Ezekiel 18:20 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Individual souls are responsible for their own sin and righteousness.
The Context of Ezekiel 18:20
The principle of individual accountability is restated absolutely.
What Does Ezekiel 18:20 Mean?
This is the theological centerpiece: accountability is completely individual. The soul that sins dies—not vicariously, but directly. Punishment and reward are not transferred across generations. Each person's righteousness belongs to them alone; each person's wickedness rests on them alone.
The symmetry is perfect: righteousness brings life, wickedness brings death, and neither crosses generational boundaries.
Ezekiel 18:20 in the Original Language
soul (נֶפֶשׁ, nefesh) — the individual person in their relationship to God; the whole self, not a disembodied essence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 18:20
What does Ezekiel 18:20 mean?
Individual souls are responsible for their own sin and righteousness.
What is the context of Ezekiel 18:20?
The principle of individual accountability is restated absolutely.