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,

EZEKIEL 18:16KJV
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Ezekiel 18:16 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 18:16 mean?

Ezekiel 18:16 describes a person who acts justly and compassionately, refusing to oppress others, not taking or keeping what belongs to someone else, and instead providing food to the hungry and clothing to those in need. The verse lists positive actions that show care for others and respect for what is right.

In the book of Ezekiel, God is speaking through the prophet to the people of Israel, explaining what it means to live righteously. This verse is part of a larger section where God clarifies that each person is responsible for their own actions. The verse highlights practical examples of justice and mercy, showing that true righteousness involves both avoiding harm and actively helping those in need.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 18:16

  • "Oppressed" (יָנָה, yanah) means to mistreat or take advantage of someone. The verse stresses that the righteous person does not use their power to harm others.
  • "Withholden the pledge" (חָבַל, chaval; חֲבֹלָה, chavalah) refers to not keeping something given as security for a loan, especially when it would harm the poor. This shows sensitivity to the needs of others.
  • "Spoiled by violence" (גָּזַל, gazal; חָמָס, chamas) means taking something by force or unjust means. The verse points out that the righteous person avoids any form of theft or exploitation.
  • "Given his bread to the hungry" (נָתַן, natan; לֶחֶם, lechem; רָעֵב, raev) and "covered the naked with a garment" (כָּסָה, kasah; עֵירֹם, erom; בֶּגֶד, beged) both highlight active generosity—meeting basic human needs for food and clothing.

Why Ezekiel 18:16 matters

  • Ezekiel 18:16 clears up the misunderstanding that righteousness is only about avoiding wrongdoing; it also includes positive acts of kindness and generosity.
  • The verse emphasizes individual responsibility, showing that each person’s choices—both what they refuse to do and what they choose to do—matter to God.
  • In the context of Ezekiel 18, this verse helps explain that God judges each person fairly, based on their own actions, not the actions of their parents or children.

Where else these words appear

“pledge” Hebrew H2258 · used in 4 verses

  • 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;
  • Ezekiel 18:12 Hath 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 33:15 If 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.

“violence” Hebrew H1500 · used in 6 verses

  • Leviticus 6:4 Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found,
  • Isaiah 3:14 The LORD will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people, and the princes thereof: for ye have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses.
  • Ezekiel 18:12 Hath 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,

“naked” Hebrew H5903 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
  • Deuteronomy 28:48 Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee.
  • Ezekiel 16:39 And I will also give thee into their hand, and they shall throw down thine eminent place, and shall break down thy high places: they shall strip thee also of thy clothes, and shall take thy fair jewels, and leave thee naked and bare.

“oppressed” Hebrew H3238 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 22:21 Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
  • Psalms 123:4 Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.
  • 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;