Ezekiel 18:3
Ezekiel 18:3 in Multiple Translations
As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel.
As I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel.
As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel.
By my life, says the Lord, you will no longer have this saying in Israel.
As I live, declares the Lord God, you won't quote this proverb in Israel any more.
As I liue, sayth the Lord God, ye shall vse this prouerbe no more in Israel.
I live — an affirmation of the Lord Jehovah, Ye have no more the use of this simile in Israel.
“As I live,” says the Lord GOD, “you shall not use this proverb any more in Israel.
As I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel.
As I live, saith the Lord God, this parable shall be no more to you a proverb in Israel.
But I, Yahweh the Lord, declare that as surely as I am alive, you Israeli people will no longer quote that proverb.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 18:3
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 18:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חַי
אָ֕נִי
נְאֻ֖ם
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
יְהוִ֑ה
אִם
יִֽהְיֶ֨ה
לָ/כֶ֜ם
ע֗וֹד
מְשֹׁ֛ל
הַ/מָּשָׁ֥ל
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
חַי
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
אָ֕נִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
נְאֻ֖ם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
יְהוִ֑ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
YHWH/God
N-proper
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
יִֽהְיֶ֨ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לָ/כֶ֜ם
Prep | Suff
ע֗וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
מְשֹׁ֛ל
mâshal
H4911
to liken
V-Qal-Inf-a
הַ/מָּשָׁ֥ל
mâshâl
H4912
proverb
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 18:3
חַי
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
אָ֕נִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
נְאֻ֖ם
nᵉʼum
H5002
"utterance"
N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
אֲדֹנָ֣/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.
יְהוִ֑ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
"YHWH/God"
N-proper
YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.
Definition: 1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah' 1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)
Usage: Occurs in 296 OT verses. KJV: God. See also: Genesis 15:2; Ezekiel 14:21; Psalms 68:21.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יִֽהְיֶ֨ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָ/כֶ֜ם
""
Prep | Suff
ע֗וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
מְשֹׁ֛ל
mâshal
H4911
"to liken"
V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
הַ/מָּשָׁ֥ל
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/זֶּ֖ה
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.
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
Prep | 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.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 18:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 18:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 18:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 18:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:3
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 18:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:3
- Sermons on Ezekiel 18:3
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. 5Now suppose a man is righteous and does what is just and right:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 18:19–20 | Yet 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. The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will fall upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked man will fall upon him. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 33:11–20 | Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ Therefore, son of man, say to your people: ‘The righteousness of the righteous man will not deliver him in the day of his transgression; neither will the wickedness of the wicked man cause him to stumble on the day he turns from his wickedness. Nor will the righteous man be able to survive by his righteousness on the day he sins.’ If I tell the righteous man that he will surely live, but he then trusts in his righteousness and commits iniquity, then none of his righteous works will be remembered; he will die because of the iniquity he has committed. But if I tell the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ and he turns from his sin and does what is just and right— if he restores a pledge, makes restitution for what he has stolen, and walks in the statutes of life without practicing iniquity—then he will surely live; he will not die. None of the sins he has committed will be held against him. He has done what is just and right; he will surely live. Yet your people say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ But it is their way that is not just. If a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he will die for it. But if a wicked man turns from his wickedness and does what is just and right, he will live because of this. 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.” |
| 3 | Ezekiel 18:30 | Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 36:31–32 | Then you will remember your evil ways and wicked deeds, and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and abominations. It is not for your sake that I will act, declares the Lord GOD—let it be known to you. Be ashamed and disgraced for your ways, O house of Israel! |
| 5 | Romans 3:19 | Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. |
Ezekiel 18:3 Summary
[In Ezekiel 18:3, God is saying that He doesn't want the people of Israel to keep saying that children are punished for the sins of their parents. This is because God wants each person to be responsible for their own actions, as He says in Ezekiel 18:4. He wants us to know that we can't blame our parents or our circumstances for the choices we make. Instead, we need to take responsibility for our own lives and choices, just like it says in Deuteronomy 24:16. By doing so, we can live in a way that honors God and trusts in His promise of individual responsibility.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What proverb is God referring to in Ezekiel 18:3?
The proverb is mentioned in Ezekiel 18:2, which says, 'The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the teeth of the children are set on edge.' This proverb suggests that children are punished for the sins of their parents, which God rejects as stated in Deuteronomy 24:16 and Ezekiel 18:4.
Why does God not want the Israelites to quote this proverb?
God does not want the Israelites to quote this proverb because it contradicts His principle of individual responsibility, as stated in Ezekiel 18:4, where He says, 'The soul who sins is the one who will die.'
What does it mean when God says 'As surely as I live'?
When God says 'As surely as I live', it is an oath that emphasizes the certainty and solemnity of His statement, similar to when He says 'As I live' in Numbers 14:28 and Judges 8:19.
How does this verse relate to the concept of generational sin?
This verse rejects the idea that children are automatically guilty of their parents' sins, instead emphasizing individual responsibility, as also seen in Jeremiah 31:29-30, where God says that each person will be responsible for their own sin.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be quoting this proverb in my own life, by blaming my circumstances or upbringing for my actions?
- How can I apply the principle of individual responsibility to my own life, recognizing that I am accountable to God for my choices?
- What does it mean for me to 'quote this proverb' in my daily thoughts and conversations, and how can I instead speak and think in a way that honors God's principles?
- In what ways can I trust in God's promise that 'the soul who sins is the one who will die', and live my life in light of this truth?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 18:3
[As] I live, saith the Lord God,.... This is a form of an oath; the Lord here swears by his life, by himself, because he could swear by no greater, Hebrews 6:13; and it expresses how displeased he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 18:3
As I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:3
Either you who use it shall die for it, or because I will vindicate my proceedings so that all who consider your punishments shall see you deserve all that you suffer.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:3
Ezekiel 18:3 [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have [occasion] any more to use this proverb in Israel.Ver. 3. Ye shall not have occasion any more.] For I will shortly take an order with you; and not by words, but by blows, vindicate my just judgments from your cavils and scurrilities.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:3
Verse 3. As I live, saith the Lord God, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel.] I will now, by this present declaration, settle this question for ever. And hence God has sworn to what follows. After this, who will dare to doubt the judgment pronounced?
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 18:3
3. ye shall not have occasion] Or, it shall not be permitted you.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:3
3. Ye shall not have occasion — Or, ye shall not be permitted.
Sermons on Ezekiel 18:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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John 9:1-5 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about Jesus healing a man born blind, emphasizing that the man's blindness was not a punishment for sin but an opportunity for God's glory to be revealed. |
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Why Will You Die? by Achille Blaize | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from sin. He highlights that God issues a universal invitation to all people to turn from thei |
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The Nature of God by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that our pursuit of happiness is deeply ingrained in our nature as human beings. However, he warns against the delusion that positions or ho |
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Loved With Everlasting Love - Part 2 by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tendency of people to start something without doing their homework or fully understanding what is involved. He emphasizes the importance o |
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Becoming a Solider God's Army Requires a Personal Calvary by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the power of the word of God as a weapon. He shares the story of William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, who fearlessly marched h |
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The Nature of God (High Quality) by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Ezekiel 33:11, which emphasizes God's desire for the wicked to turn from their ways and live, rather than facing death. The sermon explores |
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Prepare to Die by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing to die and not waiting until it is too late. He shares a tragic story of six young men who unexpectedly died in |