Ezekiel 18:14
Now, lo, if he beget a son, that seeth all his father's sins which he hath done, and considereth, and doeth not such like,
Original Language Analysis
הוֹלִ֣יד
Now lo if he beget
H3205
הוֹלִ֣יד
Now lo if he beget
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
2 of 14
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
בֵּ֔ן
a son
H1121
בֵּ֔ן
a son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וַיִּרְאֶ֕ה
and considereth
H7200
וַיִּרְאֶ֕ה
and considereth
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
4 of 14
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 14
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 #:
6 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
חַטֹּ֥את
sins
H2403
חַטֹּ֥את
sins
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
7 of 14
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
אָבִ֖יו
all his father's
H1
אָבִ֖יו
all his father's
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
8 of 14
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה
and doeth
H6213
יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה
and doeth
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
10 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וַיִּרְאֶ֕ה
and considereth
H7200
וַיִּרְאֶ֕ה
and considereth
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
11 of 14
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
2 Chronicles 34:21Go, enquire of the LORD for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to do after all that is written in this book.Proverbs 23:24The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.
Historical Context
King Manasseh's grandson Josiah exemplifies this pattern. Manasseh was one of Judah's most wicked kings, yet Josiah became one of the most righteous, implementing major reforms (2 Kings 22-23). Each person can break negative patterns through repentance and faith.
Questions for Reflection
- How can observing others' destructive choices motivate us toward righteousness?
- What does it mean to 'consider' sin's consequences in a way that leads to wisdom?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'Now, lo, if he beget a son, that seeth all his father's sins which he hath done, and considereth, and doeth not such like.' The third generation: a wicked father's son who observes his father's sins and chooses differently. The Hebrew ra'ah ('sees') and yare' ('considers/fears') indicate thoughtful reflection, not merely witnessing. This son learns from negative example and pursues righteousness instead.