Ezekiel 18:10 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 18:10 mean?

Ezekiel 18:10 describes a situation where a man’s son grows up to become a violent criminal, specifically a robber and a killer, doing the same kinds of wrong things that are being discussed in this section. The verse is setting up an example for a discussion about personal responsibility for sin.

In this part of the book, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Israel, who are in exile. The people had a common saying that children suffer for their parents’ sins, but God is challenging that idea. Ezekiel 18:10 introduces a case where a good man’s son chooses to do evil, showing that each person is judged by their own actions, not their family’s.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 18:10

• "beget" (יָלַד, yalad): This word means to father or bring forth a child. The verse is emphasizing the relationship between generations, which is important for the argument about individual responsibility.
• "robber" (פָּרִיץ, parits): This word refers to a violent person, often a bandit or someone who breaks the law forcefully. It highlights the seriousness of the son’s actions.
• "shedder" (שָׁפַךְ, shafakh) and "blood" (דָּם, dam): Together, these words mean someone who commits murder or causes bloodshed, showing the gravity of the crimes being described.
• "doeth" (עָשָׂה, asah): This is a common word for doing or making, but here it stresses that the son is actively choosing these actions.
• "like" (אַח, ach): This word can mean "like" or "any one of," connecting the son’s behavior to the specific wrongs listed in the surrounding verses.

Why Ezekiel 18:10 matters

• Ezekiel 18:10 helps correct the misunderstanding that children are automatically guilty for their parents’ sins or that family history determines one’s fate.
• The verse sets up a key teaching in the chapter: each person is responsible for their own choices, regardless of their family background.
• By describing such a clear contrast between generations, Ezekiel 18:10 prepares the reader for the following verses, which explain how God judges each individual fairly.