Ezekiel 18:17
New International Version
He withholds his hand from mistreating the poor and takes no interest or profit from them. He keeps my laws and follows my decrees. He will not die for his father’s sin; he will surely live.

New Living Translation
He helps the poor, does not lend money at interest, and obeys all my regulations and decrees. Such a person will not die because of his father’s sins; he will surely live.

English Standard Version
withholds his hand from iniquity, takes no interest or profit, obeys my rules, and walks in my statutes; he shall not die for his father’s iniquity; he shall surely live.

Berean Standard Bible
He withholds his hand from harming the poor and takes no interest or usury. He keeps My ordinances and follows My statutes. Such a man will not die for his father’s iniquity. He will surely live.

King James Bible
That hath taken off his hand from the poor, that hath not received usury nor increase, hath executed my judgments, hath walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.

New King James Version
Who has withdrawn his hand from the poor And not received usury or increase, But has executed My judgments And walked in My statutes— He shall not die for the iniquity of his father; He shall surely live!

New American Standard Bible
he keeps his hand from the poor, does not take any kind of interest on loans, but executes My ordinances, and walks in My statutes; he will not die for his father’s guilt, he will certainly live.

NASB 1995
he keeps his hand from the poor, does not take interest or increase, but executes My ordinances, and walks in My statutes; he will not die for his father’s iniquity, he will surely live.

NASB 1977
he keeps his hand from the poor, does not take interest or increase, but executes My ordinances, and walks in My statutes; he will not die for his father’s iniquity, he will surely live.

Legacy Standard Bible
he turns his hand away from the afflicted, does not take interest or increase, but does My judgments and walks in My statutes; he will not die for his father’s iniquity; he will surely live.

Amplified Bible
he keeps his hand from [oppressing] the poor, does not receive interest or increase [from the needy], but executes My ordinances and walks in My statutes; he shall not die for the sin (guilt) of his father; he shall certainly live.

Christian Standard Bible
He keeps his hand from harming the poor, not taking interest or profit on a loan. He practices my ordinances and follows my statutes. Such a person will not die for his father’s iniquity. He will certainly live.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He keeps his hand from harming the poor, not taking interest or profit on a loan. He practices My ordinances and follows My statutes. Such a person will not die for his father’s iniquity. He will certainly live.”

American Standard Version
that hath withdrawn his hand from the poor, that hath not received interest nor increase, hath executed mine ordinances, hath walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.

Contemporary English Version
and refuses to do anything evil or to charge interest. And he obeys all my laws and teachings. Such a man will live. His own father sinned, but this good man will not be put to death for the sins of his father.

English Revised Version
that hath withdrawn his hand from the poor, that hath not received usury nor increase, hath executed my judgments, hath walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He refuses to hurt the poor. He doesn't charge interest or make excessive profits. He obeys my rules and lives by my laws. He won't die for his father's sins. He will certainly live.

Good News Translation
He refuses to do evil and doesn't lend money for profit. He keeps my laws and obeys my commands. He will not die because of his father's sins, but he will certainly live.

International Standard Version
doesn't refuse to help the afflicted, or refuses to loan with usury or exact interest, but instead follows my ordinances and lives his life consistent with my statutes. He won't die because of his father's sin, will he? No! He'll certainly live.

Majority Standard Bible
He withholds his hand from harming the poor and takes no interest or usury. He keeps My ordinances and follows My statutes. Such a man will not die for his father’s iniquity. He will surely live.

NET Bible
refrains from wrongdoing, does not engage in usury or charge interest, carries out my regulations and follows my statutes. He will not die for his father's iniquity; he will surely live.

New Heart English Bible
who has withdrawn his hand from the poor, who has not received interest nor increase, has executed my ordinances, has walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.

Webster's Bible Translation
That hath taken off his hand from the poor, that hath not received interest nor increase, hath executed my judgments, hath walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.

World English Bible
who has withdrawn his hand from the poor, who hasn’t received interest or increase, has executed my ordinances, has walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father. He shall surely live.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
He has turned back his hand from the afflicted, "" He has not taken usury and increase, "" He has done My judgments, "" He has walked in My statutes, "" He does not die for the iniquity of his father, "" He surely lives.

Young's Literal Translation
From the afflicted he hath turned back his hand, Usury and increase he hath not taken, My judgments he hath done, In My statutes he hath walked, He doth not die for the iniquity of his father, He doth surely live.

Smith's Literal Translation
Turning back his hand from the poor, taking not usury and interest, doing my judgment, going in my laws; he shall not die in the iniquity of his father; living, he shall live.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
That hath turned away his hand from injuring the poor, hath not taken usury and increase, but hath executed my judgments, and hath walked in my commandments: this man shall not die for the iniquity of his father, but living he shall live.

Catholic Public Domain Version
who has averted his hand from injuring the poor, who has not taken usury and an overabundance, who has acted according to my judgments and walked in my precepts, then this one shall not die for the iniquity of his father; instead, he shall certainly live.

New American Bible
who refrains from evildoing, accepts no interest or usury, but keeps my ordinances and walks in my statutes—this one shall not die for the sins of his father. He shall surely live!

New Revised Standard Version
withholds his hand from iniquity, takes no advance or accrued interest, observes my ordinances, and follows my statutes; he shall not die for his father’s iniquity; he shall surely live.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Who does not refuse to help the poor, who charges no usury or discount, executes my judgments, and walks in my commandments; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And from the poor he will not return his hand, neither will he take interest, nor has taken excess, and he will do my judgments and he will walk in my commands, he shall not die in the evil of his father, but he shall surely live
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
that hath withdrawn his hand from the poor, that hath not received interest nor increase, hath executed Mine ordinances, hath walked in My statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and has turned back his hand from unrighteousness, has not received interest or usurious increase, has wrought righteousness, and walked in mine ordinances; he shall not die for the iniquities of his father, he shall surely live.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Proverb about Israel
16He does not oppress another, or retain a pledge, or commit robbery. He gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing. 17He withholds his hand from harming the poor and takes no interest or usury. He keeps My ordinances and follows My statutes. Such a man will not die for his father’s iniquity. He will surely live. 18As for his father, he will die for his own iniquity, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother, and did what was wrong among his people.…

Cross References
Ezekiel 18:5-9
Now suppose a man is righteous and does what is just and right: / He does not eat at the mountain or look to the idols of the house of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor’s wife or approach a woman during her period. / He does not oppress another, but restores the pledge to the debtor. He does not commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing. ...

Ezekiel 33:14-16
But if I tell the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ and he turns from his sin and does what is just and right— / if he restores a pledge, makes restitution for what he has stolen, and walks in the statutes of life without practicing iniquity—then he will surely live; he will not die. / None of the sins he has committed will be held against him. He has done what is just and right; he will surely live.

Jeremiah 31:29-30
“In those days, it will no longer be said: ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the teeth of the children are set on edge.’ / Instead, each will die for his own iniquity. If anyone eats the sour grapes, his own teeth will be set on edge.

Deuteronomy 24:16
Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin.

2 Kings 14:6
Yet he did not put the sons of the murderers to death, but acted according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, where the LORD commanded: “Fathers must not be put to death for their children, and children must not be put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin.”

Proverbs 21:3
To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice.

Isaiah 1:16-17
Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! / Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”

Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Psalm 15:1-5
A Psalm of David. O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy mountain? / He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart, / who has no slander on his tongue, who does no harm to his neighbor, who casts no scorn on his friend, ...

Matthew 7:21
Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

Matthew 25:31-46
When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. / All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. / He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. ...

Luke 3:8-14
Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. / The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” / The crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” ...

Luke 19:8-9
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold.” / Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham.

Romans 2:6-11
God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” / To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. / But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. ...

Romans 6:13
Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness.


Treasury of Scripture

That has taken off his hand from the poor, that has not received usury nor increase, has executed my judgments, has walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.

hath taken

Ezekiel 18:8
He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,

Job 29:16
I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.

Proverbs 14:31
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

that hath not

Ezekiel 18:8,9,13
He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man, …

Leviticus 18:4,26,30
Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the LORD your God…

he shall not

Ezekiel 18:19,20
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…

Ezekiel 20:18,30
But I said unto their children in the wilderness, Walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols: …

Jeremiah 16:11-13,19
Then shalt thou say unto them, Because your fathers have forsaken me, saith the LORD, and have walked after other gods, and have served them, and have worshipped them, and have forsaken me, and have not kept my law; …

he shall surely

Ezekiel 18:9,19,21,28
Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord GOD…

Ezekiel 3:21
Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.

Ezekiel 33:13,15,16
When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it…

Jump to Previous
Decrees Die Excessive Executed Executes Father's Follows Hand Increase Iniquity Interest Judgments Keeps Live Observes Ordinances Poor Received Sin Statutes Surely Usury Walked Walks Withdrawn Withholds
Jump to Next
Decrees Die Excessive Executed Executes Father's Follows Hand Increase Iniquity Interest Judgments Keeps Live Observes Ordinances Poor Received Sin Statutes Surely Usury Walked Walks Withdrawn Withholds
Ezekiel 18
1. God defends his justice
31. and exhorts to repentance














He withholds his hand from harming the poor
This phrase emphasizes the moral and ethical responsibility of an individual to protect and support the vulnerable in society. The Hebrew root for "withholds" (חָשַׂךְ, chasak) implies restraint and self-control, suggesting a conscious decision to refrain from actions that could harm others. In the historical context of ancient Israel, the poor were often marginalized and exploited. This directive aligns with the broader biblical mandate to care for the needy, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:11, where God commands His people to be open-handed toward the poor.

and takes no interest or profit
The prohibition against charging interest on loans to fellow Israelites is rooted in the Hebrew word "נֶשֶׁךְ" (neshek), meaning "interest" or "usury." This reflects a divine principle of fairness and compassion, ensuring that financial transactions do not become a means of oppression. In the ancient Near Eastern context, charging excessive interest was a common practice that could lead to severe poverty and servitude. By forbidding this, God underscores His desire for economic justice and community solidarity.

He keeps My ordinances and follows My statutes
The terms "ordinances" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) and "statutes" (חֻקָּה, chuqqah) refer to God's laws and decrees. "Keeps" (שָׁמַר, shamar) implies diligent observance and protection of these divine commands. This phrase highlights the importance of obedience to God's revealed will as a demonstration of faithfulness. Historically, the Israelites were called to be a holy nation, set apart by their adherence to God's laws, which were designed to reflect His character and promote justice, mercy, and humility.

He will not die for his father's iniquity
This statement addresses the principle of individual responsibility, a significant theme in Ezekiel 18. The Hebrew word for "iniquity" (עָוֹן, avon) denotes guilt or sin. In contrast to the prevailing belief that children could suffer for their parents' sins, this verse affirms that each person is accountable for their own actions. This reflects a shift from collective to personal responsibility, emphasizing God's justice and fairness.

He will surely live
The promise of life is a powerful affirmation of God's grace and mercy. The Hebrew phrase "חָיֹה יִחְיֶה" (chayah yichyeh) is emphatic, underscoring the certainty of this promise. In the biblical context, "life" often signifies not just physical existence but a state of blessing, peace, and relationship with God. This assurance of life for those who follow God's ways serves as an encouragement to pursue righteousness and trust in His just and compassionate nature.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He withholds
הֵשִׁ֣יב (hê·šîḇ)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

his hand
יָד֗וֹ (yā·ḏōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

from iniquity
מֵעָנִ֞י (mê·‘ā·nî)
Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6041: Poor, afflicted, humble

and takes
לָקָ֔ח (lā·qāḥ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

no
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

interest
נֶ֤שֶׁךְ (ne·šeḵ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5392: Interest on a, debt

or usury.
וְתַרְבִּית֙ (wə·ṯar·bîṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8636: Multiplication, percentage, bonus in addition to principal

He
ה֗וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

keeps
עָשָׂ֔ה (‘ā·śāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

My ordinances
מִשְׁפָּטַ֣י (miš·pā·ṭay)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

and follows
הָלָ֑ךְ (hā·lāḵ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

My statutes.’
בְּחֻקּוֹתַ֖י (bə·ḥuq·qō·w·ṯay)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 2708: Something prescribed, an enactment, statute

Such a man will not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

die
יָמ֛וּת (yā·mūṯ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

for his father’s
אָבִ֖יו (’ā·ḇîw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

iniquity.
בַּעֲוֺ֥ן (ba·‘ă·wōn)
Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 5771: Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity

He will surely live.
חָיֹ֥ה (ḥā·yōh)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 2421: To live, to revive


Links
Ezekiel 18:17 NIV
Ezekiel 18:17 NLT
Ezekiel 18:17 ESV
Ezekiel 18:17 NASB
Ezekiel 18:17 KJV

Ezekiel 18:17 BibleApps.com
Ezekiel 18:17 Biblia Paralela
Ezekiel 18:17 Chinese Bible
Ezekiel 18:17 French Bible
Ezekiel 18:17 Catholic Bible

OT Prophets: Ezekiel 18:17 Who has withdrawn his hand (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 18:16
Top of Page
Top of Page