Ezekiel 18:16
Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment,
Original Language Analysis
וְאִישׁ֙
any
H376
וְאִישׁ֙
any
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
1 of 15
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הוֹנָ֔ה
Neither hath oppressed
H3238
הוֹנָ֔ה
Neither hath oppressed
Strong's:
H3238
Word #:
3 of 15
to rage or be violent; by implication, to suppress, to maltreat
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
חָבָ֔ל
hath not withholden
H2254
חָבָ֔ל
hath not withholden
Strong's:
H2254
Word #:
6 of 15
to wind tightly (as a rope), i.e., to bind; specifically, by a pledge; figuratively, to pervert, destroy; also to writhe in pain (especially of partur
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
גָזָ֑ל
neither hath spoiled
H1497
גָזָ֑ל
neither hath spoiled
Strong's:
H1497
Word #:
9 of 15
to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob
לַחְמוֹ֙
his bread
H3899
לַחְמוֹ֙
his bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
10 of 15
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
נָתָ֔ן
but hath given
H5414
נָתָ֔ן
but hath given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
12 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Historical Context
Biblical genealogies show varied patterns: faithful-unfaithful-faithful (Abraham-Isaac-Jacob), and unfaithful-faithful-unfaithful (Ahaz-Hezekiah-Manasseh). Each generation's faithfulness depends on their own choices, not automatic transmission of character. God's grace can break any negative cycle.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we encourage those from difficult family backgrounds that they can pursue faithfulness?
- What does this teach about the power of personal choice and God's grace to transform?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment.' The righteous grandson practices the same righteousness as his grandfather (verses 7-9), despite his father's wickedness. He breaks the family pattern of rebellion and returns to covenant faithfulness. This demonstrates that wickedness is not inevitable or inherited.