Ezekiel Chapter 18 · Verse 10
If he beget a son that is a robber, a shedder of blood, and that doeth the like to any one of these things,
Original Language Analysis
וְהוֹלִ֥יד
If he beget
H3205
וְהוֹלִ֥יד
If he beget
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
1 of 9
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
בֵּן
a son
H1121
בֵּן
a son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
שֹׁפֵ֣ךְ
a shedder
H8210
שֹׁפֵ֣ךְ
a shedder
Strong's:
H8210
Word #:
4 of 9
to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc
דָּ֑ם
of blood
H1818
דָּ֑ם
of blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
5 of 9
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
וְעָ֣שָׂה
and that doeth
H6213
וְעָ֣שָׂה
and that doeth
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אָ֔ח
the like
H251
אָ֔ח
the like
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
7 of 9
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
Historical Context
This directly refutes the fatalistic proverb of verse 2. Ancient Near Eastern cultures emphasized corporate identity and ancestral connection. Ezekiel's teaching that a righteous father's son can still be condemned was radical, emphasizing personal moral agency.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we respond when children of faithful believers reject the faith?
- What does this teach about the limits of parental influence and the reality of individual choice?
Analysis & Commentary
'If he beget a son that is a robber, a shedder of blood, and that doeth the like to any one of these things.' Now the contrast: a righteous father can have a wicked son. The son is a 'robber' (periyts—violent, lawless person) and 'shedder of blood' (shaphak dam—murderer). This establishes that righteousness is not inherited genetically or automatically through family lineage.