Charles Ellicott Commentary Ezekiel 18:2

"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?" — Ezekiel 18:2 (ASV)

What do you mean? —Almost the same expression occurs in Ezekiel 12:22. The literal translation would be, What is it to you who are using this proverb? and the sense is “Why do you, etc.?” Proverb shows that it was a common saying, a way in which the people habitually sought to shirk the responsibility for their guilt. The same proverb is quoted in Jeremiah 31:29, and condemned in the same way.

“Concerning the land” should rather be in the land, i.e., among the people, including both those at Jerusalem and in captivity. The teaching of this chapter concerning individual responsibility is, in one form or another, often repeated by Ezekiel. It is set forth in regard to the prophet and people in Ezekiel 3:18-21; in regard to those upon whom the mark was set in Ezekiel 9:4-6; in regard to those who inquire of the Lord in Ezekiel 14:3-9; and generally the teaching of this chapter is repeated in Ezekiel 33:1-20.