Ezekiel 18:29
“Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal?”
Ezekiel 18:29 in 7 translations
- KJVKing James Version
- Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal?
- DRADouay–Rheims
- And the children of Israel say: The way of the Lord is not right. Are not my ways right, O house of Israel, and are not rather your ways perverse?
- ASVAmerican Standard Version
- Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal?
- DARBYDarby
- But the house of Israel say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? Is it not your ways that are unequal?
- WEBThe World English Bible
- Yet says the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. house of Israel, are not my ways equal? Aren't your ways unequal?
- YLTYoung's Literal Translation
- And the house of Israel have said, Not pondered is the way of the Lord, My ways ; are they not pondered? O house of Israel ; are not your ways unpondered?
- BPVBiblePics Version
- Yet the house of Israel says, "The way of the Lord is not fair." O house of Israel, are not my ways fair? Are not your ways unfair?
Context: Ezekiel 18
27Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.
28Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
29Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal?
30Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
31Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
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.