Ezekiel 18:16
Ezekiel 18:16 in Multiple Translations
He does not oppress another, or retain a pledge, or commit robbery. He gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.
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,
neither hath wronged any, hath not taken aught to pledge, neither hath taken by robbery, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;
Or done wrong to any, or taken anything from one in his debt, or taken goods by force, but has given food to him who was in need of it, and clothing to him who was without it;
He doesn't exploit anyone. He doesn't demand security for a loan. He doesn't rob others. He feeds the hungry and clothes the naked.
Neither hath oppressed any, nor hath withholden the pledge, neither hath spoyled by violence, but hath giuen his bread to the hungry, and hath couered the naked with a garment,
A man — he hath not oppressed, A pledge he hath not bound, And plunder he hath not taken away, His bread to the hungry he hath given, And the naked he covered with a garment,
hasn’t wronged any, hasn’t taken anything to pledge, hasn’t taken by robbery, but has given his bread to the hungry, and has covered the naked with a garment;
Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withheld the pledge, neither hath stripped by violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment,
And hath not grieved any man, nor withholden the pledge, nor taken away with violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and covered the naked with a garment:
He does not mistreat/oppress people. If he lends money to someone, he does not require that person to give him his cloak to guarantee that he will pay the money back. He does not rob anyone. He gives food to those who need it. He gives clothes to those who need clothes.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 18:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 18:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִישׁ֙
לֹ֣א
הוֹנָ֔ה
חֲבֹל֙
לֹ֣א
חָבָ֔ל
וּ/גְזֵלָ֖ה
לֹ֣א
גָזָ֑ל
לַחְמ/וֹ֙
לְ/רָעֵ֣ב
נָתָ֔ן
וְ/עֵר֖וֹם
כִּסָּה
בָֽגֶד
וְ/אִישׁ֙
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
הוֹנָ֔ה
yânâh
H3238
to oppress
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
חֲבֹל֙
chăbôl
H2258
pledge
N-ms
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
חָבָ֔ל
châbal
H2254
to pledge
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וּ/גְזֵלָ֖ה
gᵉzêlâh
H1500
violence
Conj | N-fs
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
גָזָ֑ל
gâzal
H1497
to plunder
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לַחְמ/וֹ֙
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs | Suff
לְ/רָעֵ֣ב
râʻêb
H7457
hungry
Prep | Adj
נָתָ֔ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וְ/עֵר֖וֹם
ʻêyrôm
H5903
naked
Conj | Adj
כִּסָּה
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
בָֽגֶד
beged
H899
treachery
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 18:16
וְ/אִישׁ֙
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הוֹנָ֔ה
yânâh
H3238
"to oppress"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To oppress or treat someone violently, often implying a sense of injustice or wrongdoing, as found in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to oppress, suppress, treat violently, maltreat, vex, do wrong 1a) (Qal) to oppress, suppress 1b) (Hiphil) to treat violently, maltreat
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: destroy, (thrust out by) oppress(-ing, -ion, -or), proud, vex, do violence. See also: Exodus 22:20; Jeremiah 46:16; Psalms 74:8.
חֲבֹל֙
chăbôl
H2258
"pledge"
N-ms
A pledge or security given for a debt, like a guarantee. In the Bible, it appears in books like Exodus and Job. It means something given as a promise to pay.
Definition: pledge Also means: cha.vo.lah (חֲבֹלָה "pledge" H2258B)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: pledge. See also: Ezekiel 18:7; Ezekiel 18:16; Ezekiel 33:15.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
חָבָ֔ל
châbal
H2254
"to pledge"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to be in labor or to twist in pain, like a woman giving birth. It can also mean to corrupt or destroy something. In the KJV, it is translated in various ways, including 'travail' or 'corrupt'.
Definition: 1) to bind 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bind 2) to take a pledge, lay to pledge 2a) (Qal) to hold by a pledge, take in pledge, hold in pledge 2b) (Niphal) to give a pledge, become pledged
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, band, bring forth, (deal) corrupt(-ly), destroy, offend, lay to (take a) pledge, spoil, travail, [idiom] very, withhold. See also: Exodus 22:25; Proverbs 20:16; Psalms 7:15.
וּ/גְזֵלָ֖ה
gᵉzêlâh
H1500
"violence"
Conj | N-fs
This word means robbery or plunder, referring to taking something violently. It is used to describe spoil or violence in the Bible. The KJV translates it as spoil or violence.
Definition: plunder, spoil, robbery
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: that (he had robbed) (which he took violently away), spoil, violence. See also: Leviticus 5:23; Ezekiel 18:12; Isaiah 3:14.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
גָזָ֑ל
gâzal
H1497
"to plunder"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to take something by force, like plundering or robbing, and is used in stories like David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. It can also mean to strip or flay something, and is often associated with violence.
Definition: 1) to tear away, seize, plunder, tear off, pull off, rob, take away by force 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tear away, rob 1a2) to seize, plunder (with acc cognate) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be robbed 1b2) to be taken away
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: catch, consume, exercise (robbery), pluck (off), rob, spoil, take away (by force, violence), tear. See also: Genesis 21:25; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 35:10.
לַחְמ/וֹ֙
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
לְ/רָעֵ֣ב
râʻêb
H7457
"hungry"
Prep | Adj
A person who is hungry is described by this Hebrew word, which appears in books like Deuteronomy and Amos. Hunger can be a physical or emotional state, and the Bible addresses both aspects.
Definition: 1) hungry 1a) hungry 1b) hungry man (subst) 1c) of failing strength (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: hunger bitten, hungry. See also: 1 Samuel 2:5; Psalms 146:7; Psalms 107:5.
נָתָ֔ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
וְ/עֵר֖וֹם
ʻêyrôm
H5903
"naked"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means naked or nudity, describing a state of being without clothes. It appears in various Bible translations, including the KJV, as naked or nakedness.
Definition: adj 1) naked n m 2) nakedness
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: naked(-ness). See also: Genesis 3:7; Ezekiel 16:22; Ezekiel 23:29.
כִּסָּה
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
בָֽגֶד
beged
H899
"treachery"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 18:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 18:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 18:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 18:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:16
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 18:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:16
- Sermons on Ezekiel 18:16
Context — The Soul Who Sins Will Die
14Now suppose this son has a son who sees all the sins his father has committed, considers them, and does not do likewise:
15He does not eat at the mountain or look to the idols of the house of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor’s wife.
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
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 18:7 | 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. |
| 2 | Isaiah 58:7–10 | Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry out, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you remove the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger and malicious talk, and if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light will go forth in the darkness, and your night will be like noonday. |
| 3 | Job 22:7 | You gave no water to the weary and withheld food from the famished, |
| 4 | Job 31:19 | if I have seen one perish for lack of clothing, or a needy man without a cloak, |
| 5 | Proverbs 31:20 | She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. |
| 6 | Psalms 41:1 | Blessed is the one who cares for the poor; the LORD will deliver him in the day of trouble. |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 11:1–2 | Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. Divide your portion among seven, or even eight, for you do not know what disaster may befall the land. |
| 8 | Luke 11:41 | But give as alms the things that are within you, and you will see that everything is clean for you. |
| 9 | Proverbs 25:21 | If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. |
| 10 | Luke 14:13 | But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, |
Ezekiel 18:16 Summary
This verse is talking about how to live a life that pleases God, by being kind and compassionate to others, especially those who are in need. It means not taking advantage of people, but instead giving to those who are hungry and helping those who are struggling. This is what Jesus taught us to do in Matthew 22:37-40, to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. By living this way, we can show the love and character of God to those around us, and bring glory to His name.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'not oppress another' in this verse?
To not oppress another means to not take advantage of or mistreat someone, especially those who are vulnerable or in a weaker position, as seen in Exodus 22:21-24 where God commands us to not mistreat the foreigner or the fatherless.
Why is giving bread to the hungry and covering the naked important?
Giving to those in need is a fundamental aspect of loving our neighbor as ourselves, as taught in Leviticus 19:18 and demonstrated by Jesus in Matthew 25:31-46, where He separates the sheep from the goats based on how they treated the hungry and the naked.
Is retaining a pledge a serious offense?
Yes, retaining a pledge, especially from someone who is poor, is considered a serious offense, as it is a form of exploitation, and God commands us to not take advantage of the poor in Deuteronomy 24:6 and Deuteronomy 24:12-13.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives?
This verse calls us to live a life of compassion, justice, and mercy, treating others with kindness and respect, and being mindful of the impact our actions have on those around us, as encouraged in Micah 6:8 to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can give to those in need, like giving bread to the hungry, in my daily life?
- How can I ensure that I am not oppressing or taking advantage of anyone, especially those who are vulnerable or in a weaker position?
- What does it mean to 'cover the naked with clothing' in a spiritual sense, and how can I apply this principle in my relationships with others?
- In what ways can I demonstrate the love and compassion of Christ to those around me, especially those who are struggling or in need?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 18:16
Neither hath oppressed any,.... [See comments on Ezekiel 18:7]. hath not withholden the pledge; or, hath not pledged the pledge (h). The meaning is, not that he had not given one, but had not taken one.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 18:16
Now, lo, if he beget a son, that seeth all his father's sins which he hath done, and considereth, and doeth not such like, Now, lo, if he begot a son, that seeth all his father's sins ... and doeth not such like.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:16
These two verses are explained already in the same words: see ,7.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:16
Ezekiel 18:16 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, Ver. 16. See on Ezekiel 18:7.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 18:16
16. withholden the pledge] taken aught to pledge, as R.V.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:16
16. Withholden the pledge — Rather, taken in pledge. (Compare Ezekiel 18:7.)
Sermons on Ezekiel 18:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Don't Forget by William Booth | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of actively helping those in need, rather than simply offering prayers or advice. The speaker encourages the audience to take |
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Praying Through to the Fulness of Joy by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding joy in serving others. He discusses how the devil has tried to distort this truth and divert the Church from it. T |
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Separated From Our Loved Ones by Keith Daniel | This sermon delves into the fearful possibility of separation from loved ones, both in this life and for eternity, emphasizing the consequences of rejecting God and the need for si |
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Isaiah 58:7-8 by Samuel Johnson | Samuel Johnson preaches about the importance of charity and compassion towards the needy and distressed, emphasizing that God requires us to help those in need as a tribute of grat |
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1 Timothy 5:8 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of providing for one's own family, especially those closely related, as a demonstration of faith and care. He highlights the need to prior |
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John 3:12-16 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of understanding earthly teachings before grasping heavenly truths, highlighting Jesus' method of gradually revealing profound doctrines t |
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Luke 6:17-19. a Multitude of People Healed by Touching Christ. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the compassion and power of Jesus as witnessed in the healing of the sick and suffering, emphasizing the love that drove Him to welcome and relie |