Old Testament
Ezekiel 18:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He does none of the good things his father did. Instead, he eats at the mountain shrines and sleeps with his neighbor's wife.
Compare translations
And that doeth not any of those duties, but even hath eaten upon the mountains, and defiled his neighbour’s wife,
What Ezekiel 18:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights a person who chooses to ignore the positive actions of his father. Instead of following a good path, he engages in harmful behaviors, such as worshiping at high places and committing adultery. This reflects a deeper issue of personal choice and accountability. Each individual is responsible for their own actions, regardless of their family's legacy. The contrast between the father's good deeds and the son's wrong choices emphasizes the importance of making wise decisions. It serves as a reminder that we cannot blame our upbringing for our choices. Ultimately, we must decide how we want to live our lives, regardless of our past. This verse challenges us to reflect on our own actions and the impact they have on ourselves and others. It encourages us to seek a path of integrity and righteousness, rather than following in the footsteps of poor choices. Our lives are shaped by our decisions, and we have the power to choose differently, even when faced with temptation.
How to apply Ezekiel 18:11 to your life
Consider the choices you make daily. Are they leading you toward a positive path or away from it? Reflect on your actions and their impact on your life and those around you. Remember, you have the power to choose a better way, regardless of your past. Make decisions that align with your values and integrity, and inspire others to do the same. Be mindful of the influences in your life and strive to create a
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ezekiel 18:11
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ezekiel 18:11
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Ezekiel
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 18:11 mean?
Ezekiel 18:11 describes a person who rejects the good actions of his father and instead engages in sinful behaviors like idol worship and adultery. It emphasizes the importance of personal choice and accountability, indicating that each individual is responsible for their own actions regardless of their family's legacy.
What is the meaning of 'eats at the mountain shrines' in Ezekiel 18:11?
The phrase 'eats at the mountain shrines' refers to engaging in idol worship or pagan practices that were common in ancient times. It signifies a departure from true worship and a choice to follow corrupt practices instead.
How does Ezekiel 18:11 relate to personal responsibility?
Ezekiel 18:11 underscores the idea that each person is accountable for their own choices, regardless of their family's actions. It challenges individuals to reflect on their behavior and make decisions that align with integrity and righteousness.
What lessons can we learn from Ezekiel 18:11?
From Ezekiel 18:11, we learn the importance of making wise choices and taking responsibility for our actions. It encourages us to reflect on our lives, resist temptation, and strive to live in a way that aligns with our values.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.