Ezekiel 18:20
The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Ezekiel 18:20 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from Ezekiel 18:20 emphasizes personal responsibility for one's actions and the consequences that follow. It teaches that each individual is accountable for their own sins and cannot be held responsible for the sins of their parents, children, or any other family member. This principle underscores the importance of free will and the power of choice in determining one's own destiny. The verse also highlights the concept of individual righteousness and wickedness, stating that the righteous will be rewarded for their good deeds, while the wicked will bear the consequences of their evil actions. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder that each person must take ownership of their behavior and strive to live a life of moral integrity in order to receive the blessings of righteousness.
Theological Overview
One important theological interpretation of this verse is the concept of individual responsibility for sin. The verse emphasizes that each person is accountable for their own actions, and that guilt is not transferable from one individual to another. This principle highlights the idea of personal agency and the importance of individual choices in shaping one's destiny. The verse also underscores the notion of divine justice, as it states that both the righteousness and wickedness of a person will ultimately be attributed to them. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of one's actions and the role of accountability in the divine plan. This verse encourages self-reflection and accountability, reminding individuals of the importance of living in accordance with righteousness.
Ezekiel 18:20 in other translations
American Standard Version
The soul that sinneth, it shall die: the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
World English Bible
The soul who sins, he shall die: the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be on him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be on him.
Douay-Rheims
The soul that sinneth, the same shall die: the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, and the father shall not bear the iniquity of the son: the justice of the just shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The same soule that sinneth, shall die: the sonne shall not beare the iniquitie of the father, neither shall the father beare the iniquitie of the sonne, but the righteousnes of the righteous shall be vpon him, and the wickednesse of the wicked shall be vpon him selfe.