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He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,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If he has not exacted usury Nor taken any increase, But has withdrawn his hand from iniquity And executed true judgment between man and man;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 details specific ethical behaviors characteristic of a righteous person, following earlier injunctions against idolatry and immoral acts. This verse specifically condemns lending money with usury or demanding excessive profit from the vulnerable. It then broadens to state that such a person actively refrains from all forms of wickedness and, instead, diligently applies honest and true justice in all their interactions and judgments involving others.

Ezekiel 18 8 Context

Ezekiel chapter 18 directly addresses the prevalent proverb among the Israelite exiles: "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge" (Ezek 18:2). This proverb reflected their belief that they were suffering for their ancestors' sins, effectively questioning God's justice. Ezekiel vehemently refutes this notion, emphasizing individual responsibility and divine justice. The chapter then lays out three illustrative cases: a righteous father, his wicked son, and that wicked son's righteous son, to demonstrate that each person is held accountable for their own actions. Verse 8 forms part of the detailed description of the "righteous man" (verses 5-9) whose actions contrast sharply with the wickedness that brought about the exile. This passage aims to show that the Lord is just and desires individuals to choose righteousness and live.

Ezekiel 18 8 Word analysis

• nor lends at interest: This translates the Hebrew term nashakh (נָשַׁךְ). Its primary meaning is "to bite," which aptly conveys the oppressive and exploitative nature of charging exorbitant interest, particularly to fellow Israelites in need. The prohibition on nashakh (usury) was a cornerstone of Mosaic social law, aiming to protect the poor and foster community solidarity, rather than allowing their distress to be capitalized upon for personal gain.
• or takes any profit: This refers to the Hebrew term marbīt (מַרְבִּית) or tarbīt (תַּרְבִּית), meaning "increase" or "gain." It specifically points to the extra payment or excessive return demanded on a loan, going beyond the principal. Together with "interest," it highlights any form of financial exploitation arising from a lending situation.
• but withholds his hand: The "hand" (yad, יָד) in Hebrew idiom frequently represents power, action, and agency. To "withhold his hand" (literally "turns back his hand") means to actively restrain oneself or abstain from. It signifies intentional refusal to participate in, or benefit from, wrongdoing.
• from iniquity: The Hebrew word ‘awlah (עַוְלָה) denotes wickedness, perversity, injustice, or unrighteousness. It encompasses moral distortion or wrongdoing against God and neighbor. This phrase signifies a general abstention from all forms of evil, extending beyond just financial exploitation.
• and executes: This active verb emphasizes doing, performing, or carrying out. It indicates that the righteous person is not merely passive in abstaining from wrong but is actively engaged in promoting good and justice.
• true justice: This translates the Hebrew mishpaṭ emet (מִשְׁפָּט אֱמֶת). Mishpaṭ means "judgment" or "justice," encompassing legal decrees, customs, and acts of judgment. Emet means "truth," "faithfulness," or "integrity." Together, it refers to judgment that is impartial, honest, based on facts, and truly fair, uncorrupted by bribes, bias, or favoritism.
• between man and man: This Hebrew phrase ben-ish le'ish (בֵּין-אִישׁ לְאִישׁ), literally "between man to man," stresses the interpersonal and societal aspect of this justice. It means in all dealings between people, impartiality and fairness must prevail, extending to judicial decisions and daily interactions.

• nor lends at interest or takes any profit: This phrase forms a unified ethical prohibition against financial exploitation within the community. It condemns the practice of charging interest (usury) or gaining undue financial advantage over a needy neighbor through loans. It reveals a specific concern for economic justice and protection of the vulnerable.
• but withholds his hand from iniquity: This broad declaration moves beyond specific financial wrongs to encompass all forms of moral and ethical evil. It characterizes the righteous person as one who consciously and consistently abstains from perpetrating or being involved in any wicked deed, demonstrating integrity of character.
• and executes true justice between man and man: This statement complements the previous one, showing that righteousness is not just about avoiding evil, but actively engaging in good. It highlights the positive duty to ensure fairness, truth, and impartiality in all human dealings and legal processes. It paints a picture of a society ordered by divine principles of equity and integrity.

Ezekiel 18 8 Bonus section

This verse stands as a powerful testament to the individual's capacity and responsibility to choose a path of righteousness, directly refuting the fatalistic worldview of the exilic community. It emphasizes the integrated nature of spiritual and social ethics – one cannot claim to be righteous while simultaneously engaging in economic oppression or judicial perversion. The focus on "true justice" (mishpat emet) indicates that divine judgment itself is based on such an ideal, calling humans to mirror God's own attribute of righteous judgment. The detailed ethical practices described are not arbitrary; they counter common abuses prevalent in Judah before the exile, which were key reasons for God's judgment and the subsequent exile itself. Thus, for Ezekiel's audience, choosing this path of righteousness was also the way to find life and renewal, personally and communally.

Ezekiel 18 8 Commentary

Ezekiel 18:8 vividly portrays elements of a truly righteous character, challenging the exiles' fatalistic views about inherited sin. By listing these actions, God declares what he deems right and that such behavior is within reach of individuals. The verse underscores financial ethics, commanding abstinence from exploitative usury (nashakh, the "biting" profit) and excessive gain (tarbīt), which often preyed on the poor and desperate in ancient societies. This principle extended God’s specific legal instructions (Exod 22:25, Lev 25:36-37, Deut 23:19-20), applying them directly to the righteous life. Beyond financial probity, the righteous person actively "withholds his hand from iniquity," signifying a deliberate moral purity, an intentional choice to shun all forms of wrongdoing. Crucially, righteousness is not merely passive abstention from evil but active engagement in promoting justice. "Executing true justice between man and man" demands impartiality and integrity in all societal and legal interactions, ensuring fairness regardless of social standing or personal gain. This encapsulates the essence of biblical justice: compassionate, honest, and for the benefit of all, particularly the marginalized, rather than corrupt or self-serving. It reiterates that God requires individuals to demonstrate an observable pattern of upright, ethical conduct reflective of His own just character.