Ezekiel 18 8

Ezekiel 18:8 kjv

He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,

Ezekiel 18:8 nkjv

If he has not exacted usury Nor taken any increase, But has withdrawn his hand from iniquity And executed true judgment between man and man;

Ezekiel 18:8 niv

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.

Ezekiel 18:8 esv

does not lend at interest or take any profit, withholds his hand from injustice, executes true justice between man and man,

Ezekiel 18:8 nlt

He grants loans without interest, stays away from injustice, is honest and fair when judging others,

Ezekiel 18 verses

Ezekiel 18 8 Meaning

Ezekiel 18:8 declares that a righteous person does not extort from others, but practices justice and righteousness in their dealings. This verse highlights active, outward expressions of righteousness rather than just internal beliefs. It emphasizes ethical behavior in all transactions, particularly in financial matters, ensuring fairness and honesty.

Ezekiel 18 8 Context

Ezekiel chapter 18 addresses the concept of individual responsibility for sin. The people of Israel were claiming that they were suffering for the sins of their ancestors. God, through Ezekiel, refutes this notion. He states that each person will be held accountable for their own actions. This verse is part of a discourse where God outlines the characteristics of both a wicked person and a righteous person. By detailing specific righteous acts, God contrasts them with sinful behaviors, emphasizing that genuine righteousness involves living a life of integrity and justice in daily interactions. The historical context is the Babylonian exile, a period of national crisis that led the Israelites to question God's justice and their relationship with Him.

Ezekiel 18 8 Word Analysis

• Whoever (Hebrew: כֹּל־ אֲשֶׁר – kol-asher): Literally "all that" or "whoever." This word emphasizes universality, indicating that anyone who possesses these qualities will be considered righteous.
• is (Hebrew: הָיָה – hayah): Indicates existence or being. It establishes a state of being righteous.
• a (Article): Indicates a singular, representative instance of a righteous person.
• just (Hebrew: צַדִּיק – tzaddik): Denotes righteousness, fairness, and uprightness in character and actions, aligning with God's standards.
• man (Hebrew: אִישׁ – ish): Refers to a person, male or female.
• and (Hebrew: וְ – v’): Connective word, linking subsequent righteous actions.
• walks (Hebrew: הָלַךְ – halak): Implies conducting one's life, daily living, and behavior. It suggests a continuous lifestyle of righteousness.
• in (Preposition): Indicates the sphere or manner in which one walks.
• statutes (Hebrew: חֻקִּים – chuqqim): Ordinances, decrees, or laws, often referring to God's commands.
• without (Hebrew: אֵינְס – eynes - implicit through negation): Not having or lacking.
• casting (Hebrew: מָשַׁךְ – mashak): To draw, pull, or prolong. In this context, it means to keep on with something, to continue to do it.
• away (Preposition): Indicates removal or disregard.
• his (Possessive pronoun): Belonging to him.
• abominations (Hebrew: תּוֹעֵבָה – to'evah): An object or act that excites disgust or loathing, particularly in relation to God's law and will; something detestable.
• ; (Semicolon): Separates distinct but related clauses.
• and (Hebrew: וְ – v’): Connects the prohibition of extortion with the practice of justice.
• has not (Negation): Denies the action.
• oppressed (Hebrew: עָשַׁק – ashaq): To press, squeeze, defraud, or wrong. Specifically, to use unfair pressure or power against someone, especially for financial gain.
• any (Determiner): Any whatsoever.
• , (Comma): Separates the prohibited action from the positively commanded one.
• nor (Conjunction): Connects two negative clauses.
• taken (Hebrew: לָקַח – laqach): To grasp, seize, or receive.
• a (Article): Indicates a single instance.
• pledge (Hebrew: עָבֹט – avot): A pledge or surety given for a debt. Specifically, the cloak of a needy person taken as security, which Leviticus forbade to be kept overnight (Exodus 22:26, Deuteronomy 24:12-13).
• from (Preposition): Indicates source or origin.
• his (Possessive pronoun): Belonging to him.
• neighbor (Hebrew: שָׁכֵן – shakhen): One who dwells near; a fellow countryman or stranger living among them.
• by (Preposition): Indicates agency or means.
• violence (Hebrew: חָמָס – chamas): Violence, wrongdoing, injustice, injury. It implies forceful or aggressive wrongdoing.
• , (Comma): Separates one prohibited action from another.
• or (Conjunction): Offers an alternative.
• robbed (Hebrew: גָּזַל – gazal): To plunder, seize, rob, or violently take away. This suggests theft through force or deceit.
• ; (Semicolon): Separates different types of oppressive actions.
• and (Hebrew: וְ – v’): Connects previous prohibitions with positive requirements.
• given (Hebrew: נָתַן – natan): To give, put, or place.
• his (Possessive pronoun): Belonging to him.
• bread (Hebrew: לֶחֶם – lechem): Food, sustenance.
• to (Preposition): Indicates the recipient.
• the (Article): Indicates a specific group.
• hungry (Hebrew: רָעֵב – ra'ev): Hungry, famished.
• , (Comma): Separates the action of providing bread from the action of providing clothing.
• and (Hebrew: וְ – v’): Connects two positive actions.
• caused (Hebrew: עָשָׂה – asah): To do, make, or cause.
• to (Preposition): Indicates the recipient or the extent of the action.
• wear (Hebrew: לָבַשׁ – lavash): To put on clothing.
• clothing (Hebrew: בֶּגֶד – beged): Garment, clothing.
• to (Preposition): Indicates the recipient.
• the (Article): Indicates a specific group.
• naked (Hebrew: עָרוֹם – arom): Naked, unclothed.

Group of words analysis:

• "without casting away his abominations": This phrase signifies a person who abandaves sinful practices. They do not continue in detestable acts. This speaks to a commitment to holiness and separation from sin.
• "has not oppressed any, nor taken a pledge from his neighbor by violence": This highlights fair dealings and protection of the vulnerable. Extortion (oppressing) and forceful seizure of collateral are acts of injustice, particularly against those in need. The "pledge" specifically refers to items the poor relied on for survival, such as clothing.
• "nor robbed; and has given his bread to the hungry, and caused to wear clothing to the naked": This section details positive actions of righteousness. It covers not just refraining from evil (robbing) but also actively providing for the needy – sustenance ("bread") for the hungry and clothing for the naked. These are concrete acts of charity and compassion.

Ezekiel 18 8 Bonus Section

The term "abominations" (תּוֹעֵבָה - to'evah) in Hebrew refers to things that are utterly detestable to God. In Ezekiel's context, these would include idolatry, sexual immorality, and other sins expressly forbidden in the Mosaic Law. A righteous person is one who actively turns away from these practices.

The specific mention of taking a pledge relates to provisions in the Law like Exodus 22:26-27, which commanded, "If you take your neighbor's cloak as a pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun sets, for it is his only covering, and it is his cloak for his body; in what else shall he sleep?" This underscores that even lawful means of securing a debt were regulated to prevent the oppression of the poor. Violating this was not just bad business but a sin against God's command to protect the vulnerable.

Ezekiel's discourse is vital for understanding that righteousness is not merely ceremonial or ritualistic, but deeply moral and ethical, impacting one's daily conduct and interpersonal relationships. The New Testament continues this emphasis, with Jesus stating in Matthew 23:23, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others."

Ezekiel 18 8 Commentary

This verse outlines core principles of ethical behavior for a righteous individual. It moves beyond mere avoidance of gross sin to encompass active commitment to justice and benevolence. The righteous person lives according to God's statutes, demonstrating this commitment by abstaining from harmful and exploitative practices like extortion and illegal seizure of property. Simultaneously, they embody God's compassion by actively meeting the basic needs of others, feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. This dual emphasis – ceasing to do evil and learning to do good (Isaiah 1:16-17) – is foundational to true righteousness in the Old Testament. It demonstrates a heart transformed by God's law, resulting in behavior that honors God and respects fellow human beings, particularly the vulnerable. This holistic view of righteousness is echoed throughout Scripture, emphasizing that faith must be accompanied by deeds of justice and mercy.

Practical usage examples:

• A business owner ensures fair pricing and honest dealings with customers and suppliers, avoiding predatory lending practices.
• An employer consistently pays workers a fair wage on time and does not withhold necessary tools or compensation unfairly.
• An individual refrains from gossip or spreading rumors that harm others' reputations, recognizing this as a form of oppression.
• When faced with financial hardship, a person does not exploit others' desperation for personal gain but seeks ethical solutions.
• Someone sees a neighbor lacking food or warm clothing and actively provides what they can, demonstrating practical love.