Ezekiel 18:2
What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?
Original Language Analysis
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
מֹֽשְׁלִים֙
What mean ye that ye use
H4911
מֹֽשְׁלִים֙
What mean ye that ye use
Strong's:
H4911
Word #:
4 of 17
to liken, i.e., (transitively) to use figurative language (an allegory, adage, song or the like); intransitively, to resemble
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמָּשָׁ֣ל
this proverb
H4912
הַמָּשָׁ֣ל
this proverb
Strong's:
H4912
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
10 of 17
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אָבוֹת֙
The fathers
H1
אָבוֹת֙
The fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
12 of 17
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וְשִׁנֵּ֥י
teeth
H8127
וְשִׁנֵּ֥י
teeth
Strong's:
H8127
Word #:
15 of 17
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
Cross References
Lamentations 5:7Our fathers have sinned, and are not; and we have borne their iniquities.Ezekiel 37:19Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.Isaiah 3:15What mean ye that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor? saith the Lord GOD of hosts.Ezekiel 37:11Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts.Ezekiel 17:12Say now to the rebellious house, Know ye not what these things mean? tell them, Behold, the king of Babylon is come to Jerusalem, and hath taken the king thereof, and the princes thereof, and led them with him to Babylon;Ezekiel 37:25And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and my servant David shall be their prince for ever.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.Romans 9:20Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?Matthew 23:36Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.Ezekiel 25:3And say unto the Ammonites, Hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou saidst, Aha, against my sanctuary, when it was profaned; and against the land of Israel, when it was desolate; and against the house of Judah, when they went into captivity;
Historical Context
The exiles in Babylon (591 BC) blamed their fathers' idolatry for their suffering, denying personal responsibility. This fatalism excused continued rebellion—"we're suffering for previous generations' sins anyway." God confronts this evasion, demanding personal repentance. The proverb appears also in Jeremiah 31:29-30, indicating widespread use. While the second commandment warns of visiting fathers' iniquity on children (Exodus 20:5), this describes consequences not determinism. Each generation must choose covenant faithfulness or rebellion.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you use generational patterns or family background as excuses for personal sin rather than taking responsibility?
- What is the relationship between inherited sinfulness and personal accountability before God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The proverb "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge" expressed fatalistic resignation—children inevitably suffer for parents' sins. God rejects this excuse in verse 3: "ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb." This passage establishes individual moral responsibility before God. While sin has corporate and generational consequences, each person stands accountable for their own choices. The Reformed view of original sin acknowledges inherited corruption (Psalm 51:5) while maintaining personal culpability for actual transgressions (Ezekiel 18:20). God judges both corporate solidarity and individual agency.