Ezekiel Chapter 18 · Verse 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?
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.