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The righteousness of the righteous man will fall upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked man will fall upon him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezekiel/18-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/26_Ezk_18_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezekiel 18:20 - The Soul who Sins will Die" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son. 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The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them. <a href="/nlt/ezekiel/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> The person who sins is the one who will die. The child will not be punished for the parent’s sins, and the parent will not be punished for the child’s sins. Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behavior, and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness. <a href="/esv/ezekiel/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. <a href="/bsb/ezekiel/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will fall upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked man will fall upon him. <a href="/kjv/ezekiel/18.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/ezekiel/18.htm">New King James Version</a> The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. <a href="/nasb_/ezekiel/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The person who sins will die. A son will not suffer the punishment for the father’s guilt, nor will a father suffer the punishment for the son’s guilt; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself. <a href="/nasb/ezekiel/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220The person who sins will die. The son will not bear the punishment for the father&#8217s iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son&#8217s iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself. <a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “The person who sins will die. The son will not bear the punishment for the father’s iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son’s iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself. <a href="/lsb/ezekiel/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> The soul who sins will die. The son will not bear the iniquity of the father, nor will the father bear the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself. <a href="/amp/ezekiel/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The person who sins [is the one that] will die. The son will not bear the punishment for the sin of the father, nor will the father bear the punishment for the sin of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be on himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be on himself. <a href="/csb/ezekiel/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The person who sins is the one who will die. A son won’t suffer punishment for the father’s iniquity, and a father won’t suffer punishment for the son’s iniquity. The righteousness of the righteous person will be on him, and the wickedness of the wicked person will be on him. <a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The person who sins is the one who will die. A son won&#8217t suffer punishment for the father&#8217s iniquity, and a father won&#8217t suffer punishment for the son&#8217s iniquity. The righteousness of the righteous person will be on him, and the wickedness of the wicked person will be on him.&#8221 <a href="/asv/ezekiel/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/ezekiel/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Only those who sin will be put to death. Children won't suffer for the sins of their parents, and parents won't suffer for the sins of their children. Good people will be rewarded for what they do, and evil people will be punished for what they do. <a href="/erv/ezekiel/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/ezekiel/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The person who sins will die. A son will not be punished for his father's sins, and a father will not be punished for his son's sins. The righteousness of the righteous person will be his own, and the wickedness of the wicked person will be his own. <a href="/gnt/ezekiel/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> It is the one who sins who will die. A son is not to suffer because of his father's sins, nor a father because of the sins of his son. Good people will be rewarded for doing good, and evil people will suffer for the evil they do. <a href="/isv/ezekiel/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> The soul who sins dies. The son won't bear the punishment of his father's sin and the father won't bear the punishment of his son's sin. The righteous deeds of that righteous person will be attributed to him, while the wicked deeds of the wicked person will be charged against him. <a href="/msb/ezekiel/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will fall upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked man will fall upon him. <a href="/net/ezekiel/18.htm">NET Bible</a> The person who sins is the one who will die. A son will not suffer for his father's iniquity, and a father will not suffer for his son's iniquity; the righteous person will be judged according to his righteousness, and the wicked person according to his wickedness. <a href="/nheb/ezekiel/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 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. <a href="/wbt/ezekiel/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/web/ezekiel/18.htm">World English Bible</a> 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. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ezekiel/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> The soul that sins—it dies. A son does not bear of the iniquity of the father, "" And a father does not bear of the iniquity of the son, "" The righteousness of the righteous is on him, "" And the wickedness of the wicked is on him. <a href="/ylt/ezekiel/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> The soul that doth sin -- it doth die. A son doth not bear of the iniquity of the father, And a father doth not bear of the iniquity of the son, The righteousness of the righteous is on him, And the wickedness of the wicked is on him. <a href="/slt/ezekiel/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> The soul sinning, it shall die. The son shall not bear for the iniquity of the father, and the father shall not bear for the iniquity of the son: the justice of the just one shall be upon him, and the injustice of the unjust one shall be upon him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ezekiel/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> The soul that sins, 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 man shall be upon himself, but the impiety of the impious man shall be upon himself. <a href="/nabre/ezekiel/18.htm">New American Bible</a> Only the one who sins shall die. The son shall not be charged with the guilt of his father, nor shall the father be charged with the guilt of his son. Justice belongs to the just, and wickedness to the wicked. <a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The person who sins shall die. A child shall not suffer for the iniquity of a parent, nor a parent suffer for the iniquity of a child; the righteousness of the righteous shall be his own, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be his own.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ezekiel/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> The soul that sins, that soul shall die. The son shall not bear the sins of his father, neither shall the father bear the sins of his son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. <a href="/hpbt/ezekiel/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> The soul of the sinner, that shall die. A son shall not be paid for the sins of his father, neither shall the father be paid for the sins of his son. The innocence of the innocent shall be upon him, and the sin of a sinner will be upon him<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ezekiel/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> The soul that sinneth, it shall die; the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father with him, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son with him; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. <a href="/sep/ezekiel/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> But the soul that sins shall die: and the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, nor shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the iniquity of the transgressor shall be upon him. <a href="/parallel/ezekiel/18-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vET3Gmwku4s?start=4680" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/18.htm">The Soul who Sins will Die</a> 19Yet you may ask, ‘Why shouldn’t the son bear the iniquity of his father?’ Since the son has done what is just and right, carefully observing all My statutes, he will surely live. 20<a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: han·ne·p̄eš (Art:: N-fs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">The soul</a> <a href="/hebrew/2398.htm" title="2398: ha·ḥō·ṭêṯ (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-fs) -- A primitive root; properly, to miss; hence to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn.">who sins</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">is the one who</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: ṯā·mūṯ (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">will die.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bên (N-ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">A son</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: yiś·śā (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">bear</a> <a href="/hebrew/5771.htm" title="5771: ba·‘ă·wōn (Prep-b:: N-csc) -- Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity. Or oavown; from avah; perversity, i.e. evil.">the iniquity</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: hā·’āḇ (Art:: N-ms) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">of his father,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: wə·’āḇ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">and a father</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: yiś·śā (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">bear</a> <a href="/hebrew/5771.htm" title="5771: ba·‘ă·wōn (Prep-b:: N-csc) -- Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity. Or oavown; from avah; perversity, i.e. evil.">the iniquity</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: hab·bên (Art:: N-ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">of his son.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6666.htm" title="6666: ṣiḏ·qaṯ (N-fsc) -- Righteousness. From tsadaq; rightness, subjectively, objectively, morally or figuratively.">The righteousness</a> <a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: haṣ·ṣad·dîq (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">of the righteous man</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: tih·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">will fall</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">upon him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7564.htm" title="7564: wə·riš·‘aṯ (Conj-w:: N-fsc) -- Wickedness. Feminine of resha'; wrong.">and the wickedness</a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rå̄·šå̄ʿ (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">of the wicked man</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: tih·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">will fall</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">upon him.</a> 21But if the wicked man turns from all the sins he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/deuteronomy/24-16.htm">Deuteronomy 24:16</a> Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin. <a href="/jeremiah/31-29.htm">Jeremiah 31:29-30</a> “In those days, it will no longer be said: ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the teeth of the children are set on edge.’ / Instead, each will die for his own iniquity. If anyone eats the sour grapes, his own teeth will be set on edge. <a href="/2_kings/14-6.htm">2 Kings 14:6</a> Yet he did not put the sons of the murderers to death, but acted according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, where the LORD commanded: “Fathers must not be put to death for their children, and children must not be put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin.” <a href="/2_chronicles/25-4.htm">2 Chronicles 25:4</a> Yet he did not put their sons to death, but acted according to what is written in the Law, in the Book of Moses, where the LORD commanded: “Fathers must not be put to death for their children, and children must not be put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin.” <a href="/romans/6-23.htm">Romans 6:23</a> For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. <a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7-8</a> Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. <a href="/proverbs/9-12.htm">Proverbs 9:12</a> If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences. <a href="/job/19-4.htm">Job 19:4</a> Even if I have truly gone astray, my error concerns me alone. <a href="/isaiah/3-10.htm">Isaiah 3:10-11</a> Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor. / Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done. <a href="/matthew/16-27.htm">Matthew 16:27</a> For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done. <a href="/romans/2-6.htm">Romans 2:6-9</a> God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” / To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. / But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/3-8.htm">1 Corinthians 3:8</a> He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. <a href="/revelation/20-12.htm">Revelation 20:12-13</a> And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And books were opened, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books. / The sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead, and each one was judged according to his deeds. <a href="/john/9-2.htm">John 9:2-3</a> and His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” / Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God would be displayed in him. <a href="/numbers/16-22.htm">Numbers 16:22</a> But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and said, “O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the whole congregation?”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>The soul that sins, 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 on him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be on him.soul that<a href="/ezekiel/18-4.htm">Ezekiel 18:4,13</a> Behold, 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… <a href="/deuteronomy/24-16.htm">Deuteronomy 24:16</a> The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.<a href="/1_kings/14-13.htm">1 Kings 14:13</a> And all Israel shall mourn for him, and bury him: for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found some good thing toward the LORD God of Israel in the house of Jeroboam.bear<a href="/ezekiel/4-4.htm">Ezekiel 4:4</a> Lie thou also upon thy left side, and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel upon it: according to the number of the days that thou shalt lie upon it thou shalt bear their iniquity.<a href="/leviticus/5-1.htm">Leviticus 5:1,17</a> And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity… <a href="/leviticus/10-17.htm">Leviticus 10:17</a> Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin offering in the holy place, seeing it is most holy, and God hath given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the LORD?righteousness<a href="/ezekiel/18-30.htm">Ezekiel 18:30</a> Therefore 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.<a href="/ezekiel/33-10.htm">Ezekiel 33:10</a> Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live?<a href="/1_kings/8-32.htm">1 Kings 8:32</a> Then hear thou in heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/18-19.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-17.htm">Charged</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Credited</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-18.htm">Death</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-18.htm">Die</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-18.htm">Evil-Doing</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-17.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-19.htm">Guilt</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-19.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-19.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-1.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-9.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-19.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-19.htm">Share</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-18.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-4.htm">Sinneth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-14.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/jeremiah/27-7.htm">Son's</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-4.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-19.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-9.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-27.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-57.htm">Wickedness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/19-11.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/daniel/8-4.htm">Charged</a> <a href="/romans/2-26.htm">Credited</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-21.htm">Death</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-21.htm">Die</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-31.htm">Evil-Doing</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-11.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-23.htm">Guilt</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-24.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-25.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-1.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-22.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-21.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/amos/7-1.htm">Share</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-24.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/ezekiel/33-12.htm">Sinneth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-21.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/ezekiel/37-25.htm">Son's</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-27.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-49.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-26.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-21.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-27.htm">Wickedness</a><div class="vheading2">Ezekiel 18</div>1. <a href="/ezekiel/18-1.htm">God defends his justice</a> 31. <a href="/ezekiel/18-31.htm">and exhorts to repentance</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezekiel/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The soul who sins is the one who will die. This phrase emphasizes individual responsibility for sin, a key theme in Ezekiel's message. In the context of the Babylonian exile, many Israelites believed they were suffering for the sins of their ancestors. Ezekiel refutes this, asserting that each person is accountable for their own actions. This principle aligns with <a href="/deuteronomy/24-16.htm">Deuteronomy 24:16</a>, which states that children should not be put to death for their parents' sins. Theologically, this underscores the justice of God, who judges each person based on their own deeds. It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching in <a href="/romans/6-23.htm">Romans 6:23</a>, where the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, This phrase highlights the shift from collective to individual responsibility. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, family and tribal identity often dictated one's fate, but Ezekiel emphasizes personal accountability. This is a radical departure from the generational curses mentioned in <a href="/exodus/20-5.htm">Exodus 20:5</a>, showing a development in the understanding of justice. It also reflects God's fairness and mercy, ensuring that each person has the opportunity to repent and seek righteousness without being burdened by their ancestors' sins.and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son. Here, the principle of individual responsibility is further reinforced. This phrase assures that parents are not held accountable for their children's sins, promoting a sense of personal moral agency. It reflects the fairness of God's judgment, as seen in <a href="/jeremiah/31-29.htm">Jeremiah 31:29-30</a>, where it is stated that everyone will die for their own sin. This teaching encourages personal repentance and transformation, aligning with the New Testament call for individuals to turn to Christ for salvation.The righteousness of the righteous man will fall upon him, This phrase affirms that righteousness is rewarded on an individual basis. In the historical context, this was a message of hope for the exiled Israelites, encouraging them to pursue personal holiness despite their circumstances. It connects to the broader biblical theme that God rewards those who seek Him, as seen in <a href="/psalms/1-6.htm">Psalm 1:6</a> and <a href="/matthew/5-6.htm">Matthew 5:6</a>. This principle also points to the ultimate righteousness found in Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and offers His righteousness to believers.and the wickedness of the wicked man will fall upon him. This final phrase underscores the certainty of divine justice. Wickedness leads to consequences, reinforcing the idea that each person is responsible for their own actions. This is consistent with the biblical teaching that God is just and will not let the guilty go unpunished, as seen in <a href="/nahum/1-3.htm">Nahum 1:3</a>. It serves as a warning to turn from sin and seek God's mercy, which is fully revealed in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who offers forgiveness and new life to those who repent and believe.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/ezekiel.htm">Ezekiel</a> 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 repentance. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The original audience of Ezekiel's message, who were in exile in Babylon due to their collective disobedience to God. 3. <a href="/topical/b/babylon.htm">Babylon</a> The place of exile for the Israelites, representing a period of judgment and reflection for the nation. 4. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The ultimate judge who communicates through Ezekiel, emphasizing personal accountability for sin. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_soul.htm">The Soul</a> Refers to the individual person, highlighting the personal nature of sin and righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/p/personal_responsibility.htm">Personal Responsibility</a> Each individual is accountable for their own actions. This principle encourages self-examination and personal repentance. <a href="/topical/g/generational_sin.htm">Generational Sin</a> While generational influences exist, each person is responsible for their own choices. This liberates individuals from the fatalism of inherited guilt. <a href="/topical/r/righteousness_and_wickedness.htm">Righteousness and Wickedness</a> Righteousness and wickedness are personal attributes. One cannot rely on the righteousness of others for salvation, nor be condemned by the wickedness of others. <a href="/topical/d/divine_justice.htm">Divine Justice</a> God's justice is fair and impartial. He judges each person based on their own deeds, not the deeds of their ancestors or descendants. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_redemption.htm">Repentance and Redemption</a> The opportunity for repentance is always present. Individuals can choose to turn from wickedness and pursue righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezekiel_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 18</a> <a href="/q/did_israel_practice_individual_accountability.htm">Ezekiel 18 – Does any historical or archaeological evidence indicate that Israel ever fully practiced individual accountability rather than communal guilt? </a> <a href="/q/father's_past_actions'_effects.htm">What are the consequences of a father's past actions?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_ezekiel_18_20_with_exodus_20_5.htm">Ezekiel 18:20 – If individuals alone bear their own guilt, how do we reconcile this with Exodus 20:5, which speaks of generational punishment? </a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_individualism_vs._collectivism.htm">What does the Bible say about individualism and collectivism?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a> <a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/18-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>The soul הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ (han·ne·p̄eš) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion who sins הַחֹטֵ֖את (ha·ḥō·ṭêṯ) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn is the one who הִ֣יא (hî) Pronoun - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are will die. תָמ֑וּת (ṯā·mūṯ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill A son בֵּ֞ן (bên) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son will not לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no bear יִשָּׂ֣א ׀ (yiś·śā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> To lift, carry, take the iniquity בַּעֲוֺ֣ן (ba·‘ă·wōn) Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5771.htm">Strong's 5771: </a> Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity of the father, הָאָ֗ב (hā·’āḇ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father and a father וְאָב֙ (wə·’āḇ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father will not לֹ֤א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no bear יִשָּׂא֙ (yiś·śā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> To lift, carry, take the iniquity בַּעֲוֺ֣ן (ba·‘ă·wōn) Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5771.htm">Strong's 5771: </a> Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity of the son. הַבֵּ֔ן (hab·bên) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son The righteousness צִדְקַ֤ת (ṣiḏ·qaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6666.htm">Strong's 6666: </a> Rightness, subjectively, objectively of the righteous man הַצַּדִּיק֙ (haṣ·ṣad·dîq) Article | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6662.htm">Strong's 6662: </a> Just, righteous will fall תִּֽהְיֶ֔ה (tih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be upon him, עָלָ֣יו (‘ā·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against and the wickedness וְרִשְׁעַ֥ת (wə·riš·‘aṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7564.htm">Strong's 7564: </a> Wickedness of the wicked man הָרָשָׁ֖ע (hā·rā·šā‘) Article | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> Wrong, an, bad person will fall תִּֽהְיֶֽה׃ (tih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be upon him. עָלָ֥יו (‘ā·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/18-20.htm">Ezekiel 18:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ezekiel/18-20.htm">Ezekiel 18:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ezekiel/18-20.htm">Ezekiel 18:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ezekiel/18-20.htm">Ezekiel 18:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ezekiel/18-20.htm">Ezekiel 18:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/18-20.htm">Ezekiel 18:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/18-20.htm">Ezekiel 18:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/18-20.htm">Ezekiel 18:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/18-20.htm">Ezekiel 18:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ezekiel/18-20.htm">Ezekiel 18:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-20.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 18:20 The soul who sins he shall die: (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/18-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 18:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 18:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/18-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 18:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 18:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>