Ezekiel 18 7

Ezekiel 18:7 kjv

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;

Ezekiel 18:7 nkjv

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;

Ezekiel 18:7 niv

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.

Ezekiel 18:7 esv

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,

Ezekiel 18:7 nlt

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.

Ezekiel 18 verses

Ezekiel 18 7 Meaning

Ezekiel 18:7 delineates specific righteous actions of an individual, emphasizing ethical economic practices and compassionate social behavior. It describes a person who refrains from exploiting others, restores security deposits to those in debt, does not steal, and actively provides food and clothing to the needy. This verse highlights concrete demonstrations of justice and mercy, contrasting with oppressive and neglectful behaviors.

Ezekiel 18 7 Context

Ezekiel chapter 18 directly challenges a popular proverb in Israel: "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge" (Ezek 18:2). This proverb suggested that the present generation was being punished for the sins of their ancestors, fostering a sense of fatalism and injustice. God, through Ezekiel, vehemently rejects this idea, asserting the principle of individual accountability: "The soul who sins shall die" (Ezek 18:4). The chapter then proceeds to illustrate what constitutes a righteous person (verses 5-9), a wicked son of a righteous father (verses 10-13), and a righteous son of a wicked father (verses 14-17). Verse 7 is a pivotal part of the detailed description of the righteous individual, providing concrete examples of actions that reflect moral uprightness, directly demonstrating how an individual lives in covenant with God and neighbor, and why they would be considered just by divine standards. The historical context is that of the Babylonian exile, where the people struggled to understand God's justice amidst their suffering, leading to a re-emphasis on individual moral responsibility.

Ezekiel 18 7 Word analysis

• has not oppressed (וְאִישׁ לֹא יָנָה, v'ish lo yanah):
  • וְאִישׁ (v'ish): "And a man," signifying an individual person.
  • לֹא (lo): "Not," a negation.
  • יָנָה (yanah): "oppressed," "wronged," "dealt violently with." This Hebrew verb speaks of wrongful gain, exploitation, taking advantage of the weak, or inflicting harm. It's often associated with economic or social injustice. Its significance is the absence of actively inflicting harm or exploitation upon others, particularly the vulnerable. It signifies restraint from unlawful and immoral use of power.
• but has restored (וַחֲבֹלָתוֹ הֵשִׁיב, v'ḥavolatō heshiv):
  • וַחֲבֹלָתוֹ (v'ḥavolatō): "And his pledge/security." Ḥavolah refers to a security or collateral given for a loan, a pledge. Old Testament law mandated the return of certain essential pledges (like a garment for night use) by sunset to protect the poor. This indicates upholding ethical standards in financial dealings.
  • הֵשִׁיב (heshiv): "He restored," "returned." This shows an active effort to correct injustice or fulfill legal/moral obligations regarding debt and pledges. It’s an act of rectifying potential hardship.
• to the debtor his pledge: This is a direct command from Mosaic law (Exod 22:25-27; Deut 24:10-13), illustrating adherence to divine commands regarding social welfare.
• and has not committed robbery (וּגְזֵלָה לֹא גָּזָל, u'gzēlāh lo gāzal):
  • וּגְזֵלָה (u'gzēlāh): "And robbery," "stolen property." G'zelah is theft by violence, extortion, or fraudulent means, distinct from clandestine stealing.
  • לֹא (lo): "Not."
  • גָּזָל (gāzal): "He robbed," "seized," "plundered." The repetition of the root emphasizes the explicit rejection of this specific sin. This signifies honesty and integrity in acquiring wealth, not taking what rightfully belongs to another, even under the guise of legal process or force.
• but has given his bread (וְלַחְמוֹ לָרָעֵב נָתַן, v'laḥmō la-raʿev natan):
  • וְלַחְמוֹ (v'laḥmō): "And his bread," meaning sustenance or food. Bread was a staple, signifying basic provisions.
  • לָרָעֵב (la-raʿev): "To the hungry one." A person suffering from a basic human need.
  • נָתַן (natan): "He gave," "bestowed." This is an act of positive, active benevolence.
• to the hungry and covered the naked (וְעֵירֹם כִּסָּה בֶּגֶד, v'erom kissah beged):
  • וְעֵירֹם (v'erom): "And a naked person," one without sufficient clothing.
  • כִּסָּה (kissah): "He covered."
  • בֶּגֶד (beged): "With a garment," or "clothing."
• with a garment: Together, "given his bread to the hungry and covered the naked with a garment" encapsulates acts of active compassion and charity. These are fundamental acts of righteousness repeatedly emphasized in prophetic and wisdom literature, representing a caring heart that moves beyond self-interest to meet the dire needs of others (Isa 58:7; Matt 25:35-36).

Ezekiel 18 7 Bonus section

The list of attributes in Ezekiel 18:5-9, where verse 7 is situated, served as a "litmus test" for moral purity in ancient Israel. These behaviors were understood as concrete expressions of one's relationship with God and the covenant community. Scholars often refer to such lists as "virtue lists" or "moral codes" that define the "blameless" or "righteous" person. The specific inclusion of returning pledges and refraining from oppression directly relates to common economic challenges and abuses of power prevalent in society, making God's instruction practical and highly relevant for the original audience. This emphasis on social justice in daily economic and social interactions distinguishes Israel's covenant with God. The concepts herein are universal principles of ethical conduct applicable across all cultures and times, revealing what God truly values: a just and compassionate society where the vulnerable are protected and provided for.

Ezekiel 18 7 Commentary

Ezekiel 18:7 succinctly outlines the practical outworking of righteousness, serving as a powerful counterpoint to the belief in inherited guilt. It describes an individual who not only refrains from evil but actively performs good. The negative prohibitions ("not oppressed," "not committed robbery") illustrate restraint from injustices that exploit the vulnerable. The positive commands ("restored his pledge," "given his bread to the hungry," "covered the naked") highlight proactive acts of compassion and adherence to covenant law. This verse underscores that true righteousness is not merely about avoiding sin, but is a dynamic engagement with one's community, characterized by integrity in economic dealings and active, self-giving love toward the less fortunate. It teaches that God's assessment of an individual is based on their demonstrated actions of justice and mercy, reflecting a heart aligned with His divine character, particularly in care for the marginalized.