Ezekiel 18:11 is part of a larger discourse where God, through the prophet Ezekiel, addresses the concept of individual responsibility. The verse describes a situation where a son chooses to engage in sinful actions, such as idolatry and adultery, even though his father has not committed these sins. This highlights the biblical teaching that each person is accountable for their own actions, rather than being judged based on the behavior of their parents or ancestors.
In the broader context of Ezekiel 18, God is correcting a misunderstanding among the Israelites who believed they were suffering for the sins of their forefathers. Instead, God emphasizes that each individual is judged by their own deeds. This passage encourages personal responsibility and challenges individuals to live righteously, regardless of their family background or the actions of those around them. It serves as a reminder that one's relationship with God is personal and based on one's own choices and actions, promoting a sense of moral accountability and the possibility of redemption through righteous living.