Ezekiel 18:2
“What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?”
Ezekiel 18:2 in 7 translations
- KJVKing James Version
- What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?
- DRADouay–Rheims
- That you use among you this parable as a proverb in the land of Israel, saying: The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the teeth of the children are set on edge.
- ASVAmerican Standard Version
- What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?
- DARBYDarby
- What mean ye, ye who use this proverb of the land of Israel, saying, The fathers eat sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?
- WEBThe World English Bible
- What do you mean, that you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?
- YLTYoung's Literal Translation
- What ; to you, ye ; using this simile Concerning the ground of Israel, saying: Fathers do eat unripe fruit, And the sons' teeth are blunted?
- BPVBiblePics Version
- What do you mean by using this proverb in the land of Israel: "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?"
Context: Ezekiel 18
1The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying,
2What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?
3As I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel.
4Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
About Ezekiel 18: Responsibility for One's Own Actions
In Ezekiel chapter 18, the prophet emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility for one's actions. He refutes the notion that children inherit the guilt or righteousness of their parents and emphasizes that every person is accountable for their own choices, both good and bad. God desires that the wicked turn from their ways and live, and that the righteous not become complacent in their obedience.
Commentary
Ezekiel's message is a powerful reminder of the importance of personal responsibility and the potential for change. We live in a society where blame-shifting is common and people often try to deflect accountability onto others. Ezekiel rejects this mindset and emphasizes that each individual must take ownership of their actions. Furthermore, he stresses that it is never too late to turn from wickedness and pursue righteousness. Ultimately, this chapter serves as a call to action for each of us to examine our own lives and take responsibility for our choices.