Ezekiel 18:11
And that doeth not any of those duties, but even hath eaten upon the mountains, and defiled his neighbour's wife,
Original Language Analysis
וְה֕וּא
H1931
וְה֕וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
1 of 15
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עָשָׂ֑ה
And that doeth
H6213
עָשָׂ֑ה
And that doeth
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גַ֤ם
H1571
גַ֤ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
הֶֽהָרִים֙
upon the mountains
H2022
הֶֽהָרִים֙
upon the mountains
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
10 of 15
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
אָכַ֔ל
not any of those duties but even hath eaten
H398
אָכַ֔ל
not any of those duties but even hath eaten
Strong's:
H398
Word #:
11 of 15
to eat (literally or figuratively)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Biblical history confirms this pattern: righteous Hezekiah had wicked son Manasseh; wicked Ahaz had righteous son Hezekiah; righteous Josiah had wicked sons Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim. Each generation faces its own moral choices before God.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we avoid both presuming on family heritage and despairing over family failures?
- What does this teach about evangelism and discipleship in each generation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'And that doeth not any of those duties, but even hath eaten upon the mountains, and defiled his neighbour's wife.' The wicked son does the opposite of his righteous father—participating in idolatrous worship and committing adultery. The litany of sins shows comprehensive rebellion: what the father avoided, the son embraces. The point: righteousness and wickedness are matters of personal choice, not family inheritance.