Ezekiel 18:25
Ezekiel 18:25 in Multiple Translations
Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear now, O house of Israel: Is it My way that is unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust?
¶ Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?
Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel: Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?
But you say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Give ear, now, O children of Israel; is my way not equal? are not your ways unequal?
Even so you say, ‘What the Lord does isn't right.’ People of Israel, listen to me! Is it what I'm doing that isn't right? Isn't it what you're doing that isn't right?
Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equall: heare now, O house of Israel. Is not my way equall? or are not your wayes vnequall?
And ye have said, Not pondered is the way of the Lord. Hear, I pray you, O house of Israel, My way — is it not pondered? Are not your ways unpondered?
“Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not equal.’ Hear now, house of Israel: Is my way not equal? Aren’t your ways unequal?
Yet ye say, The way of the LORD is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?
And you have said: The way of the Lord is not right. Hear ye, therefore, O house of Israel: Is it my way that is not right, and are not rather your ways perverse?
But you say, ‘Yahweh does not act fairly!’ You Israeli people, listen to what I say: It is certainly not [RHQ] what I do that is unfair, it is what you continually do that is not fair/right!
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 18:25
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 18:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/אֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם
לֹ֥א
יִתָּכֵ֖ן
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
אֲדֹנָ֑/י
שִׁמְעוּ
נָא֙
בֵּ֣ית
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
הֲ/דַרְכִּ/י֙
לֹ֣א
יִתָּכֵ֔ן
הֲ/לֹ֥א
דַרְכֵי/כֶ֖ם
לֹ֥א
יִתָּכֵֽנוּ
וַ/אֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-2mp
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִתָּכֵ֖ן
tâkan
H8505
to measure
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
אֲדֹנָ֑/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
שִׁמְעוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
נָא֙
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
הֲ/דַרְכִּ/י֙
derek
H1870
way
Part | N-cs | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִתָּכֵ֔ן
tâkan
H8505
to measure
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
הֲ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
דַרְכֵי/כֶ֖ם
derek
H1870
way
N-cp | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִתָּכֵֽנוּ
tâkan
H8505
to measure
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 18:25
וַ/אֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-2mp
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.
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.
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.
יִתָּכֵ֖ן
tâkan
H8505
"to measure"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
Means to measure or balance something, like weighing goods in trade, or estimating the value of something, as in Proverbs 24. It involves evaluating or testing something to determine its worth.
Definition: 1) to regulate, measure, estimate, ponder, balance, make even, level, weigh, be equal, be weighed out, test, prove 1a) (Qal) estimate (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be estimated 1b2) to be made even or right, be adjusted to the standard 1c) (Piel) to weigh out, mete out 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be weighed out, be measured out 1d2) measured out (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: bear up, direct, be (un-)equal, mete, ponder, tell, weigh. See also: 1 Samuel 2:3; Proverbs 24:12; Psalms 75:4.
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
אֲדֹנָ֑/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
שִׁמְעוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
נָא֙
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
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.
הֲ/דַרְכִּ/י֙
derek
H1870
"way"
Part | N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
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.
יִתָּכֵ֔ן
tâkan
H8505
"to measure"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
Means to measure or balance something, like weighing goods in trade, or estimating the value of something, as in Proverbs 24. It involves evaluating or testing something to determine its worth.
Definition: 1) to regulate, measure, estimate, ponder, balance, make even, level, weigh, be equal, be weighed out, test, prove 1a) (Qal) estimate (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be estimated 1b2) to be made even or right, be adjusted to the standard 1c) (Piel) to weigh out, mete out 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be weighed out, be measured out 1d2) measured out (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: bear up, direct, be (un-)equal, mete, ponder, tell, weigh. See also: 1 Samuel 2:3; Proverbs 24:12; Psalms 75:4.
הֲ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | 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.
דַרְכֵי/כֶ֖ם
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cp | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
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.
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.
יִתָּכֵֽנוּ
tâkan
H8505
"to measure"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
Means to measure or balance something, like weighing goods in trade, or estimating the value of something, as in Proverbs 24. It involves evaluating or testing something to determine its worth.
Definition: 1) to regulate, measure, estimate, ponder, balance, make even, level, weigh, be equal, be weighed out, test, prove 1a) (Qal) estimate (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be estimated 1b2) to be made even or right, be adjusted to the standard 1c) (Piel) to weigh out, mete out 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be weighed out, be measured out 1d2) measured out (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: bear up, direct, be (un-)equal, mete, ponder, tell, weigh. See also: 1 Samuel 2:3; Proverbs 24:12; Psalms 75:4.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 18:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 18:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 18:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 18:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:25
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 18:25
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 18:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:25
- Sermons on Ezekiel 18:25
Context — The Soul Who Sins Will Die
23Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn’t I prefer that he turn from his ways and live?
24But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, committing the same abominations as the wicked, will he live? None of the righteous acts he did will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness and sin he has committed, he will die.
25Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear now, O house of Israel: Is it My way that is unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust?
26If a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, he will die for this. He will die because of the iniquity he has committed. 27But if a wicked man turns from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he will save his life.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 33:17 | Yet your people say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ But it is their way that is not just. |
| 2 | Malachi 3:13–15 | “Your words against Me have been harsh,” says the LORD. “Yet you ask, ‘What have we spoken against You?’ You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts? So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.’” |
| 3 | Malachi 2:17 | You have wearied the LORD with your words; yet you ask, “How have we wearied Him?” By saying, “All who do evil are good in the sight of the LORD, and in them He delights,” or, “Where is the God of justice?” |
| 4 | Genesis 18:25 | Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” |
| 5 | Jeremiah 12:1 | Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? |
| 6 | Zephaniah 3:5 | The LORD within her is righteous; He does no wrong. He applies His justice morning by morning; He does not fail at dawn, yet the unjust know no shame. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 33:20 | Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ But I will judge each of you according to his ways, O house of Israel.” |
| 8 | Ezekiel 18:29 | Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Are My ways unjust, O house of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust? |
| 9 | Jeremiah 16:10–13 | When you tell these people all these things, they will ask you, ‘Why has the LORD pronounced all this great disaster against us? What is our guilt? What is the sin that we have committed against the LORD our God?’ Then you are to answer them: ‘It is because your fathers have forsaken Me, declares the LORD, and followed other gods, and served and worshiped them. They abandoned Me and did not keep My instruction. And you have done more evil than your fathers. See how each of you follows the stubbornness of his evil heart instead of obeying Me. So I will cast you out of this land into a land that neither you nor your fathers have known. There you will serve other gods day and night, for I will show you no favor.’ |
| 10 | Psalms 145:17 | The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds. |
Ezekiel 18:25 Summary
Ezekiel 18:25 is a reminder that God's ways are always just and fair, while our ways are often flawed and sinful. When we blame God for our problems, we are actually accusing Him of being unjust, which is not true (Psalm 92:15). Instead, we need to acknowledge our own sin and take responsibility for our actions, turning to God's ways and trusting in His goodness (Proverbs 3:5-6). By doing so, we can experience God's mercy and forgiveness, and live a life that is pleasing to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when God says 'Is it My way that is unjust?' in Ezekiel 18:25?
God is emphasizing that His ways are perfect and just, as stated in Psalm 18:30, and it is humanity's ways that are flawed and unjust, leading to judgment and condemnation.
Why do people accuse God of being unjust in Ezekiel 18:25?
People often accuse God of being unjust because they do not understand His sovereignty and righteousness, as seen in Romans 9:20, and instead blame Him for the consequences of their own actions.
How does Ezekiel 18:25 relate to the concept of personal responsibility?
This verse highlights the importance of personal responsibility, as God holds individuals accountable for their actions, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:19, and does not accept excuses or blame-shifting.
What is the main point God is trying to convey in Ezekiel 18:25?
God is trying to convey that He is a just and fair God, as stated in Genesis 18:25, and that humanity's sins and rebellion are the cause of their own suffering, not God's fault or injustice.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I blame God or others for the consequences of my own actions, and how can I take personal responsibility for my life?
- How does the concept of God's justice and righteousness challenge my own worldview and behavior?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to acknowledge and repent of my own 'unjust ways' and turn to God's ways?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when I do not understand the circumstances of my life?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 18:25
Yet ye say,.... Notwithstanding these plain instances, which show the equity of God in his proceedings, and vindicate his justice in the dispensations of his providence; yet such was the blindness
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 18:25
Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal? Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:25
Yet ye say; you persist in your hard, unjust, and ungodly sentiments of an inequality in my ways, and are not afraid to speak as much. The way: it were too much for sinners to charge God with inequality in a single act, but here are some dare censure the way, the whole management of affairs. Of the Lord: strange frowardness! own him for Lord, yet condemn his government; grant his sovereign authority, and yet arraign the exercise of it! Is not equal; not right, steady, or consistent with his own declaration and law; so the Hebrew. This prodigiously wicked assertion they build upon a most gross ignorance, and intolerably proud conceit of their own righteousness: We, say they, are righteous, not wicked, yet punished. Unheard-of pride, to condemn God, with whom is no iniquity, and acquit themselves, in whom is all iniquity! Hear now; consider what I have proposed to clear my justice, hear me and my defence ere you condemn me, weigh well my defence. O house of Israel; both you that are in Jerusalem, and you also that are in Babylon at Telabib. Is not my way equal? Do you speak what you think, does your judgment thus conclude, when you know, or might know, that this is the general rule I proceed by, The righteousness of the righteous is upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked is upon him?
Can there be inequality here? Your ways which you choose, keep, plead for, and obstinately hold to, these are the crooked, unsteady, and unjust ways: for the question is to be resolved into a vehement asseveration.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:25
Ezekiel 18:25 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?Ver. 25. Yet ye say.] Ye will still hold your own, and no reason shall persuade you. A stubborn man standeth as a stake in a stream, lets all pass by him, but he standeth still where he was. Is not my way equal?] This he had said before but he saith it again, Dιςκαιτριςτακαλα. Cicero, aggravating the fact of a parricide, useth these words, Matrem tuam occidisti: quid dicam amplius? Matrem tuam occidisti - Thou hast killed thy mother, man: what should I say more? then hast killed thy mother, I tell thee. Are not your ways unequal?] They are so, and that apparently: but that your mouth is out of taste, and ye cannot relish truth; your eyes are sore, and ye cannot behold the sunbeams; you are prejudiced, biased, perverted.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:25
(25) The way of the Lord is not equal.—The word means literally, weighed out, balanced. The accusation of the Israelites was still (here and in Ezekiel 18:29) that the Lord was arbitrary and unjust. His statement in reply is that He rewards and punishes according to eternal and immutable principles of right. Every man must reap that which he has sown. (Comp. Romans 2:5-10.)
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 18:25
25. Yet ye say, The way … equal] And ye say. The “way” of the Lord is the principle on which he acts, or his action on it, Isaiah 55:8, cf. ch. Ezekiel 33:17; Ezekiel 33:20. The objection of the people may really have been expressed (cf. Ezekiel 18:19). The prophet’s principle of the freedom of the individual and his independence was a novelty running counter to cherished notions of that age, notions corroborated by much that is seen in history and life. The instance of Korah, whose children perished with him for his sin, the case of Achan, whose transgression was imputed to the whole camp, the history of Jonathan, and no doubt multitudes of instances were familiar to the people where men were treated as bodies and the individuals shared the fate of the mass though personally innocent. To us now the prophet’s principle is self-evident. Still even to us it is only a theoretical principle, and can be maintained against facts only by drawing a distinction, which the people in Israel had not yet learned to draw, between the spiritual relation of the mind to God and the external history of the individual.
See end of chapter.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 18:25
Equal - literally, “weighed out, balanced.” Man’s ways are arbitrary, God’s ways are governed by a self-imposed law, which makes all consistent and harmonious.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:25
25. The way of the Lord is not equal — This is an objection raised by some of his hearers to the novel argument which the prophet has just developed.
Sermons on Ezekiel 18:25
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Ezekiel 33:17 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith addresses the common accusation against God regarding His fairness and justice, emphasizing that humanity's suffering stems from sin and rebellion against God. He expla |
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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 |
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When the Enemy Comes in Like a Flood - Part 2 by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the futility of seeking happiness and peace in worldly pursuits, highlighting the emptiness and temporary nature of such endeavors. It delves into the societ |
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(Through the Bible) Malachi by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of giving and receiving in accordance with a divine spiritual law. He compares it to the natural laws that govern our universe, s |
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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 |
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Malachi 3:13 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith addresses God's controversy with man as depicted in Malachi, emphasizing the people's misguided accusations against God, claiming that serving Him is futile and that th |
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The Complaints of Jehovah by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan addresses the seven complaints of God against His people, emphasizing their formalism and self-satisfaction. He highlights issues such as profanity, sacrilege, g |