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Ezekiel 18:19

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

But you're still asking, 'Wait, why doesn't the son pay for what his dad did wrong?' Listen, when someone chooses to do what's right and good, follows my ways, and actually lives them out, they're going to be okay.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

You're not stuck with your parents' mistakes, your choices are what count.

📚 Historical Context

During the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BC, the prophet Ezekiel was addressing the exiled Israelites who were questioning why they were suffering, often blaming it on the sins of their ancestors. This verse responds to a common proverb among the people that suggested children were punished for their fathers' wrongdoing, emphasizing instead God's principle of individual accountability. Ezekiel's message was meant to encourage personal repentance and righteous living rather than fatalistic resignation to inherited guilt.

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