Ezekiel 18 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Ezekiel 18 meaning explained in AI Summary

Ezekiel Chapter 18 addresses a proverb circulating among the Israelites in exile: "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge." This proverb reflects the people's belief that they are suffering for the sins of their ancestors, particularly the sins that led to their exile in Babylon.

Ezekiel, speaking for God, directly refutes this proverb. He argues that each person is responsible for their own actions and will be judged accordingly. He emphasizes that God desires righteousness and shows mercy to those who turn away from wickedness.

The chapter outlines God's principles of individual accountability:

The soul that sins shall die (v. 4): God will not punish the righteous for the sins of the wicked, nor vice versa.
Repentance leads to life (v. 21-23): If a wicked person turns away from their evil deeds, they will live. Conversely, if a righteous person turns to wickedness, their past righteousness will not save them.
God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (v. 23, 32): He desires everyone to repent and live.

In essence, Ezekiel 18 offers a message of hope to the exiled Israelites. It assures them that their fate is not sealed by the sins of their forefathers. They have the power to choose righteousness, find forgiveness, and experience God's favor. This message remains relevant today, emphasizing personal responsibility and the transformative power of repentance.

Ezekiel 18 bible study ai commentary

Ezekiel 18 provides one of the Bible's clearest affirmations of individual accountability before God. It systematically dismantles the fatalistic proverb, "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge," which the Israelite exiles used to blame their suffering on previous generations. The chapter powerfully declares that God judges each person based on their own righteousness or sin, not their ancestry. It culminates in a passionate call to repentance, revealing a God who desires life, not death, and offers the promise of a new heart and spirit.

Ezekiel 18 Context

This chapter was written during the Babylonian Exile (c. 586-538 BC). The Temple was destroyed, and the people of Judah were captives in a foreign land. Deep despair led them to embrace a proverb of fatalism, essentially blaming their parents' and grandparents' sins (especially during the reign of King Manasseh) for their current state. They felt their fate was sealed by the past, rendering personal righteousness meaningless. Ezekiel confronts this paralyzing and false theology head-on, delivering God's declaration of His perfect justice and the principle of individual moral responsibility.

Ezekiel 18:1-4

The word of the Lord came to me: “What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge’? As I live, declares the Lord God, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel. Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.”

In-depth-analysis

The Proverb: A popular saying expressing that the current generation was being unfairly punished for the sins of its ancestors. It was a complaint against God's perceived injustice.
"As I live": God swears an oath on His own existence, giving maximum weight and authority to what follows. This is not a new policy, but an eternal truth He is now clarifying.
nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ): The Hebrew word translated "soul." It does not mean a disembodied spirit, but rather a "person," "a life," or "a living being." The focus is on the whole person.
"All souls are mine": God asserts His universal ownership and authority over every individual life. This establishes His right to judge each person directly.
"The soul who sins shall die": This is the chapter's thesis statement. God assigns guilt and the resulting consequence (death) only to the individual who commits the sin. "Death" here primarily refers to physical death and separation from God's covenant blessings, culminating in spiritual death.

Bible references

Jer 31:29-30: '...they shall no longer say: "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge." But everyone shall die for his own iniquity.' (A direct parallel prophecy).
Deut 24:16: 'Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their fathers. Each one shall be put to death for his own sin.' (The legal basis in the Mosaic Law).
Rom 6:23: 'For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.' (NT confirmation of sin leading to death).
Gal 6:5: 'For each will have to bear his own load.' (NT principle of personal accountability).

Cross references

2 Kgs 14:6 (Amaziah applies this law), Rom 2:6 (God will render to each according to his works), 2 Cor 5:10 (all appear before Christ's judgment seat).

Polemics: This is a direct polemic against a misapplication of texts like Exodus 20:5 ("visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children"). Ezekiel clarifies that while generational consequences of sin are real (a sinful environment, national judgment like the exile), individual guilt before God is not inherited. You may suffer because of your father's choices, but you are not held guilty for them by God.

Ezekiel 18:5-9

“If a man is righteous and does what is just and right—if he does not eat upon the mountains or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, does not defile his neighbor's wife... does not oppress anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge, commits no robbery, gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment, does not lend at interest or take any profit, withholds his hand from injustice, executes true justice between man and man, walks in my statutes, and keeps my rules by acting faithfully—he is righteous; he shall surely live, declares the Lord God.

In-depth-analysis

Portrait of Righteousness: The description of a righteous person is not based on feeling or status but on concrete actions. It combines both vertical (God-ward) and horizontal (human-ward) responsibilities.
Prohibitions (Vertical): "Does not eat upon the mountains" and "lift up his eyes to idols" refer to avoiding Canaanite fertility rites and idolatry, which were high-profile sins leading to the exile.
Prohibitions (Horizontal): Avoids sexual immorality (defile neighbor's wife), economic oppression (oppress anyone, lend at interest), and social injustice.
Positive Commands: Active justice and charity. He "restores...pledge," "gives...bread to the hungry," "covers the naked," and "executes true justice."
Summary: True righteousness is a lifestyle of active obedience ("walks in my statutes") and faithfulness, not just the absence of sin.
"He shall surely live": The divine promise for such a life is not just physical existence, but a full life within God's covenant blessing and favor.

Bible references

Ps 15:1-5: 'O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right...' (A similar description of a righteous person).
Lev 18:5: 'You shall therefore keep my statutes and my rules; if a person does them, he shall live by them: I am the Lord.' (The foundational principle Ezekiel quotes).
Mic 6:8: 'He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?' (Summarizes this type of practical righteousness).

Cross references

Deut 15:7-11 (care for the poor), Lev 19:15 (justice in court), Jam 1:27 (pure religion involves caring for orphans/widows), Matt 25:34-40 (serving the needy is serving Christ).

Ezekiel 18:10-13

“If he fathers a son who is violent, a shedder of blood, who does any of these things... he eats upon the mountains, defiles his neighbor's wife, oppresses the poor and needy, commits robbery... lends at interest... shall he then live? He shall not live! He has done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon himself.

In-depth-analysis

The Contrast: This section presents the exact opposite of the righteous father. The son rejects his father's righteous example.
Responsibility Affirmed: The righteous father's good deeds offer no spiritual protection or inherited merit to his wicked son.
"Shall he then live? He shall not live!": The rhetorical question and its emphatic answer underscore the point.
"His blood shall be upon himself": A legal phrase signifying that the person is solely responsible for his own death. He cannot blame his father (for a bad example) or God (for injustice).

Bible references

Lev 20:9: '...he has cursed his father or his mother; his blood is upon him.' (Example of the legal phrase "blood upon him" for capital offenses).
Gal 6:7-8: 'Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption...' (Reaping the consequences of one's actions).
John 8:44: 'You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires...' (Spiritual parentage is determined by one's actions and allegiance, not just physical lineage).

Cross references

Prov 1:10-19 (the path of the violent), Ezek 33:4 (his own blood on his own head), Matt 23:31-32 (sons of those who murdered prophets, proving it by their actions).

Ezekiel 18:14-18

“But if this man fathers a son who sees all the sins that his father has done, and fears, and does not do likewise... he shall not die for his father's iniquity; he shall surely live. As for his father, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother, and did what is not good among his people, behold, he shall die for his iniquity.

In-depth-analysis

The Third Generation: This completes the three-generation case study, sealing the argument.
Seeing and Fearing: The righteous grandson makes a conscious, deliberate choice. He observes his father's sin and its consequences ("sees all the sins") and chooses the opposite path out of a reverent "fear" of God and sin.
Breaking the Cycle: This verse provides immense hope to the exiles. It shows that sinful family history does not predetermine one's destiny. A person can break the cycle of sin through personal choice and obedience.
Justice Clarified: The grandson lives because of his own righteousness. The wicked father dies for his own iniquity. The two fates are separate and justly assigned.

Bible references

John 8:36: 'So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.' (The ultimate power to break the cycle of sin).
Phil 2:12: '...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling...' (The necessity of personal participation and reverent awe in one's walk with God).

Cross references

2 Chr 34:1-3 (King Josiah, a righteous son of a wicked father, Amon), Num 16:27-33 (Dathan and Abiram's children were not all swallowed up, suggesting individual escape from familial judgment is possible).

Ezekiel 18:19-20

“Yet you say, ‘Why should not the son suffer for the iniquity of the father?’ When the son has done what is just and right, and has been careful to observe all my statutes, he shall surely live. The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.

In-depth-analysis

Direct Confrontation: God directly quotes the people's objection, showing He understands their complaint.
Thesis Restated: Verse 20 is the most direct and unambiguous statement of individual divine accountability in the Old Testament.
No Transfer of Guilt: Guilt is not a transferable commodity. Righteousness is also personal and non-transferable for the purpose of justification.
Implication: This verse challenges any notion of salvation by association (e.g., being a physical descendant of Abraham). Each person stands or falls before God based on their own moral and spiritual state.

Bible references

Rom 14:12: 'So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.' (A clear NT echo of this principle).
2 Cor 5:10: 'For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.' (Personal judgment is a cornerstone of Christian eschatology).
Rev 20:12-13: '...And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.' (Judgment is based on individual deeds).

Cross references

Ps 62:12 (you render to a man according to his work), Matt 16:27 (Son of Man will repay each person for what he has done), Rev 22:12 (I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me).

Ezekiel 18:21-23

“But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him... he shall live. Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?

In-depth-analysis

The Offer of Repentance: The chapter pivots from static examples to the dynamic possibility of change. A person's identity is not fixed.
Shuv (שׁוּב): The Hebrew word for "turn" is the essence of repentance. It means to turn away from sin and turn back to God.
Radical Forgiveness: "None of the transgressions... shall be remembered against him." This speaks to a complete pardon. God chooses not to hold the past against a truly repentant person.
God's Heart Revealed: Verse 23 is a profound revelation of God's character. His primary desire is not punitive but redemptive. He takes no "pleasure" in judgment but delights in repentance and life.

Bible references

2 Pet 3:9: 'The Lord is... patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.' (Direct NT statement of God's redemptive will).
1 Tim 2:4: '[God] desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.' (Reinforces God's desire for salvation).
Luke 15:7: 'Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.' (Jesus affirms God's delight in repentance).
Isa 55:7: 'Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him...' (An open call to repent and receive mercy).

Cross references

Jonah 4:2 (God is gracious and merciful), Acts 2:38 (Repent and be baptized), Isa 1:18 (though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow), Ps 103:12 (as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us).

Ezekiel 18:24

“But when a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice and does the same abominations that the wicked person does, shall he live? None of his righteous deeds that he has done shall be remembered; for the treachery and for the sin that he has committed, for them he shall die.

In-depth-analysis

The Other Side of the Coin: Responsibility cuts both ways. Past righteousness is not a license for future sin. Spiritual standing is determined by one's current state, not past achievements.
Warning Against Apostasy: This serves as a stark warning against spiritual complacency and falling away (apostasy).
"None...shall be remembered": Just as God does not remember the sins of the penitent, He does not credit the past good deeds of the apostate. What matters is the final trajectory of one's life.

Bible references

Heb 10:26-27: 'For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment...' (The grave danger of apostasy).
2 Pet 2:20-21: 'For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world... they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.' (The tragedy of turning back from the way of righteousness).
Gal 5:4: 'You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.' (The possibility and reality of falling from grace).

Cross references

Heb 6:4-6 (it is impossible to restore again to repentance those who have fallen away), Matt 24:13 (the one who endures to the end will be saved).

Ezekiel 18:25-29

“Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear now, O house of Israel: Is it my way that is not just? Is it not your ways that are not just? When a righteous person turns away... he shall die... again, when a wicked person turns away... he shall live... Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ O house of Israel, are my ways not just? Is it not your ways that are not just?

In-depth-analysis

The Complaint Revisited: God anticipates and voices the people's lingering complaint: "The way of the Lord is not just" (or fair, balanced).
God's Defense: God turns the accusation back on them. The problem is not with His perfect standard but with their "unjust" ways and their warped perspective.
Reasoning with His People: By repeating the principles of verses 21-24, God demonstrates the perfect fairness and logic of His system. It is dynamic, responsive, and just. He treats all people by the same standard.

Bible references

Rom 9:14: 'What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means!' (Paul anticipates and refutes the same charge against God's sovereign choices).
Isa 55:8-9: 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.' (Humanity's limited perspective cannot properly judge God's ways).
Rev 15:3: '...Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations!' (The final heavenly verdict on God's ways).

Cross references

Deut 32:4 (The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice), Ps 145:17 (The Lord is righteous in all his ways).

Ezekiel 18:30-32

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord God. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn, and live.”

In-depth-analysis

Conclusion and Final Appeal: The argument culminates in a powerful altar call. Since judgment is personal ("according to his ways"), the only logical response is personal repentance.
"Repent and turn": The Hebrew verbs shuv (turn) and hashivu (turn from/away) are used together for maximum emphasis.
"Make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit!": This is a command demanding a response. It highlights human responsibility in the process of spiritual renewal. People must choose to change.
Paradoxical Command: This command seems impossible. Elsewhere, God promises HE will give a new heart (Ezek 36:26). The paradox shows that repentance is the human act of turning toward God, which God then meets with the divine power of regeneration. We are commanded to do what only God can ultimately accomplish, which drives us to depend on Him.
"Why will you die?": A passionate, pleading question from God. It shows that death is a choice from the human side, not a desire from God's side. The responsibility lies with Israel.
"So turn, and live.": The chapter ends with a simple, powerful, and gracious choice.

Bible references

Ezek 36:26: 'And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you...' (The divine side of regeneration, complementing the human responsibility in 18:31).
Joel 2:13: '...and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful...' (The call for genuine, internal repentance).
Psa 51:10: 'Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.' (The prayer of one who knows he cannot create a new heart himself).
John 3:3: '...Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.' (The NT reality of the "new heart" and "new spirit").

Cross references

Acts 17:30 (God commands all people everywhere to repent), Eph 4:22-24 (put off the old self and put on the new self), Jer 24:7 (I will give them a heart to know me).

Ezekiel chapter 18 analysis

Individualism vs. Corporatism: Ezekiel 18 does not nullify the biblical theme of corporate solidarity. The entire nation went into exile (a corporate consequence), and Christians are part of one body (1 Cor 12). However, this chapter powerfully asserts that for eternal judgment and personal guilt, the individual stands alone before God. Corporate consequences in history do not dictate individual destinies in eternity.
Synergy of Sovereignty and Responsibility: The chapter is a masterclass in holding divine sovereignty and human responsibility in tension. God judges (sovereign), yet humans must choose ("Turn and live"). The command "make yourselves a new heart" (Ezek 18:31) and the promise "I will give you a new heart" (Ezek 36:26) are two sides of the same coin of salvation. The command reveals the need; the promise provides the grace.
Refutation of Fatalism: The primary thrust is to destroy the paralysis of fatalism. The exiles' proverb was an excuse for inaction and a projection of blame. God returns agency to the people, empowering them with the knowledge that their choices matter profoundly.
Foundation for the New Covenant: By emphasizing an internal change ("new heart and a new spirit") and a personal relationship with God, the chapter lays theological groundwork for the New Covenant, which Jeremiah 31:31-34 describes as having the law written on the heart.

Ezekiel 18 summary

Ezekiel 18 refutes the exiles' proverb that they were being punished for their ancestors' sins. God declares that He is perfectly just and holds every individual person (nephesh) accountable for their own actions. Using a three-generation example, He proves that a son is not punished for his father's sin, nor credited with his father's righteousness. The chapter pivots to reveal God's heart: He takes no pleasure in death and passionately desires that the wicked repent ("turn") and live. The final call is for the people to take responsibility, cast away sin, and receive a new heart and spirit, thereby choosing life over death.

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Ezekiel chapter 18 kjv

¹ The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying,
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?
³ As I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel.
⁴ Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
⁵ But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,
⁶ And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour's wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman,
⁷ And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;
⁸ He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,
⁹ Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord GOD.
¹⁰ If he beget a son that is a robber, a shedder of blood, and that doeth the like to any one of these things,
¹¹ And that doeth not any of those duties, but even hath eaten upon the mountains, and defiled his neighbour's wife,
¹² Hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath spoiled by violence, hath not restored the pledge, and hath lifted up his eyes to the idols, hath committed abomination,
¹³ Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him.
¹⁴ 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,
¹⁵ That hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, hath not defiled his neighbour's wife,
¹⁶ Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment,
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.
¹⁸ As for his father, because he cruelly oppressed, spoiled his brother by violence, and did that which is not good among his people, lo, even he shall die in his iniquity.
¹⁹ Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.
²⁰ The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
²¹ But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
²² All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.
²³ Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?
²⁴ But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.
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?
²⁶ When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.
²⁷ Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.
²⁸ Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
²⁹ Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the LORD is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal?
³⁰ Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
³¹ Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
³² For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.

Ezekiel chapter 18 nkjv

¹ The word of the LORD came to me again, saying,
² "What do you mean when 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'?
³ "As I live," says the Lord GOD, "you shall no longer use this proverb in Israel.
⁴ "Behold, all souls are Mine; The soul of the father As well as the soul of the son is Mine; The soul who sins shall die.
⁵ But if a man is just And does what is lawful and right;
⁶ If he has not eaten on the mountains, Nor lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, Nor defiled his neighbor's wife, Nor approached a woman during her impurity;
⁷ If he has not oppressed anyone, But has restored to the debtor his pledge; Has robbed no one by violence, But has given his bread to the hungry And covered the naked with clothing;
⁸ If he has not exacted usury Nor taken any increase, But has withdrawn his hand from iniquity And executed true judgment between man and man;
⁹ If he has walked in My statutes And kept My judgments faithfully? He is just; He shall surely live!" Says the Lord GOD.
¹⁰ "If he begets a son who is a robber Or a shedder of blood, Who does any of these things
¹¹ And does none of those duties, But has eaten on the mountains Or defiled his neighbor's wife;
¹² If he has oppressed the poor and needy, Robbed by violence, Not restored the pledge, Lifted his eyes to the idols, Or committed abomination;
¹³ If he has exacted usury Or taken increase? Shall he then live? He shall not live! If he has done any of these abominations, He shall surely die; His blood shall be upon him.
¹⁴ "If, however, he begets a son Who sees all the sins which his father has done, And considers but does not do likewise;
¹⁵ Who has not eaten on the mountains, Nor lifted his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, Nor defiled his neighbor's wife;
¹⁶ Has not oppressed anyone, Nor withheld a pledge, Nor robbed by violence, But has given his bread to the hungry And covered the naked with clothing;
¹⁷ Who has withdrawn his hand from the poor And not received usury or increase, But has executed My judgments And walked in My statutes? He shall not die for the iniquity of his father; He shall surely live!
¹⁸ "As for his father, Because he cruelly oppressed, Robbed his brother by violence, And did what is not good among his people, Behold, he shall die for his iniquity.
¹⁹ "Yet you say, 'Why should the son not bear the guilt of the father?' Because the son has done what is lawful and right, and has kept all My statutes and observed them, he shall surely live.
²⁰ The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.
²¹ "But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die.
²² None of the transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him; because of the righteousness which he has done, he shall live.
²³ Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?" says the Lord GOD, "and not that he should turn from his ways and live?
²⁴ "But when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live? All the righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; because of the unfaithfulness of which he is guilty and the sin which he has committed, because of them he shall die.
²⁵ "Yet you say, 'The way of the Lord is not fair.' Hear now, O house of Israel, is it not My way which is fair, and your ways which are not fair?
²⁶ When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness, commits iniquity, and dies in it, it is because of the iniquity which he has done that he dies.
²⁷ Again, when a wicked man turns away from the wickedness which he committed, and does what is lawful and right, he preserves himself alive.
²⁸ Because he considers and turns away from all the transgressions which he committed, he shall surely live; he shall not die.
²⁹ Yet the house of Israel says, 'The way of the Lord is not fair.' O house of Israel, is it not My ways which are fair, and your ways which are not fair?
³⁰ "Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways," says the Lord GOD. "Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin.
³¹ Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel?
³² For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies," says the Lord GOD. "Therefore turn and live!"

Ezekiel chapter 18 niv

¹ The word of the LORD came to me:
² "What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel: "?'The parents eat sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge'?
³ "As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel.
⁴ For everyone belongs to me, the parent as well as the child?both alike belong to me. The one who sins is the one who will die.
⁵ "Suppose there is a righteous man who does what is just and right.
⁶ He does not eat at the mountain shrines or look to the idols of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor's wife or have sexual relations with a woman during her period.
⁷ He does not oppress anyone, but returns what he took in pledge for a loan. He does not commit robbery but gives his food to the hungry and provides clothing for the naked.
⁸ He does not lend to them at interest or take a profit from them. He withholds his hand from doing wrong and judges fairly between two parties.
⁹ He follows my decrees and faithfully keeps my laws. That man is righteous; he will surely live, declares the Sovereign LORD.
¹⁰ "Suppose he has a violent son, who sheds blood or does any of these other things
¹¹ (though the father has done none of them): "He eats at the mountain shrines. He defiles his neighbor's wife.
¹² He oppresses the poor and needy. He commits robbery. He does not return what he took in pledge. He looks to the idols. He does detestable things.
¹³ He lends at interest and takes a profit. Will such a man live? He will not! Because he has done all these detestable things, he is to be put to death; his blood will be on his own head.
¹⁴ "But suppose this son has a son who sees all the sins his father commits, and though he sees them, he does not do such things:
¹⁵ "He does not eat at the mountain shrines or look to the idols of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor's wife.
¹⁶ He does not oppress anyone or require a pledge for a loan. He does not commit robbery but gives his food to the hungry and provides clothing for the naked.
¹⁷ He withholds his hand from mistreating the poor and takes no interest or profit from them. He keeps my laws and follows my decrees. He will not die for his father's sin; he will surely live.
¹⁸ But his father will die for his own sin, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother and did what was wrong among his people.
¹⁹ "Yet you ask, 'Why does the son not share the guilt of his father?' Since the son has done what is just and right and has been careful to keep all my decrees, he will surely live.
²⁰ The one who sins is the one who will die. The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them.
²¹ "But if a wicked person turns away from all the sins they have committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, that person will surely live; they will not die.
²² None of the offenses they have committed will be remembered against them. Because of the righteous things they have done, they will live.
²³ Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?
²⁴ "But if a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin and does the same detestable things the wicked person does, will they live? None of the righteous things that person has done will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness they are guilty of and because of the sins they have committed, they will die.
²⁵ "Yet you say, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' Hear, you Israelites: Is my way unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust?
²⁶ If a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin, they will die for it; because of the sin they have committed they will die.
²⁷ But if a wicked person turns away from the wickedness they have committed and does what is just and right, they will save their life.
²⁸ Because they consider all the offenses they have committed and turn away from them, that person will surely live; they will not die.
²⁹ Yet the Israelites say, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' Are my ways unjust, people of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust?
³⁰ "Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.
³¹ Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel?
³² For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!

Ezekiel chapter 18 esv

¹ The word of the LORD came to me:
² "What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, 'The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge'?
³ As I live, declares the Lord GOD, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel.
⁴ Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.
⁵ "If a man is righteous and does what is just and right ?
⁶ if he does not eat upon the mountains or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, does not defile his neighbor's wife or approach a woman in her time of menstrual impurity,
⁷ does not oppress anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge, commits no robbery, gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment,
⁸ does not lend at interest or take any profit, withholds his hand from injustice, executes true justice between man and man,
⁹ walks in my statutes, and keeps my rules by acting faithfully ? he is righteous; he shall surely live, declares the Lord GOD.
¹⁰ "If he fathers a son who is violent, a shedder of blood, who does any of these things
¹¹ (though he himself did none of these things), who even eats upon the mountains, defiles his neighbor's wife,
¹² oppresses the poor and needy, commits robbery, does not restore the pledge, lifts up his eyes to the idols, commits abomination,
¹³ lends at interest, and takes profit; shall he then live? He shall not live. He has done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon himself.
¹⁴ "Now suppose this man fathers a son who sees all the sins that his father has done; he sees, and does not do likewise:
¹⁵ he does not eat upon the mountains or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, does not defile his neighbor's wife,
¹⁶ does not oppress anyone, exacts no pledge, commits no robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment,
¹⁷ withholds his hand from iniquity, takes no interest or profit, obeys my rules, and walks in my statutes; he shall not die for his father's iniquity; he shall surely live.
¹⁸ As for his father, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother, and did what is not good among his people, behold, he shall die for his iniquity.
¹⁹ "Yet you say, 'Why should not the son suffer for the iniquity of the father?' When the son has done what is just and right, and has been careful to observe all my statutes, he shall surely live.
²⁰ The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.
²¹ "But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die.
²² None of the transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness that he has done he shall live.
²³ Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?
²⁴ But when a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice and does the same abominations that the wicked person does, shall he live? None of the righteous deeds that he has done shall be remembered; for the treachery of which he is guilty and the sin he has committed, for them he shall die.
²⁵ "Yet you say, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way not just? Is it not your ways that are not just?
²⁶ When a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice, he shall die for it; for the injustice that he has done he shall die.
²⁷ Again, when a wicked person turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he shall save his life.
²⁸ Because he considered and turned away from all the transgressions that he had committed, he shall surely live; he shall not die.
²⁹ Yet the house of Israel says, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' O house of Israel, are my ways not just? Is it not your ways that are not just?
³⁰ "Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin.
³¹ Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel?
³² For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live."

Ezekiel chapter 18 nlt

¹ Then another message came to me from the LORD:
² "Why do you quote this proverb concerning the land of Israel: 'The parents have eaten sour grapes, but their children's mouths pucker at the taste'?
³ As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, you will not quote this proverb anymore in Israel.
⁴ For all people are mine to judge ? both parents and children alike. And this is my rule: The person who sins is the one who will die.
⁵ "Suppose a certain man is righteous and does what is just and right.
⁶ He does not feast in the mountains before Israel's idols or worship them. He does not commit adultery or have intercourse with a woman during her menstrual period.
⁷ He is a merciful creditor, not keeping the items given as security by poor debtors. He does not rob the poor but instead gives food to the hungry and provides clothes for the needy.
⁸ He grants loans without interest, stays away from injustice, is honest and fair when judging others,
⁹ and faithfully obeys my decrees and regulations. Anyone who does these things is just and will surely live, says the Sovereign LORD.
¹⁰ "But suppose that man has a son who grows up to be a robber or murderer and refuses to do what is right.
¹¹ And that son does all the evil things his father would never do ? he worships idols on the mountains, commits adultery,
¹² oppresses the poor and helpless, steals from debtors by refusing to let them redeem their security, worships idols, commits detestable sins,
¹³ and lends money at excessive interest. Should such a sinful person live? No! He must die and must take full blame.
¹⁴ "But suppose that sinful son, in turn, has a son who sees his father's wickedness and decides against that kind of life.
¹⁵ This son refuses to worship idols on the mountains and does not commit adultery.
¹⁶ He does not exploit the poor, but instead is fair to debtors and does not rob them. He gives food to the hungry and provides clothes for the needy.
¹⁷ He helps the poor, does not lend money at interest, and obeys all my regulations and decrees. Such a person will not die because of his father's sins; he will surely live.
¹⁸ But the father will die for his many sins ? for being cruel, robbing people, and doing what was clearly wrong among his people.
¹⁹ "'What?' you ask. 'Doesn't the child pay for the parent's sins?' No! For if the child does what is just and right and keeps my decrees, that child will surely live.
²⁰ The person who sins is the one who will die. The child will not be punished for the parent's sins, and the parent will not be punished for the child's sins. Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behavior, and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness.
²¹ But if wicked people turn away from all their sins and begin to obey my decrees and do what is just and right, they will surely live and not die.
²² All their past sins will be forgotten, and they will live because of the righteous things they have done.
²³ "Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign LORD. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live.
²⁴ However, if righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things and act like other sinners, should they be allowed to live? No, of course not! All their righteous acts will be forgotten, and they will die for their sins.
²⁵ "Yet you say, 'The Lord isn't doing what's right!' Listen to me, O people of Israel. Am I the one not doing what's right, or is it you?
²⁶ When righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things, they will die for it. Yes, they will die because of their sinful deeds.
²⁷ And if wicked people turn from their wickedness, obey the law, and do what is just and right, they will save their lives.
²⁸ They will live because they thought it over and decided to turn from their sins. Such people will not die.
²⁹ And yet the people of Israel keep saying, 'The Lord isn't doing what's right!' O people of Israel, it is you who are not doing what's right, not I.
³⁰ "Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the Sovereign LORD. Repent, and turn from your sins. Don't let them destroy you!
³¹ Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel?
³² I don't want you to die, says the Sovereign LORD. Turn back and live!