Ezekiel 18:2
Ezekiel 18:2 in Multiple Translations
“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’?
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?
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?
Why do you make use of this saying about the land of Israel, The fathers have been tasting bitter grapes and the children's teeth are on edge?
“What's this proverb you people are quoting about the country of Israel: ‘The fathers ate the unripe grapes, but their children got the sour taste’?
What meane ye that ye speake this prouerbe, concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers haue eaten sowre grapes, and the childrens teeth are set on edge?
'What — to you, ye — using this simile Concerning the ground of Israel, saying: Fathers do eat unripe fruit, And the sons' teeth are blunted?
“What do you mean, that you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge’?
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?
That you use among you this parable as a proverb in the land of Israel, saying: The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the teeth of the children are set on edge.
“You people quote [RHQ] this proverb and say that it is about Israel: ‘Parents/People eat sour grapes, but it is their children who have a very sour taste in their mouths', which means that you think that it is not fair for you to be punished for your ancestors’ sins.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 18:2
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 18:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַה
לָּ/כֶ֗ם
אַתֶּם֙
מֹֽשְׁלִים֙
אֶת
הַ/מָּשָׁ֣ל
הַ/זֶּ֔ה
עַל
אַדְמַ֥ת
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
אָבוֹת֙
יֹ֣אכְלוּ
בֹ֔סֶר
וְ/שִׁנֵּ֥י
הַ/בָּנִ֖ים
תִּקְהֶֽינָה
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
לָּ/כֶ֗ם
Prep | Suff
אַתֶּם֙
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
מֹֽשְׁלִים֙
mâshal
H4911
to liken
V-Qal
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/מָּשָׁ֣ל
mâshâl
H4912
proverb
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֔ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אַדְמַ֥ת
ʼădâmâh
H127
land
N-fs
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אָבוֹת֙
ʼâb
H1
father
N-mp
יֹ֣אכְלוּ
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בֹ֔סֶר
bôçer
H1155
unripe grape
N-ms
וְ/שִׁנֵּ֥י
shên
H8127
tooth
Conj | N-cd
הַ/בָּנִ֖ים
bên
H1121
son
Art | N-mp
תִּקְהֶֽינָה
qâhâh
H6949
be blunt
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 18:2
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
לָּ/כֶ֗ם
""
Prep | Suff
אַתֶּם֙
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
מֹֽשְׁלִים֙
mâshal
H4911
"to liken"
V-Qal
To use a proverb means to speak in a way that teaches a lesson, often using metaphors or poems, as seen in Jesus' parables in the Gospels. This word is about comparing things to make a point. It appears in books like Proverbs and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to represent, liken, be like 1a) (Niphal) to liken, be like, be similar 1b) (Hiphil) to compare 1c) (Hithpael) to become like
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: be(-come) like, compare, use (as a) proverb, speak (in proverbs), utter. See also: Numbers 21:27; Isaiah 46:5; Psalms 28:1.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מָּשָׁ֣ל
mâshâl
H4912
"proverb"
Art | N-ms
A proverb is a short saying that teaches a lesson, often using comparisons or metaphors, like those found in the book of Proverbs. It's a way of sharing wisdom and insight. Proverbs are used by Solomon and other biblical writers.
Definition: 1) proverb, parable 1a) proverb, proverbial saying, aphorism 1b) byword 1c) similitude, parable 1d) poem 1e) sentences of ethical wisdom, ethical maxims
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: byword, like, parable, proverb. See also: Numbers 23:7; Psalms 78:2; Psalms 44:15.
הַ/זֶּ֔ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אַדְמַ֥ת
ʼădâmâh
H127
"land"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the earth or soil, often describing the ground as a source of sustenance. It is used to describe the physical earth, a plot of land, or even a whole country. The KJV translates it as 'country', 'earth', or 'land'.
Definition: : soil 1) ground, land 1a) ground (as general, tilled, yielding sustenance) 1b) piece of ground, a specific plot of land 1c) earth substance (for building or constructing) 1d) ground as earth's visible surface 1e) land, territory, country 1f) whole inhabited earth 1g) city in Naphtali
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land. See also: Genesis 1:25; 1 Kings 8:40; Psalms 49:12.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אָבוֹת֙
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-mp
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.
יֹ֣אכְלוּ
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
בֹ֔סֶר
bôçer
H1155
"unripe grape"
N-ms
This word means an unripe grape, often translated as a sour grape. It is similar to the word 'beser' and is used in the Bible to describe grapes that are not yet ripe.
Definition: unripe grapes, sour grapes Also means: be.ser (בֶּסֶר "unripe grape" H1154)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: sour grape. See also: Isaiah 18:5; Jeremiah 31:30; Jeremiah 31:29.
וְ/שִׁנֵּ֥י
shên
H8127
"tooth"
Conj | N-cd
The Hebrew word for tooth can also mean ivory or a sharp cliff. It is used in the Bible to describe the teeth of humans and animals, as well as sharp rocks, and is often translated as tooth or ivory.
Definition: : tooth 1) tooth, ivory 1a) tooth 1a1) of man, lex talionis, beast 1b) tooth, tine (of fork) 1c) ivory 1c1) as material 1c2) of commerce 1d) sharp pointed rock
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: crag, [idiom] forefront, ivory, [idiom] sharp, tooth. See also: Genesis 49:12; Psalms 57:5; Psalms 3:8.
הַ/בָּנִ֖ים
bên
H1121
"son"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
תִּקְהֶֽינָה
qâhâh
H6949
"be blunt"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
To be blunt means to be dull or unsharp, as described in the book of Ezekiel. It can also refer to being mentally or spiritually dull, lacking sharpness or clarity.
Definition: 1) to be blunt, be dull 1a) (Qal) to be blunt, be dull 1b) (Piel) to be blunt
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: be set on edge, be blunt. See also: Ecclesiastes 10:10; Jeremiah 31:30; Jeremiah 31:29.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 18:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 18:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 18:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 18:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:2
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 18:2
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 18:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:2
- Sermons on Ezekiel 18:2
Context — The Soul Who Sins Will Die
1Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
2“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’?
3As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel. 4Behold, every soul belongs to Me; both father and son are Mine. The soul who sins is the one who will die.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 31:29–30 | “In those days, it will no longer be said: ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the teeth of the children are set on edge.’ Instead, each will die for his own iniquity. If anyone eats the sour grapes, his own teeth will be set on edge. |
| 2 | Lamentations 5:7 | Our fathers sinned and are no more, but we bear their punishment. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 37:11 | Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Look, they are saying, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope has perished; we are cut off.’ |
| 4 | Ezekiel 37:19 | you are to tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel associated with him, and I will put them together with the stick of Judah. I will make them into a single stick, and they will become one in My hand.’ |
| 5 | Ezekiel 37:25 | They will live in the land that I gave to My servant Jacob, where your fathers lived. They will live there forever with their children and grandchildren, and My servant David will be their prince forever. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 17:12 | “Now say to this rebellious house: ‘Do you not know what these things mean?’ Tell them, ‘Behold, the king of Babylon came to Jerusalem, carried off its king and officials, and brought them back with him to Babylon. |
| 7 | Isaiah 3:15 | Why do you crush My people and grind the faces of the poor?” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 6:2–3 | “Son of man, set your face against the mountains of Israel and prophesy against them. You are to say: ‘O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD! This is what the Lord GOD says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys: I am about to bring a sword against you, and I will destroy your high places. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 25:3 | Tell the Ammonites to hear the word of the Lord GOD, for this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because you exclaimed, “Aha!” when My sanctuary was profaned, when the land of Israel was laid waste, and when the house of Judah went into exile, |
| 10 | Jeremiah 15:4 | I will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth because of what Manasseh son of Hezekiah king of Judah did in Jerusalem. |
Ezekiel 18:2 Summary
[This verse is talking about a saying that people used to say, which meant that children suffered because of what their parents did. But God says that's not true, and that each person is responsible for their own sins. As it says in Ezekiel 18:4, 'the soul who sins is the one who will die', which means we can't blame our parents for our mistakes. This is also seen in Deuteronomy 24:16, where it says 'each one will die for their own sin'.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the proverb 'The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the teeth of the children are set on edge' in Ezekiel 18:2?
This proverb means that the children are suffering the consequences of their fathers' sins, but as seen in Ezekiel 18:4, God declares that each person is responsible for their own sin, and the soul who sins is the one who will die, not their children (Deuteronomy 24:16, Jeremiah 31:29-30).
Is God being unfair by punishing children for their parents' sins?
No, God is not being unfair, as He makes it clear in Ezekiel 18:4 that every soul belongs to Him, and each person is responsible for their own actions, not their parents' (Romans 14:12, 2 Corinthians 5:10).
Why does God tell the people to stop quoting this proverb in Ezekiel 18:3?
God tells the people to stop quoting this proverb because it is a false and misleading saying that shifts the blame for sin from the individual to their parents, which is not in line with God's principles of justice and personal responsibility (Proverbs 24:23-25, Isaiah 3:10-11).
How does this verse relate to the concept of original sin?
This verse does not directly address the concept of original sin, but it emphasizes personal responsibility for sin, as seen in Ezekiel 18:4, and implies that sin is not inherited, but rather that each person chooses to sin, which is in line with the teachings of Psalm 51:5 and Romans 3:23.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be blaming my circumstances or upbringing for my sin, rather than taking personal responsibility?
- How can I apply the principle of personal responsibility for sin in my own life, and what changes do I need to make to live a more righteous life?
- What does it mean to me that God says 'every soul belongs to Me' in Ezekiel 18:4, and how does that impact my understanding of my relationship with Him?
- In what ways can I use this verse to share the gospel with others and encourage them to take personal responsibility for their sin?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 18:2
What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel,.... This is spoken to the Jews in Babylon, who used the following proverb concerning the land of Israel; not the ten tribes, but
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 18:2
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?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:2
What cause have you, or what would you have men think of your carriage to me, and of mine towards you, that ye who are now in Babylon openly, unjustly, and impudently justify yourselves, and condemn your God? Israel; the two tribes, not the ten. The fathers; our forefathers have sinned, and we their children, who were unborn, do suffer now for their sins: and this was grown common, both in Babylon, and also in Jerusalem, : you would be thought innocent, and my proceedings against you unjust and cruel.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:2
Ezekiel 18:2 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?Ver. 2. What mean you?] Or, What is come to you? - quoe vos dimentia cepit? - that you do so toss this sinful and senseless proverb among you, both at Jerusalem and also here at Babylon. “ Delicta parentum Immeritus Iudaeae luis? ” Must I be blasphemed rather than you faulted? Is it for your fathers’ sins only that ye suffer? And do ye thus think to put off the reproofs of the prophets, as if yourselves had not seconded and outsinned your fathers, and are therefore justly punished? The fathers have eaten sour grapes.] Sin is no better. It is an "evil and a bitter thing to forsake the Lord." What wild sour grapes your fathers both bred and fed upon, see Isaiah 5:2; Isaiah 5:8; Isaiah 5:11; Isaiah 5:20-22; and it was woe, woe unto them. And the children’ s teeth are set on edge.] Or, Stupefied. But is there not a cause? and are there not sins enough with you, even with you, to procure your ruth and your ruin? but that I must be injurious rather than you be found obnoxious?
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:2
(2) What mean ye?—Almost the same expression occurs in Ezekiel 12:22. The literal translation would be, What is it to you who are using this proverb? and the sense is “Why do you, &c.?” Proverb shows that it was a common saying, a way in which the people habitually sought to shirk the responsibility for their guilt. The same proverb is quoted in Jeremiah 31:29, and condemned in the same way. “Concerning the land” should rather be in the land, i.e., among the people, including both those at Jerusalem and in captivity. The teaching of this chapter concerning individual responsibility is, in one form or another, often repeated by Ezekiel. It is set forth in regard to the prophet and people, in Ezekiel 3:18-21; in regard to those upon whom the mark was set, in Ezekiel 9:4-6; in regard to those who enquire of the Lord, in Ezekiel 14:3-9; and generally the teaching of this chapter is repeated in Ezekiel 33:1-20.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:2
Verse 2. The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?] We have seen this proverb already, Jeremiah 31:29, &c., and have considered its general meaning. But the subject is here proposed in greater detail, with a variety of circumstances, to adapt it to all those cases to which it should apply. It refers simply to these questions: How far can the moral evil of the parent be extended to his offspring? And, Are the faults and evil propensities of the parents, not only transferred to the children, but punished in them? Do parents transfer their evil nature, and are their children punished for their offences?
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 18:2
2. concerning the land] Rather, in the land, lit, upon: cf. Ezekiel 18:3 “in Israel.” fathers have eaten] Or, the fathers eat; the proverb being thrown into a general form. The proverb, already noticed by Jeremiah (ch. Jeremiah 31:29-30) means that the children suffer the consequences of the sins of their fathers. Sour or unripe grapes are occasionally eaten, and naturally the effect upon the eater’s teeth is immediate—his teeth are set on edge, lit. blunted, the edge of them turned. Here, however, the effect is first felt by the children. Such feelings could not but arise in the troubled times of the fall of the state, when the righteous suffered with the wicked, and the most righteous were carried into exile, and just because they still slave to their own faith in the midst of heathenism endured severer sufferings than others who accommodated themselves to their circumstances. Soon after the fall of Jerusalem we hear the same complaint in literal terms: “The fathers sinned and are not, and we have borne their iniquities” (Lamentations 5:7).
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 18:2
Concerning the land of Israel - Rather, “in the land of Israel,” i. e., upon Israel’s soil, the last place where such a paganish saying should be expected.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:2
2. Concerning — Rather, in. The fathers have eaten [do eat] sour grapes — This was a proverb which contained a half truth, but which the people were twisting to their own destruction.
Sermons on Ezekiel 18:2
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Breaking the Bondage of an Ungodly Heritage by Don Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the concept of breaking the chains of an ungodly heritage. He criticizes the idea that individuals are not personally responsible for their ac |
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Sour Grapes by Chuck Smith | This sermon focuses on the importance of personal responsibility before God, emphasizing the need for individuals to acknowledge their sins and seek forgiveness directly from God. |
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Jesus Came to Save That Which Was Lost - Part 2 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the power of Jesus Christ to deliver from sin and restore brokenness, highlighting the importance of sharing the gospel with love and compas |
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Of the Imputation of Adam's Sin to All His Posterity. by John Gill | John Gill expounds on the doctrine of the imputation of Adam's sin to all humanity, emphasizing that through Adam's disobedience, all his descendants are made sinners. He clarifies |
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Jeremiah 31:29 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith addresses the misrepresentation of Christianity, particularly the proverb 'The fathers have eaten sour grapes,' which suggests that children suffer for their parents' s |
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Raising the Dead by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving one's heart to Jesus and seeking forgiveness for sins. He shares a story about a man from Nigeria who, after hearin |
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Born of Water and the Spirit 02 John 3: by J. Henry Brown | In this sermon, the speaker uses a story about a sailing ship heading towards the Niagara Falls to illustrate the concept of being born again and understanding the kingdom of God. |