Ezekiel 18:2 Meaning and Explanation
“What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God confronts the Israelites for blaming ancestors rather than taking personal responsibility.
The Context of Ezekiel 18:2
A proverb about inherited consequences circulates in Israel.
What Does Ezekiel 18:2 Mean?
The proverb reflects a fatalistic view: consequences for past sin are inescapable, so the present generation suffers for ancestors' actions. This shifted blame away from personal choice and suggested people were victims of inherited guilt with no power to change their fate.
God's question signals disapproval of this reasoning. The proverb had become an excuse for despair and inaction, preventing people from recognizing their own power to repent and change.
Ezekiel 18:2 in the Original Language
sour grapes (אִשְׁכְּלוֹת בֹּסֶר, ishkol boser) — unripe or sour fruit, a metaphor for bitter consequences inherited from the past.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 18:2
What does Ezekiel 18:2 mean?
God confronts the Israelites for blaming ancestors rather than taking personal responsibility.
What is the context of Ezekiel 18:2?
A proverb about inherited consequences circulates in Israel.