Ezekiel 18:19
Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.
Original Language Analysis
מַדֻּ֛עַ
H4069
מַדֻּ֛עַ
Strong's:
H4069
Word #:
2 of 19
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נָשָׂ֥א
bear
H5375
נָשָׂ֥א
bear
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
4 of 19
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
וְהַבֵּ֞ן
When the son
H1121
וְהַבֵּ֞ן
When the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הָאָ֑ב
of the father
H1
הָאָ֑ב
of the father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
7 of 19
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וְהַבֵּ֞ן
When the son
H1121
וְהַבֵּ֞ן
When the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מִשְׁפָּ֧ט
that which is lawful
H4941
מִשְׁפָּ֧ט
that which is lawful
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
וּצְדָקָ֣ה
and right
H6666
וּצְדָקָ֣ה
and right
Strong's:
H6666
Word #:
10 of 19
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
וַיַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה
and hath done
H6213
וַיַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה
and hath done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
11 of 19
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֵ֣ת
H853
אֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 19
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 #:
13 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
שָׁמַ֛ר
and hath kept
H8104
שָׁמַ֛ר
and hath kept
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
וַיַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה
and hath done
H6213
וַיַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה
and hath done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
16 of 19
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֹתָ֖ם
H853
אֹתָ֖ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Exodus 20:5Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;Jeremiah 15:4And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for that which he did in Jerusalem.Deuteronomy 5:9Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me,
Historical Context
The exiles struggled to understand why they suffered if they personally hadn't committed their ancestors' sins. Ezekiel clarifies: they suffered national consequences of corporate sin, but individual eternal destiny depends on personal faithfulness. This prepares for New Covenant individualized salvation through personal faith in Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we distinguish between corporate consequences we experience and individual guilt we bear?
- What does this teach about the relationship between community and individual in God's economy?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.' The people's objection shows they still cling to corporate guilt. God's answer: righteous actions bring life. The son who practices righteousness lives, regardless of his father's wickedness. This establishes clear moral causality based on personal choices.