Old Testament
Ezekiel 18:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He hasn't eaten at the mountain shrines or lifted his eyes to the idols of Israel. He hasn't slept with his neighbor's wife or approached a woman during her period.
Compare translations
And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour’s wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman,
What Ezekiel 18:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights the integrity of a person who avoids the common pitfalls of immorality and idolatry. He does not participate in the worship of false gods, which was prevalent in Israel. Instead, he remains faithful to his commitments and respects the boundaries of others. He refrains from engaging in sexual relations with his neighbor's wife, showing respect for relationships and family. Additionally, he honors the natural laws regarding purity, avoiding contact with a woman during her menstrual period. This behavior reflects a deep commitment to ethical living and personal responsibility. The emphasis is on making choices that align with a moral compass, demonstrating that one can live a life of integrity amidst societal pressures. Such actions are not just about following rules but embodying respect and honor in relationships, both with others and oneself. This verse serves as a reminder that our choices define us and that living with integrity is a powerful testament to our character.
How to apply Ezekiel 18:6 to your life
Consider how your choices reflect your values. Are there areas in your life where you can show more respect for others? Strive to make decisions that align with your principles, fostering integrity in your relationships and daily actions. Small choices can lead to significant impacts on your character and community.
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 18:6
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 18:6
Related Bible verses
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 18:6 teach about idolatry?
Ezekiel 18:6 emphasizes the importance of avoiding idolatry, which was rampant in Israel at the time. The verse highlights a person's integrity by stating that he has not lifted his eyes to the idols of Israel. This reflects a commitment to worshiping only the true God and rejecting false gods, which is crucial for maintaining a faithful relationship with God.
How does Ezekiel 18:6 address moral integrity?
The verse illustrates moral integrity by detailing actions that demonstrate respect for others and oneself. It mentions refraining from sexual relations with a neighbor's wife and avoiding contact with a menstruating woman, which signifies a commitment to ethical behavior and personal responsibility. This integrity is essential for building trust and maintaining healthy relationships.
What is the significance of respecting boundaries in Ezekiel 18:6?
Respecting boundaries is a key theme in Ezekiel 18:6, as it shows the importance of honoring the commitments and relationships of others. By not engaging with a neighbor's wife or approaching a woman during her period, the verse underscores the value of fidelity and respect in personal interactions, which are foundational for a harmonious community.
How can I apply the lessons from Ezekiel 18:6 in my life?
To apply the lessons from Ezekiel 18:6, reflect on your choices and how they align with your values. Consider areas where you can show more respect for others, such as honoring commitments and maintaining integrity in relationships. Strive to make decisions that embody ethical living, as these choices can positively impact your character and the community around you.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.