Ezekiel 18:8 Meaning and Explanation
“He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The just person avoids exploitative lending and judges impartially between people.
The Context of Ezekiel 18:8
The righteous person practices financial integrity and fair judgment.
What Does Ezekiel 18:8 Mean?
Usury (lending at interest) was forbidden in ancient Israel when it meant extracting profit from the poor. The righteous person refuses to profit from another's desperation. Withdrawing the hand from iniquity is a metaphor for complete separation from wrongdoing.
True judgment means fair, impartial decisions—neither favoring the powerful nor abandoning the powerless. This is justice administered with integrity.
Ezekiel 18:8 in the Original Language
usury (נֶשֶׁךְ, neshekh) — interest or profit from lending, especially predatory lending to the poor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 18:8
What does Ezekiel 18:8 mean?
The just person avoids exploitative lending and judges impartially between people.
What is the context of Ezekiel 18:8?
The righteous person practices financial integrity and fair judgment.