Ezekiel 18:7
And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, 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
יוֹנֶ֔ה
And hath not oppressed
H3238
יוֹנֶ֔ה
And hath not oppressed
Strong's:
H3238
Word #:
3 of 15
to rage or be violent; by implication, to suppress, to maltreat
יָשִׁ֔יב
but hath restored
H7725
יָשִׁ֔יב
but hath restored
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
6 of 15
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִגְזֹ֑ל
hath spoiled
H1497
יִגְזֹ֑ל
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)
יִתֵּ֔ן
hath given
H5414
יִתֵּ֔ן
hath given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
12 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Cross References
Ezekiel 18:16Neither 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,Exodus 22:26If thou at all take thy neighbour's raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down:Ezekiel 18:12Hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath spoiled by violence, hath not restored the pledge, and hath lifted up his eyes to the idols, hath committed abomination,Ezekiel 33:15If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.Luke 3:11He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.Amos 3:10For they know not to do right, saith the LORD, who store up violence and robbery in their palaces.Amos 2:8And they lay themselves down upon clothes laid to pledge by every altar, and they drink the wine of the condemned in the house of their god.Ezekiel 18:18As for his father, because he cruelly oppressed, spoiled his brother by violence, and did that which is not good among his people, lo, even he shall die in his iniquity.
Historical Context
Israelite law uniquely protected the poor and vulnerable in the ancient Near East. While surrounding nations allowed debt slavery and permanent poverty, Israel's law included debt forgiveness, gleaning rights, and dignity protections. These weren't optional charity but covenant righteousness requirements.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we practice economic justice that goes beyond legal requirements to reflect God's heart?
- What modern applications of 'restoring pledges' and 'covering the naked' does God call us to?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge.' True righteousness includes economic justice. The righteous person doesn't oppress the vulnerable but treats them fairly. Restoring the debtor's pledge refers to Mosaic law requiring return of items taken as security (Exodus 22:26-27, Deuteronomy 24:10-13). 'Hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment'—active compassion toward the needy, not merely avoiding harm.