Ezekiel 18 15

Ezekiel 18:15 kjv

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,

Ezekiel 18:15 nkjv

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;

Ezekiel 18:15 niv

"He does not eat at the mountain shrines or look to the idols of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor's wife.

Ezekiel 18:15 esv

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,

Ezekiel 18:15 nlt

This son refuses to worship idols on the mountains and does not commit adultery.

Ezekiel 18 verses

Ezekiel 18 15 Meaning

This verse from Ezekiel 18:15 states that if a man, after seeing all the sins of his father, chooses not to imitate them and abstains from wrongdoing, he will not die for his father's iniquity, but shall surely live because of his own righteousness.

Ezekiel 18 15 Context

This verse is part of a larger dialogue in Ezekiel chapter 18 where the prophet confronts the people of Israel who are lamenting that they are suffering for the sins of their fathers. Ezekiel counters this belief, emphasizing individual responsibility before God. The proverb "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge" (Ezekiel 18:2) represents a common, flawed understanding of divine justice. Ezekiel's prophecy aims to correct this misunderstanding by explaining that God holds individuals accountable for their own choices and actions. He illustrates this with examples of a righteous man, a man who becomes wicked, and a wicked man who repents, demonstrating that God’s judgment is equitable and based on each person's present conduct. This specific verse highlights the positive side of individual accountability – that one can escape generational curses by actively choosing righteousness.

Ezekiel 18 15 Word Analysis

• And if (וְאִם - v'im): A conjunctive particle introducing a conditional statement.
• he (הוּא - hu'): Refers to a male individual, the subject of the clause.
• sees (וְרָאָה - v'ra'ah): Hebrew verb for "to see," often implying perception or understanding beyond mere physical sight.
• all (כָּל - kol): Denotes totality or completeness.
• the (הַ - ha): Definite article.
• sins (חַטֹּאת - chatot): Plural of "sin" (חַטָּאת - chatat), meaning offense, error, or deviation from God's path.
• of (מִ - mi): Preposition indicating origin or source.
• his (אָבִיו - aviv): Possessive pronoun, "his father."
• father (אָב - av): Father, progenitor.
• which (אֲשֶׁר - asher): Relative pronoun introducing a clause that modifies "sins."
• he (הוּא - hu'): The father.
• hath (עָשָׂה - asah): Hebrew verb for "to do" or "to commit."
• committed (Hebrew emphasizes the action taken by the father).
• and (וְ - v'e): Conjunction.
• fear (וְיִרָא - v'yirah): "to fear" or "to be in awe of," referring to reverent respect for God.
• God (אֱלֹהִים - Elohim): The name of God.
• and (וְ - v'e): Conjunction.
• doth (לֹא - lo): Negation.
• not (עָשָׂה - asah): "does not do," here implying he does not commit.
• commit (כְּמָהוּ - kemohu): "like him" or "in his manner." This indicates refraining from the father's pattern of sin.
• ]) (but rather): (though not explicitly in Hebrew, implied by the contrast structure): Indicates a contrast or an alternative.
• abstains (וְלֹא - v'lo): "and not." Combined with the preceding verbs, it signifies ceasing from sin.
• from (מִ - mi): Preposition.
• uncleanness (נִדָּה - niddah): This term can refer to menstrual impurity but also extends to other forms of ritual defilement and moral uncleanness.
• the (הַ - ha): Definite article.
• doing (מַעֲשֵׂה - ma'aseh): "deed" or "action."
• things (פֶּגַע - paga): While paga can mean to meet or strike, in this context and linked with the following phrase, it conveys stumbling or violating the law, acting against purity. It denotes transgressing or acting impurely.
• thereof (The phrase "doing abominations" (עָשָׂה זִמָּה - asah zimmah): "Zimmah" refers to lewdness, debauchery, or abomination, often implying sexual immorality or severe perversion.

Words group by words-group analysis:

• "sees all the sins of his father which he hath committed": This phrase establishes the premise of knowledge. The individual is aware of the sinful lifestyle of his father.
• "and fear God, and doth not do after them": This is the crucial turning point. "Fear God" (וְיִרָא אֱלֹהִים - v'yirah Elohim) is central, denoting a profound respect and awe that leads to obedience. "Doth not do after them" (וְלֹא יַעֲשֶׂה כְּמֹהוּ - v'lo ya'aseh kemohu) signifies active non-participation and deliberate rejection of the father's sinful ways.
• "but hath abstained from uncleanness, [neither] hath done any [such] [thing]": This elaborates on the practical application of fearing God. It covers both ceremonial/moral purity ("uncleanness" - נִדָּה niddah) and the avoidance of "abominations" (זִמָּה - zimmah), which refers to deeply corrupt practices. The emphasis is on both passive abstinence and active avoidance of evil. The word paga here carries the sense of having 'stumbled' or 'fallen into' such practices, and the righteous person avoids this.

Ezekiel 18 15 Bonus Section

This verse is a cornerstone in establishing the theological principle of individual responsibility in Judaism and Christianity. It directly refutes any notion of a collective curse or blessing based solely on lineage, as opposed to personal actions and faith. In Jewish thought, it reinforces the idea of teshuvah (repentance). In Christian theology, while it underscores personal accountability, it also finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Those who place their faith in Jesus are not judged by their own sins or their parents' sins, but are imputed with Christ's righteousness. Thus, this verse prepares the ground for understanding the redemptive work of Christ, who enables individuals to live righteously through the Holy Spirit and secures life not just by avoiding sin, but by being declared righteous through faith in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Ezekiel 18 15 Commentary

Ezekiel 18:15 strongly emphasizes God's attribute of impartial justice and the principle of individual accountability. It moves away from the concept of inherited guilt or automatic inheritance of righteousness. God does not impute the sins of the father to the son, nor can the son claim the father's righteousness automatically. The decision and subsequent actions of the individual are paramount. If a person, fully aware of the wrongdoings of their parent, chooses a different path, marked by a reverence for God and an avoidance of sin, they break the chain of generational sin and secure life through their own right standing with God. This verse is a powerful message of hope, underscoring that no one is irrevocably condemned by their family history; personal repentance and righteous living are always an option. It's a divine invitation to active participation in one's own spiritual destiny, irrespective of familial background.

Practical Usage Example:When someone feels trapped by the mistakes or negative patterns of their parents, this verse offers reassurance. It teaches that understanding those patterns is the first step, but actively choosing to honor God with one's life—through honest dealings, avoiding morally compromising situations, and cultivating a heart devoted to God—will result in personal favor and life from God, overriding any inherited disadvantage.