Ezekiel 18 16

Ezekiel 18:16 kjv

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,

Ezekiel 18:16 nkjv

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;

Ezekiel 18:16 niv

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.

Ezekiel 18:16 esv

does not oppress anyone, exacts no pledge, commits no robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment,

Ezekiel 18:16 nlt

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.

Ezekiel 18 verses

Ezekiel 18 16 Meaning

Ezekiel 18:16 details the specific actions that define a righteous person in contrast to a wicked one. It delineates both negative obligations (refraining from injustice and exploitation) and positive obligations (actively practicing mercy and compassion toward the needy). This comprehensive list illustrates a life lived in accordance with God's covenantal requirements, emphasizing social justice and care for the vulnerable as integral aspects of true godliness.

Ezekiel 18 16 Context

Ezekiel 18:16 stands within a pivotal chapter addressing individual moral responsibility, directly refuting the popular proverb in exile that blamed children for their fathers' sins ("The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge," Ezek 18:2). The people of Judah felt unfairly punished by God for generations of wickedness. Ezekiel clarifies that God's justice operates on the principle of individual accountability: "The soul who sins will die" (Ezek 18:4). The chapter presents a triadic example: a righteous man (v. 5-9), his wicked son (v. 10-13), and that wicked son's righteous son (v. 14-17). Verse 16 describes specific positive actions of the third man, defining his righteousness. This serves as a divine plea for repentance, assuring that anyone who turns from wickedness to righteousness will live, regardless of their family's past, emphasizing God's fairness and desire for all to choose life through personal moral choices. The historical context is the Babylonian exile, where the Judean captives struggled with theological questions of justice and the cause of their suffering. Ezekiel's message offered both correction and hope, challenging their self-pity and calling them to individual repentance.

Ezekiel 18 16 Word analysis

• has not oppressed: (לֹא עָשַׁק - lo ashaq)

  • 'Ashaq signifies to oppress, defraud, or extort. It carries the nuance of depriving someone, often a vulnerable person, of their rights or property through might or cunning.
  • This act specifically targets social injustice, contrasting with common abuses among the wealthy or powerful in ancient Israel, which led to prophetic condemnations (e.g., Amos 4:1).
  • It shows a restraint from misusing power or position.

• anyone: (אִישׁ - ish)

  • Simply "man" or "anyone." Emphasizes the universal application of justice, not just to specific groups but to all.

• or withheld a pledge: (חֲבֹל יְשׁוֹב - chabol yeshov)

  • Chabol (from chaval) refers to a pledge taken for a loan, often an item essential for daily living like a garment or millstone.
  • Yeshov (from shuv) means "returned" or "restored." The negative "not" implies not having held back or retained the pledge.
  • Torah law (Ex 22:26-27, Deut 24:12-13) strictly regulated pledges, particularly requiring a cloak pledge to be returned by sundown if it was a poor person's only covering for the night. This highlights practical compassion for the poor.
  • This shows respect for the basic human needs and dignity of the borrower, even within a transactional context.

• or committed robbery: (גְּזֵלָה - gezela)

  • Gezeila refers to something taken by force or plunder. It implies an act of violence or aggression to seize another's property, distinct from mere theft.
  • This act demonstrates the absence of outright violent injustice and violation of property rights.

• but has given his bread: (לֶחְמוֹ לָרָעֵב נָתַן - lekhmo lara'ev natan)

  • Lekhem means "bread," but often refers generally to "food" or "sustenance."
  • Ra'ev is "hungry." Natan means "gave."
  • This is an active demonstration of compassion and practical care, directly addressing a fundamental human need. It reflects generosity and willingness to share one's own resources.
  • It contrasts the earlier abstention from taking (robbery) with active giving.

• to the hungry and covered the naked: (וְעֵרוֹם כִּסָּה בֶּגֶד - ve'erom kissa beged)

  • 'Erom means "naked" or "bare." Kissa means "covered." Beged means "garment" or "clothing."
  • Another explicit act of charity, showing mercy to those lacking basic necessities for warmth and dignity.
  • Together with "giving bread to the hungry," these are concrete expressions of charity often highlighted by prophets (Isa 58:7) and later by Jesus (Matt 25:35-36) as core indicators of righteousness and true love for one's neighbor.

Ezekiel 18 16 Bonus section

The list of righteous actions in Ezekiel 18:16, common in prophetic literature and legal codes, serves as a polemic against the pervasive social injustice within Judah that contributed to their downfall. The nation's leaders and people often engaged in the very sins of oppression, exploitation, and neglect of the poor that this verse contrasts with righteous living. Thus, the passage isn't merely an abstract definition of righteousness; it is a direct indictment of the behavior of many of Ezekiel's contemporaries and a call to a radically different way of life. It elevates the care for the vulnerable (the hungry, the naked, those needing pledges) to a primary demonstration of one's relationship with God, suggesting that acts of practical love and justice are not merely good deeds but foundational to spiritual integrity and communal well-being. This perspective challenges any form of religion that emphasizes ritual observance while neglecting ethical responsibility towards one's neighbor.

Ezekiel 18 16 Commentary

Ezekiel 18:16 meticulously defines righteous conduct by illustrating both what a person refrains from doing and what they actively do. The first part, "has not oppressed anyone, or withheld a pledge, or committed robbery," speaks to social justice, ensuring fairness and protecting the vulnerable. These prohibitions directly address common abuses of power and wealth in ancient Israelite society, which were often decried by prophets. To not oppress signifies respect for others' dignity and rights. To not withhold a pledge highlights compassion within economic dealings, particularly towards the poor whose pledges might be their last essential possession. To not commit robbery demonstrates integrity and aversion to illicit gain. The latter part, "but has given his bread to the hungry and covered the naked with clothing," describes active expressions of mercy and benevolence. These are not merely passive abstentions from evil but proactive engagement in doing good, providing for the basic human needs of others. This balanced portrayal reveals that true righteousness in God's eyes is holistic: it is marked by both ethical abstinence from sin and active participation in good deeds, demonstrating a heart aligned with God's character of justice and love. The verse directly combats the common moral decay and social injustices prevalent in Judah, which had led to their exile, presenting a clear path to individual restoration through ethical living.