Ezekiel 18:16
New International Version
He does not oppress anyone or require a pledge for a loan. He does not commit robbery but gives his food to the hungry and provides clothing for the naked.

New Living Translation
He does not exploit the poor, but instead is fair to debtors and does not rob them. He gives food to the hungry and provides clothes for the needy.

English Standard Version
does not oppress anyone, exacts no pledge, commits no robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment,

Berean Standard Bible
He does not oppress another, or retain a pledge, or commit robbery. He gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.

Berean Literal Bible
and he has not oppressed a man; he has not withheld a pledge with violence he has not robbed; he has given his bread to the hungry and the naked he has covered with clothing;

King James Bible
Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment,

New King James Version
Has not oppressed anyone, Nor withheld a pledge, Nor robbed by violence, But has given his bread to the hungry And covered the naked with clothing;

New American Standard Bible
nor oppressed anyone, nor retained a pledge, nor committed robbery; instead, he gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing,

NASB 1995
or oppress anyone, or retain a pledge, or commit robbery, but he gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing,

NASB 1977
or oppress anyone, or retain a pledge, or commit robbery, but he gives his bread to the hungry, and covers the naked with clothing,

Legacy Standard Bible
or mistreat anyone, or retain a pledge or commit robbery, but he gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing;

Amplified Bible
or oppress anyone, or take anything in pledge, or commit robbery, but he gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing,

Berean Annotated Bible
He does not oppress another, or retain a pledge, or commit robbery. He gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.

Christian Standard Bible
He doesn’t oppress anyone, hold collateral, or commit robbery. He gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He doesn’t oppress anyone, hold collateral, or commit robbery. He gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.

American Standard Version
neither hath wronged any, hath not taken aught to pledge, neither hath taken by robbery, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;

Contemporary English Version
He never cheats or robs anyone and doesn't even demand security for a loan. He gives food and clothes to the poor

English Revised Version
neither hath wronged any, hath not taken aught to pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He doesn't oppress anyone. He doesn't keep the security for a loan. He doesn't rob anyone. He gives food to people who are hungry, and he gives clothes to those who are naked.

Good News Translation
or oppress anyone or rob anyone. He returns what a borrower gives him as security. He feeds the hungry and gives clothing to the naked.

International Standard Version
doesn't oppress anyone, doesn't take possession of a debtor's pledge, or doesn't steal, but instead shares his food with the hungry, gives clothes to those who are naked,

NET Bible
does not oppress anyone or keep what has been given in pledge, does not commit robbery, gives his food to the hungry, and clothes the naked,

New Heart English Bible
neither has wronged any, has not taken anything to pledge, neither has taken by robbery, but has given his bread to the hungry, and has covered the naked with a garment;

Webster's Bible Translation
Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withheld the pledge, neither hath stripped by violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
He does not oppress another, or retain a pledge, or commit robbery. He gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.

World English Bible
hasn’t wronged any, hasn’t taken anything to pledge, hasn’t taken by robbery, but has given his bread to the hungry, and has covered the naked with a garment;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
He has not oppressed a man, "" He has not bound a pledge, "" And he has not taken away plunder, "" He has given his bread to the hungry, "" And he covered the naked with a garment,

Berean Literal Bible
and he has not oppressed a man; he has not withheld a pledge with violence he has not robbed; he has given his bread to the hungry and the naked he has covered with clothing;

Young's Literal Translation
A man -- he hath not oppressed, A pledge he hath not bound, And plunder he hath not taken away, His bread to the hungry he hath given, And the naked he covered with a garment,

Smith's Literal Translation
And not oppressing a man, not binding the pledge, and not stripping off plunder, giving his bread to him hungry, and clothing the naked with a garment.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And hath not grieved any man, nor withholden the pledge, nor taken away with violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and covered the naked with a garment:

Catholic Public Domain Version
and who has not grieved any man, nor withheld the collateral, nor seized by violence, but instead has given his bread to the hungry, and has covered the naked with a garment,

New American Bible
who does not oppress anyone, or exact a pledge, or commit robbery; who gives his food to the hungry and clothes the naked;

New Revised Standard Version
does not wrong anyone, exacts no pledge, commits no robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Oppresses no man, takes no pledge from any one, extorts no one, but shall give his bread to the hungry and cover the naked with a garment;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Neither will he cheat a man, nor take away the security of a man, nor do harm, and he will give bread to the hungry and he will clothe the naked
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
neither hath wronged any, hath not taken aught to pledge, neither hath taken by robbery, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment,

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and has not oppressed a man, and has not retained the pledge, nor committed robbery, has given his bread to the hungry, and has clothed the naked,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Proverb about Israel
15He does not eat at the mountain or look to the idols of the house of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor’s wife. 16He does not oppress another, or retain a pledge, or commit robbery. He gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing. 17He withholds his hand from harming the poor and takes no interest or usury. He keeps My ordinances and follows My statutes. Such a man will not die for his father’s iniquity. He will surely live.…

Cross References
He does not oppress another,

Leviticus 19:13
You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand.

Zechariah 7:10
Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’

Jeremiah 22:3
This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place.
or retain a pledge,

Exodus 22:26-27
If you take your neighbor’s cloak as collateral, return it to him by sunset, / because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body. What else will he sleep in? And if he cries out to Me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.

Deuteronomy 24:10-13
When you lend anything to your neighbor, do not enter his house to collect security. / You are to stand outside while the man to whom you are lending brings the security out to you. / If he is a poor man, you must not go to sleep with the security in your possession; …

Amos 2:8
They lie down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge. And in the house of their God, they drink wine obtained through fines.
or commit robbery.

Proverbs 22:22
Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate,

Isaiah 61:8
For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity; in My faithfulness I will give them their recompense and make an everlasting covenant with them.

Ephesians 4:28
He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.
He gives his bread to the hungry

Matthew 25:35
For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in,

Isaiah 58:10
and if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light will go forth in the darkness, and your night will be like noonday.

Proverbs 25:21
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
and covers the naked with clothing.

Matthew 25:36
I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’

Isaiah 58:7
Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Job 31:19-20
if I have seen one perish for lack of clothing, or a needy man without a cloak, / if his heart has not blessed me for warming him with the fleece of my sheep,
Isaiah 58:6-7
Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?


Treasury of Scripture

Neither has oppressed any, has not withheld the pledge, neither has spoiled by violence, but has given his bread to the hungry, and has covered the naked with a garment,

withholden the pledge.

Ezekiel 18:7
And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;

but hath

Job 22:7
Thou hast not given water to the weary to drink, and thou hast withholden bread from the hungry.

Job 31:19
If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;

Proverbs 22:9
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

Jump to Previous
Aught Bread Clothing Commit Commits Covered Covers Debt Exacts Exercised Food Force Garment Gives Goods Hungry Loan Naked Need Oppress Oppressed Pledge Provides Require Retain Robbery Spoiled Stripped Violence Withheld Withholden Wronged
Jump to Next
Aught Bread Clothing Commit Commits Covered Covers Debt Exacts Exercised Food Force Garment Gives Goods Hungry Loan Naked Need Oppress Oppressed Pledge Provides Require Retain Robbery Spoiled Stripped Violence Withheld Withholden Wronged
Ezekiel 18
1. God defends his justice
31. and exhorts to repentance












He does not oppress another
This phrase emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in interpersonal relationships. In the context of ancient Israel, oppression often involved exploiting the poor or vulnerable, contrary to the Mosaic Law, which called for justice and care for the marginalized (Exodus 22:21-24). The prophets frequently condemned oppression, highlighting God's concern for the downtrodden (Isaiah 1:17). This reflects God's character as just and compassionate, and it foreshadows the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized love and justice (Matthew 23:23).

or retain a pledge
In ancient times, a pledge was a form of collateral for a loan. The Law of Moses provided specific instructions regarding pledges, such as returning a poor man's cloak by sunset (Exodus 22:26-27; Deuteronomy 24:12-13). This ensured that the dignity and basic needs of the borrower were respected. The refusal to retain a pledge unjustly demonstrates integrity and compassion, aligning with the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor (Leviticus 19:18).

or commit robbery
Robbery, the unlawful taking of another's property, was strictly prohibited in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:15). This phrase underscores the importance of respecting others' rights and property. The prophets often rebuked Israel for such injustices, which were symptomatic of a broader societal decay (Micah 2:2). This call to honesty and respect for others' possessions is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are urged to live righteously (Ephesians 4:28).

He gives his bread to the hungry
Providing for the hungry is a recurring biblical theme, reflecting God's heart for the needy (Isaiah 58:7). In the ancient Near East, hospitality and sharing food were vital cultural practices. This act of generosity is a tangible expression of love and obedience to God's commands (Proverbs 22:9). Jesus exemplified this by feeding the multitudes (Matthew 14:13-21) and teaching His followers to care for the least of these (Matthew 25:35).

and covers the naked with clothing
Clothing the naked is another expression of compassion and justice. In biblical times, clothing was a basic necessity, and providing it was a sign of mercy and righteousness (Job 31:19-20). This act is part of the broader biblical mandate to care for the poor and vulnerable. Jesus' parable of the sheep and the goats highlights the importance of such deeds as evidence of true faith (Matthew 25:36). This reflects God's provision and care, as seen in His covering of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
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 righteousness.

2. Israelites
The people of Israel, who were in exile in Babylon at the time of Ezekiel's prophecies. They were being called to repentance and personal accountability for their actions.

3. Babylon
The place of exile for the Israelites, representing a period of judgment and reflection for the nation of Israel.
Teaching Points
Personal Responsibility
Each individual is accountable for their actions. Ezekiel 18:16 highlights the importance of personal righteousness and integrity in our dealings with others.

Compassion and Justice
The verse calls believers to act justly and compassionately, restoring what is owed and providing for those in need. This reflects God's heart for justice and mercy.

Practical Love
True love for others is demonstrated through tangible actions, such as feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. This is a call to live out our faith in practical ways.

Repentance and Change
The context of Ezekiel 18 encourages turning away from sin and embracing a life that honors God through righteous actions.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 18:16?

2. How does Ezekiel 18:16 encourage us to show compassion to the poor?

3. What does "not oppress anyone" in Ezekiel 18:16 teach about justice?

4. How can we apply "restores his pledge" to modern financial practices?

5. Which New Testament teachings align with Ezekiel 18:16's call for righteousness?

6. How does Ezekiel 18:16 challenge us to live out our faith daily?

7. How does Ezekiel 18:16 challenge the concept of inherited sin or guilt?

8. What does Ezekiel 18:16 reveal about personal responsibility in biblical theology?

9. How does Ezekiel 18:16 align with the broader message of justice in the Bible?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 18?

11. What are the symbols of the Holy Spirit?

12. Ezekiel 18 - Does any historical or archaeological evidence indicate that Israel ever fully practiced individual accountability rather than communal guilt?

13. If Psalm 95:7-11 portrays God's long-term wrath on an entire generation, how does that reconcile with passages emphasizing God's mercy (e.g., Exodus 34:6)?

14. What are the Bible's teachings on shaving?
What Does Ezekiel 18:16 Mean
He does not oppress another

Oppression is any use of power to crush, exploit, or intimidate. God repeatedly condemns it (Leviticus 25:17; Proverbs 14:31; Zechariah 7:9–10). In Ezekiel 18 the Lord sketches the life of a righteous man—someone who refuses to gain advantage by pushing others down. Justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:8) mark every relationship he has.


Or retain a pledge

Under Moses’ law, collateral taken from a poor borrower had to be returned by sunset, so the man could sleep in his cloak (Exodus 22:26-27; Deuteronomy 24:10-13). Holding it overnight signaled cold-hearted greed. By promptly releasing the pledge, the righteous person values people over profit, mirroring God’s compassion (Psalm 103:13).


Or commit robbery

He steers clear of outright theft (Exodus 20:15; Leviticus 19:13) and the subtler forms that hide behind paperwork or intimidation (Psalm 62:10). His hands stay clean because he trusts God, not crooked gain (Proverbs 10:2; Ephesians 4:28).


He gives his bread to the hungry

Generosity flows naturally from a heart in tune with the Lord (Isaiah 58:7; Proverbs 22:9). Instead of clutching resources, he opens his hand (Luke 3:11) and finds that God replenishes what he shares (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Every meal becomes an opportunity to reflect Christ, who fed multitudes and still feeds souls today (Matthew 14:19-20).


And covers the naked with clothing

He notices need and moves toward it (Job 31:19-20; Matthew 25:36). Providing clothing is more than charity; it restores dignity, echoing the God who first clothed Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21). Love becomes tangible, wrapping the vulnerable in warmth and worth.


summary

Ezekiel 18:16 paints a portrait of practical righteousness: no exploitation, no financial cruelty, no theft—just open-handed care for the needy. Such a life demonstrates genuine faith, aligns with God’s unchanging standards, and points forward to the grace fully revealed in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled every demand and calls His people to the same wholehearted justice and mercy.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He does not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

oppress
הוֹנָ֔ה (hō·w·nāh)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3238: To rage, be violent, to suppress, to maltreat

another,
וְאִישׁ֙ (wə·’îš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

or retain
חָבָ֔ל (ḥā·ḇāl)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2254: To wind tightly, to bind, a pledge, to pervert, destroy, to writhe in pain

a pledge,
חֲבֹל֙ (ḥă·ḇōl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2258: A pledge

or commit
גָזָ֑ל (ḡā·zāl)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1497: To pluck off, to flay, strip, rob

robbery.
וּגְזֵלָ֖ה (ū·ḡə·zê·lāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1500: Robbery, plunder

He gives
נָתָ֔ן (nā·ṯān)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

his bread
לַחְמוֹ֙ (laḥ·mōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain

to the hungry
לְרָעֵ֣ב (lə·rā·‘êḇ)
Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7457: Hungry

and covers
כִּסָּה־ (kis·sāh-)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3680: To plump, fill up hollows, to cover

the naked
וְעֵר֖וֹם (wə·‘ê·rō·wm)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5903: Naked, nakedness

with clothing.
בָֽגֶד׃ (ḇā·ḡeḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 899: A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 18:16 Neither has wronged any has not taken (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 18:15
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