Ezekiel 18:16
New International Version
He does not oppress anyone or require a pledge for a loan. He does not commit robbery but gives his food to the hungry and provides clothing for the naked.

New Living Translation
He does not exploit the poor, but instead is fair to debtors and does not rob them. He gives food to the hungry and provides clothes for the needy.

English Standard Version
does not oppress anyone, exacts no pledge, commits no robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment,

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
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,

New King James Version
Has not oppressed anyone, Nor withheld a pledge, Nor robbed by violence, But has given his bread to the hungry And covered the naked with clothing;

New American Standard Bible
nor oppressed anyone, nor retained a pledge, nor committed robbery; instead, he gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing,

NASB 1995
or oppress anyone, or retain a pledge, or commit robbery, but he gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing,

NASB 1977
or oppress anyone, or retain a pledge, or commit robbery, but he gives his bread to the hungry, and covers the naked with clothing,

Legacy Standard Bible
or mistreat anyone, or retain a pledge or commit robbery, but he gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing;

Amplified Bible
or oppress anyone, or take anything in pledge, or commit robbery, but he gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing,

Christian Standard Bible
He doesn’t oppress anyone, hold collateral, or commit robbery. He gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He doesn’t oppress anyone, hold collateral, or commit robbery. He gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.

American Standard Version
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;

Contemporary English Version
He never cheats or robs anyone and doesn't even demand security for a loan. He gives food and clothes to the poor

English Revised Version
neither hath wronged any, hath not taken aught to pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He doesn't oppress anyone. He doesn't keep the security for a loan. He doesn't rob anyone. He gives food to people who are hungry, and he gives clothes to those who are naked.

Good News Translation
or oppress anyone or rob anyone. He returns what a borrower gives him as security. He feeds the hungry and gives clothing to the naked.

International Standard Version
doesn't oppress anyone, doesn't take possession of a debtor's pledge, or doesn't steal, but instead shares his food with the hungry, gives clothes to those who are naked,

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
does not oppress anyone or keep what has been given in pledge, does not commit robbery, gives his food to the hungry, and clothes the naked,

New Heart English Bible
neither has wronged any, has not taken anything to pledge, neither has taken by robbery, but has given his bread to the hungry, and has covered the naked with a garment;

Webster's Bible Translation
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,

World English Bible
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;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
He has not oppressed a man, "" He has not bound a pledge, "" And he has not taken away plunder, "" He has given his bread to the hungry, "" And he covered the naked with a garment,

Young's Literal Translation
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,

Smith's Literal Translation
And not oppressing a man, not binding the pledge, and not stripping off plunder, giving his bread to him hungry, and clothing the naked with a garment.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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:

Catholic Public Domain Version
and who has not grieved any man, nor withheld the collateral, nor seized by violence, but instead has given his bread to the hungry, and has covered the naked with a garment,

New American Bible
who does not oppress anyone, or exact a pledge, or commit robbery; who gives his food to the hungry and clothes the naked;

New Revised Standard Version
does not wrong anyone, exacts no pledge, commits no robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Oppresses no man, takes no pledge from any one, extorts no one, but shall give his bread to the hungry and cover the naked with a garment;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Neither will he cheat a man, nor take away the security of a man, nor do harm, and he will give bread to the hungry and he will clothe the naked
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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,

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and has not oppressed a man, and has not retained the pledge, nor committed robbery, has given his bread to the hungry, and has clothed the naked,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Proverb about Israel
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.…

Cross References
Matthew 25:35-36
For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’

Isaiah 58:6-7
Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / 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?

James 1:27
Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Proverbs 19:17
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

Luke 10:33-34
But a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, and when he saw him, he had compassion. / He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”

Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Deuteronomy 15:7-8
If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. / Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs.

Luke 6:36
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Job 31:16-20
If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail, / if I have eaten my morsel alone, not sharing it with the fatherless— / though from my youth I reared him as would a father, and from my mother’s womb I guided the widow— ...

Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

1 John 3:17-18
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.

Psalm 82:3-4
Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. / Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.

Romans 12:13
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Hebrews 13:16
And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.


Treasury of Scripture

Neither has oppressed any, has not withheld the pledge, neither has spoiled by violence, but has given his bread to the hungry, and has covered the naked with a garment,

withholden the pledge.

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;

but hath

Job 22:7
Thou hast not given water to the weary to drink, and thou hast withholden bread from the hungry.

Job 31:19
If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;

Proverbs 22:9
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

Jump to Previous
Aught Bread Clothing Commit Commits Covered Covers Debt Exacts Exercised Food Force Garment Gives Goods Hungry Loan Naked Need Oppress Oppressed Pledge Provides Require Retain Robbery Spoiled Stripped Violence Withheld Withholden Wronged
Jump to Next
Aught Bread Clothing Commit Commits Covered Covers Debt Exacts Exercised Food Force Garment Gives Goods Hungry Loan Naked Need Oppress Oppressed Pledge Provides Require Retain Robbery Spoiled Stripped Violence Withheld Withholden Wronged
Ezekiel 18
1. God defends his justice
31. and exhorts to repentance














He does not oppress another
This phrase emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in interpersonal relationships. In the context of ancient Israel, oppression often involved exploiting the poor or vulnerable, contrary to the Mosaic Law, which called for justice and care for the marginalized (Exodus 22:21-24). The prophets frequently condemned oppression, highlighting God's concern for the downtrodden (Isaiah 1:17). This reflects God's character as just and compassionate, and it foreshadows the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized love and justice (Matthew 23:23).

or retain a pledge
In ancient times, a pledge was a form of collateral for a loan. The Law of Moses provided specific instructions regarding pledges, such as returning a poor man's cloak by sunset (Exodus 22:26-27; Deuteronomy 24:12-13). This ensured that the dignity and basic needs of the borrower were respected. The refusal to retain a pledge unjustly demonstrates integrity and compassion, aligning with the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor (Leviticus 19:18).

or commit robbery
Robbery, the unlawful taking of another's property, was strictly prohibited in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:15). This phrase underscores the importance of respecting others' rights and property. The prophets often rebuked Israel for such injustices, which were symptomatic of a broader societal decay (Micah 2:2). This call to honesty and respect for others' possessions is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are urged to live righteously (Ephesians 4:28).

He gives his bread to the hungry
Providing for the hungry is a recurring biblical theme, reflecting God's heart for the needy (Isaiah 58:7). In the ancient Near East, hospitality and sharing food were vital cultural practices. This act of generosity is a tangible expression of love and obedience to God's commands (Proverbs 22:9). Jesus exemplified this by feeding the multitudes (Matthew 14:13-21) and teaching His followers to care for the least of these (Matthew 25:35).

and covers the naked with clothing
Clothing the naked is another expression of compassion and justice. In biblical times, clothing was a basic necessity, and providing it was a sign of mercy and righteousness (Job 31:19-20). This act is part of the broader biblical mandate to care for the poor and vulnerable. Jesus' parable of the sheep and the goats highlights the importance of such deeds as evidence of true faith (Matthew 25:36). This reflects God's provision and care, as seen in His covering of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet in the Old Testament who conveyed God's messages to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. His prophecies often focused on individual responsibility and the need for personal righteousness.

2. Israelites
The people of Israel, who were in exile in Babylon at the time of Ezekiel's prophecies. They were being called to repentance and personal accountability for their actions.

3. Babylon
The place of exile for the Israelites, representing a period of judgment and reflection for the nation of Israel.
Teaching Points
Personal Responsibility
Each individual is accountable for their actions. Ezekiel 18:16 highlights the importance of personal righteousness and integrity in our dealings with others.

Compassion and Justice
The verse calls believers to act justly and compassionately, restoring what is owed and providing for those in need. This reflects God's heart for justice and mercy.

Practical Love
True love for others is demonstrated through tangible actions, such as feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. This is a call to live out our faith in practical ways.

Repentance and Change
The context of Ezekiel 18 encourages turning away from sin and embracing a life that honors God through righteous actions.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

oppress
הוֹנָ֔ה (hō·w·nāh)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3238: To rage, be violent, to suppress, to maltreat

another,
וְאִישׁ֙ (wə·’îš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

or retain
חָבָ֔ל (ḥā·ḇāl)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2254: To wind tightly, to bind, a pledge, to pervert, destroy, to writhe in pain

a pledge,
חֲבֹל֙ (ḥă·ḇōl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2258: A pledge

or commit
גָזָ֑ל (ḡā·zāl)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1497: To pluck off, to flay, strip, rob

robbery.
וּגְזֵלָ֖ה (ū·ḡə·zê·lāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1500: Robbery, plunder

He gives
נָתָ֔ן (nā·ṯān)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

his bread
לַחְמוֹ֙ (laḥ·mōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain

to the hungry
לְרָעֵ֣ב (lə·rā·‘êḇ)
Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7457: Hungry

and covers
כִּסָּה־ (kis·sāh-)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3680: To plump, fill up hollows, to cover

the naked
וְעֵר֖וֹם (wə·‘ê·rō·wm)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5903: Naked, nakedness

with clothing.
בָֽגֶד׃ (ḇā·ḡeḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 899: A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 18:16 Neither has wronged any has not taken (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 18:15
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