Definition: The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from the Book of Ezekiel: “Ezekiel 18:1 – The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying…” Basically, this is a foundational opening to a passage that sets up a very serious and significant message. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse tells us that God, through an angel named Ezekiel, revealed a message to him. This message was a warning and a promise. Let’s unpack it further: “The word of the LORD came unto me again…” : This is a direct quote from God – He's speaking directly to Ezekiel. It means that God isn't just casually talking; He’s choosing to communicate with us personally. “…saying” : This simply indicates that God was about to share something important. What does this message mean ? This is the beginning of a story about judgment and consequences. The verse immediately sets the stage for a significant challenge – God is going to judge people based on their actions, especially those who follow the ways of the Lord. Why is this a big deal? Ezekiel’s message was a warning about the dangers of disobedience and wickedness. It's essentially saying that if you don't obey God’s laws and principles, you will face terrible consequences. It's a reminder that God expects us to be righteous and follow His path. In short: This verse introduces a message of judgment from God, urging people to repent (turn back) from their wrongdoings and seek to live in accordance with God’s will. --- Do you want me to explain any particular aspect of this verse further? For example, would you like to know: What kind of "wrongdoing" is being referred to? How does this relate to the larger story of Ezekiel?

Definition: If he beget a son [that is] a robber, a shedder of blood, and [that] doeth the like to [any] one of these [things],

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 18:10. It’s a really important warning about how we should treat each other. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that if someone is willing to commit violence and harm against others, it’s absolutely wrong and unacceptable. It’s a strong condemnation of selfishness and malice. Let’s unpack it word by word: “If he beget a son [that is] a robber, a shedder of blood…” - This describes a specific type of person – someone who is violent, dishonest, and willing to cause harm. “Robber” means someone who steals or takes advantage of others. "Shedder of blood" refers to someone who kills or harms others. “…and [that] doeth the like to [any] one of these [things]…” - This is a crucial part. It means that anyone can be affected by this person’s behavior. It doesn't just mean they are targeting someone specific; it applies to everyone . “These things” refers to any kind of wrongdoing – lying, stealing, violence, breaking promises, etc. Putting it all together: This verse is essentially saying: “If you become a person who consistently acts with malice, selfishness, and harm towards others, then you are setting a terrible example for everyone else.” It’s about the responsibility we have to treat each other with respect and kindness. It's a call to avoid becoming the kind of person that would lead to such behavior. Why is this important? This verse emphasizes the importance of: Compassion: Showing empathy and caring for others, especially those who are vulnerable. Justice: Treating everyone fairly and upholding moral principles. Respect: Recognizing that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. In short, it's a strong warning against selfishness, violence, and harmful behavior. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give an example of how this verse might apply in real life?

Definition: And that doeth not any of those [duties], but even hath eaten upon the mountains, and defiled his neighbour’s wife,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 18:11. It’s a really serious message about how to treat people and respect God's law. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very extreme act of disrespect and wrongdoing – eating on the mountains and defiling someone’s neighbor’s wife. It’s saying that this person is completely disregarding God’s rules and treating others poorly. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And that doeth not any of those duties…” : This means the person is not following all the rules and obligations that God has given them. They are breaking a fundamental part of their life – maybe they’re neglecting their responsibilities, being selfish, or disrespecting others. “…but even hath eaten upon the mountains…” : This is the shocking part. Eating on the mountains is incredibly unusual and symbolic. It suggests they've gone too far, perhaps indulging in something that was forbidden or considered a transgression. Mountains are often associated with holiness and God’s presence. This act is deliberately disruptive and disrespectful to the divine. “…and defiled his neighbor’s wife.” : This is the most impactful part. It means they have acted in a way that harms someone close to them – specifically, they've treated their neighbor’s wife with disrespect, perhaps even in a sexually inappropriate way. “Defiling” implies causing harm or damage – this woman is being treated badly and possibly violated. Overall Meaning & Context: This verse paints a picture of a person who has gone to extreme lengths to defy God's law. It’s a stark warning about the importance of obeying God's commandments and treating others with respect and dignity. It suggests that this person is deliberately breaking God's rules, and they are causing harm to those around them. Why is it significant? This passage is often seen as a reminder of several important themes: The seriousness of disobedience: It highlights the consequences of straying from God’s will. Respect for others: It emphasizes the importance of treating everyone with kindness and consideration, just as we should treat God's creation. Divine Justice: It suggests that God is watching over his people and will hold them accountable for their actions. In short, this verse tells us to live a life of obedience and respect, and to avoid acting in ways that would cause harm to others. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or concept? Give you some examples of how this principle applies to our lives today?

Definition: Hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath spoiled by violence, hath not restored the pledge, and hath lifted up his eyes to the idols, hath committed abomination,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 18:12. It’s a really important warning about how God sees people who are truly wicked. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that someone who is deliberately causing suffering and injustice to the poor and needy has really messed up, and they’ve lost everything – including their own integrity and trust. Let’s unpack each part: “Hath oppressed the poor and needy…” : This means the person is actively taking advantage of others who are struggling. They're deliberately making things difficult for those who need help most. Think of it like someone consistently stealing from people or being greedy while others suffer. “…hastened by violence…” : This isn’t just a casual act of rudeness; it's deliberate and harmful. It’s not just about being careless, but about actively causing pain and distress through their actions. It suggests they might be bullying, harming, or taking advantage in a way that is deeply upsetting to others. “…hastened by violence…” : This reinforces the previous point – it's not just carelessness; it’s actively causing harm. “Hastened by eyes…lifted up…committed abomination” : This is the most powerful part. It means they’ve looked away from God and focused on things that are wrong, like idols (representations of false gods). They’ve done something that violates God's standards of right and wrong – it's a serious act of disrespect and idolatry. "Abomination" means something incredibly offensive or morally bad - this is a significant transgression against God. So, putting it all together: This verse describes someone who is actively harming others through greed, cruelty, and disregard for the vulnerable. They’ve gone so far as to deliberately insult God and disrespect His laws by focusing on false idols. It's a serious accusation of moral corruption. Important Note: Ezekiel 18:12 is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of idolatry – worshipping false gods instead of God. It’s a call for people to turn away from these false idols and focus on true faith and righteousness. Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of what this kind of behavior might look like? Discuss the context of this passage within the broader story of the Bible?

Definition: Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 18:13. It's a really powerful warning about the consequences of taking too much money and being dishonest. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Message: This verse is saying that someone who takes too much money and isn’t honest will face serious, ultimately deadly consequences. It’s not just a punishment; it’s a judgment that’s guaranteed. Let's unpack the parts: "Hath given forth upon usury..." – This means "He has given out or lent out too much money." “Usury” is essentially lending money with interest – charging more than what someone owes back. "...and hath taken increase:" - This is key. It means that this person has increased their wealth and power by taking too much money. It’s like they've grown richer while still being dishonest. "Shall he then live? shall he not live:" – This is a question of fate. The verse immediately follows the warning, asking if this person will live or not. It implies that their actions are leading them towards destruction. "He hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die:" – This highlights the severity of their actions. The word "abominations" means things that are deeply wrong and forbidden by God's law. The phrase “he shall surely die” is a strong declaration of doom. “His blood shall be upon him.” - This is the most dramatic part. It signifies a permanent, inescapable punishment for their wickedness – their blood will stain them. In simpler terms: This verse warns that someone who takes too much money and doesn't follow God’s rules will eventually suffer severe consequences, including death. Their actions are so bad that they will be forever marked by God's judgment. It’s a message about the importance of honesty, integrity, and living a righteous life. Why is this important? This verse reminds us that: God demands honesty: He doesn’t tolerate greed or deception. We are accountable for our actions: Our choices have consequences, and we can't take shortcuts to wealth without risking falling into trouble with God. Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or would you like a different perspective on this verse? For example, I could talk about the historical context of this passage.

Definition: Now, lo, [if] he beget a son, that seeth all his father’s sins which he hath done, and considereth, and doeth not such like,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 18:14. It's a really important part of understanding God’s judgment and the importance of repentance. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where someone commits a serious sin – something truly awful – and then looks at it with a deep, painful realization . It's about recognizing that even though they've done terrible things in the past, they haven’t fully acknowledged or taken responsibility for them. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Now, lo” : This is an introduction – it’s setting the scene. “[if] he beget a son…” : This refers to a child being born. It's a specific event that happens because of something terrible. “…that seeth all his father’s sins which he hath done…” : This is the core of the verse. “Seeth” means to look closely and understand. “His father’s sins” refers to all the bad things the person has done in their life – betrayals, wrongdoings, and perhaps even acts of violence or cruelty. “…and considereth, and doeth not such like?” : This is the crucial part. “Considereth” means to think deeply about something. “Doeth not such like” means they don’t act in a way that mirrors what they’ve done before. It suggests they haven't learned from their mistakes or taken steps to make amends. What does this mean practically? This verse speaks to the idea of repentance . It’s telling us that God is watching and judging people, and if someone commits a significant sin, they must acknowledge it . It's not enough to just try to ignore your mistakes; you need to truly understand them and make amends. Why is this important? Judgment: This verse points to the possibility of divine judgment – God’s punishment for serious sins. Opportunity for Redemption: It highlights that even after a terrible mistake, there's still a chance for someone to turn back and seek forgiveness. It emphasizes that it's not too late to change your ways. In short, this verse is a warning about the consequences of sin and an encouragement to seek forgiveness and turn away from wickedness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Give some examples of serious sins that might be described in this context?

Definition: [That] hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, hath not defiled his neighbour’s wife,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 18:15. It’s a really important and somewhat serious warning in the Bible. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God's judgment on people who are disrespectful to him and his followers. It highlights a specific situation involving a man named Elijah, and it’s essentially saying that Elijah didn't treat his neighbor’s wife with respect or honor. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “That hath not eaten upon the mountains…” – This means Elijah wasn’t eating at a mountain top. It suggests he was living a simple, perhaps even a somewhat isolated life. “…neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel…” – This is the key part. “Idols” in this context refers to false gods or idolatry – worshipping anything other than God. Elijah wasn’t focusing on building or celebrating these false gods. He wasn't engaging with them or showing any respect. “…hath not defiled his neighbour’s wife?” - This is the most shocking part. It means Elijah didn’t treat his neighbor’s wife with kindness, dignity, and respect. He didn't show her consideration or honor. What does this mean in a broader sense? It’s about holiness: This verse speaks to God’s standards of righteousness and how we should relate to each other. God is demanding that everyone be just and honorable, and he doesn’t tolerate disrespect towards others. It's about respect: The verse emphasizes the importance of showing reverence and honor to those you are connected with – your neighbors, family, and even those in positions of authority. Why is this important? This verse is a reminder that God values holiness and righteousness above all else. It’s a call for us to live a life that reflects his character, not one that seeks to be separate from him or to disrespect others. It's about recognizing that everyone is accountable to God. In short: Ezekiel 18:15 warns against ignoring God and disrespecting those around you. It’s a serious message about the importance of holiness and honoring our neighbors. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its connection to other biblical stories? Give an example of how we can live in accordance with these principles today?

Definition: 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,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 18:16. It's a really important one about God’s care for His people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes God treating his people with incredible kindness and generosity. Let's look at the parts: “Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge…” – "Hath not oppressed" means "has not harmed" or "has not wronged." It suggests that God is protecting and safeguarding his people from suffering and hardship. “Has not withheld” means "has not taken away" or "has not left aside." “…neither hath spoiled by violence…” – This is a bit more complex, but it essentially means that God hasn’t been cruel or violent to his people. It's like He's protected them from harm and doesn’t treat them with anger or punishment. “[But] hath given his bread to the hungry…” – This is the key part! “Has given” means "has provided" or "has offered." It describes God giving food and sustenance to those who are in need. “…and hath covered the naked with a garment.” - This means that God has shown mercy and compassion by protecting people from hardship and vulnerability, even offering them comfort and dignity. He's wrapping them up in a sense of protection and care. Overall Meaning: This verse paints a picture of God as incredibly loving and generous. He’s actively working to ensure the well-being of his people, providing for their needs, and protecting them from hardship. It's a powerful message about His care and concern for humanity. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as a reminder that God is always watching over us and offering help when we need it most. It’s a foundational principle of the Bible – that God loves his people and will protect them. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific biblical story or theme?

Definition: [That] hath taken off his hand from the poor, [that] hath not received usury nor increase, hath executed my judgments, hath walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 18:17. It’s a really important and complex passage, but we can simplify it to understand its core message. Here's what it means, broken down piece by piece: Overall Meaning: This verse describes God’s absolute and unwavering commitment to protecting the vulnerable and punishing those who exploit others. It’s essentially saying, “I am completely focused on helping those who are in need and upholding justice.” Let’s look at the parts: “That hath taken off his hand from the poor…” : This is a really striking image. Imagine a person holding up their hand to protect someone. God is essentially removing his protective hand from those who are suffering or in need. It's a symbol of compassion and safeguarding. “…that hath not received usury nor increase…” : This means God has stopped allowing people to charge excessive interest (usury) or make excessive profits – things that would harm others. It’s about fairness and preventing exploitation. “hath executed my judgments…” : This is a powerful phrase. “Executed my judgments” refers to God's righteous punishment for wrongdoings. It means he has come into action and brought about the consequences of those actions. “…hast walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father…” : This is where it gets really significant. God is fully following the rules and laws that He established for humanity. It means God has completely adhered to His moral code, even if someone’s actions involve sin or wrongdoing. Importantly, it says "he shall not die" - meaning he will not allow those who commit injustice to suffer the consequences of their actions. “he shall surely live” : This is the key part – a declaration of God's judgment being fulfilled. It means that because God has acted in this way, the person’s fate is sealed with a positive outcome - they will live – and not suffer any further punishment or harm. In simpler terms: God is intensely focused on helping those who are struggling and punishing those who exploit them. He is perfectly aligned with His laws and will ensure that those who break those laws experience the consequences of their actions, ultimately leading to a positive outcome for the person. Why is this verse important? This passage highlights God’s justice, mercy, and unwavering commitment to protecting the weak and upholding moral principles. It speaks to the idea that God has a very specific plan for how He wants to handle situations of wrong doing. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or figure? Discuss its significance in a broader theological context?

Definition: [As for] his father, because he cruelly oppressed, spoiled his brother by violence, and did [that] which [is] not good among his people, lo, even he shall die in his iniquity.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 18:18. It's a pretty serious statement about someone who was very bad to their brother. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a situation where someone acted with extreme cruelty and selfishness towards another person, and that action caused great harm to the community. Let’s unpack each part: “As for his father…” : This refers to a person who was the father of this person – likely the person who was being treated badly. “…because he cruelly oppressed…” : This means they deliberately and harshly inflicted pain, suffering, or harm on their brother. It wasn't just a little disagreement; it was deliberate and malicious. Think of it like constantly bullying someone. “…spoiled his brother by violence…” : This is the key part. The person acted with violence – physically or emotionally – against their brother. This isn’t just a minor argument; it’s a forceful, damaging act. “And did [that] which [is] not good among his people…” : This is the most important part. The action was not something that was generally accepted or expected within the community they lived in. It went against their rules, norms, and values. It was a transgression – something that was wrong and harmful to everyone. The "Iniquity" Part: The word “iniquity” is a strong one. It means wickedness, moral corruption, or wrongdoing. It suggests a deep lack of compassion and a disregard for the well-being of others. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse essentially says that this person’s actions were so terrible that they will eventually face punishment and suffering, not just because of their individual action, but because of the widespread harm they caused to the community. It's like a warning – someone who acts with such deep negativity can have serious consequences for everyone around them. In short: This verse warns against selfishness, cruelty, and disrespect towards others. It suggests that even someone who causes pain might face a terrible fate if their actions are truly wicked and go against the principles of their community. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or example? Discuss what this verse might teach us about forgiveness or justice?