doing so?
What does it mean to 'surely live' according to Ezekiel 18:17, and how can I have confidence in my own eternal life?
In what ways can I be tempted to 'die for my father's iniquity', and how can I avoid this trap?
How can I apply the principle of personal responsibility, as stated in Ezekiel 18:17, to my own relationships and decisions?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 18:17

[That] hath taken off his hand from the poor,.... When he perceived it lay heavy upon him, withdrew it from hurting him, and forbore to do it when it was in his power, and perhaps eased him of the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 18:17

Now, lo, if he beget a son, that seeth all his father's sins which he hath done, and considereth, and doeth not such like, Now, lo, if he begot a son, that seeth all his father's sins ... and doeth not such like.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:17

Taken off his hand from the poor; withdrawn his hand from hurting or wronging the poor, though he had power and might to do it securely. That hath not received usury, & c. see ,9, where these particulars are explained.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:17

Ezekiel 18:17 [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. Ver. 17. See on Ezekiel 18:8-9.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:17

Verse 17. He shall not die for the iniquity of his father] He shall no more be affected by his father's crimes, than his father was benefited by his grandfather's righteousness.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 18:17

17. taken off his hand] withdrawn his hand—so as not to injure or oppress—the poor. LXX. reads: from iniquity, but cf. ch. Ezekiel 20:22.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:17

17. Taken off his hand from the poor — Many scholars believe that the LXX. text is preferable, “withdrawn his hand from iniquity,” following Ezekiel 18:8. (See also Ezekiel 20:22.)

Sermons on Ezekiel 18:17

	Sermon	Description
	Just Vessels by Jackie Pullinger	This sermon emphasizes the importance of ministering to the poor, highlighting how God chooses the weak and needy to shame the strong, and how reaching out to the poor can lead to
	Love Who You See by Jackie Pullinger	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of loving others and treating them with justice and equality. They share a personal experience of witnessing the vast differen
	Useful for the Master - Part 10 by Jackie Pullinger	This sermon emphasizes the importance of Christians behaving like Jesus Christ to inspire belief in others. It discusses the need to reach out to the poor and marginalized, especia
	The Sin That Makes God Cry by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses how the people of God had become weary and bored with their worship and service. They doubted God's love for them and questioned where the ev
	The Last Day Return to Discernment Part 1 by Carter Conlon	In the video, Brother Tom Larkin shares his experience in Zambia, where he witnessed the transformation of children living in desperate conditions. These children were once hopeles
	Brokenness by Alan Andrews	In this sermon, the speaker discusses three themes: brokenness, integrity, and clarity of vision. He emphasizes the importance of experiencing brokenness in order to effectively mi
	Does Doctrine Matter - Part 10 by Derek Melton	In this sermon, the preacher, Nathan, emphasizes the importance of repentance and the need to experience it personally. He highlights the weight of our sin and God's glory, leading