Ezekiel 18 21

Ezekiel 18:21 kjv

But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Ezekiel 18:21 nkjv

"But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die.

Ezekiel 18:21 niv

"But if a wicked person turns away from all the sins they have committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, that person will surely live; they will not die.

Ezekiel 18:21 esv

"But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die.

Ezekiel 18:21 nlt

But if wicked people turn away from all their sins and begin to obey my decrees and do what is just and right, they will surely live and not die.

Ezekiel 18 verses

Ezekiel 18 21 Meaning

If a wicked person turns from all the sins he has committed and obeys all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die.

Ezekiel 18 21 Context

Ezekiel chapter 18 addresses the contemporary Israelite belief that they were suffering for the sins of their ancestors. The prophet, speaking for God, emphasizes individual responsibility. Each person is accountable for their own choices. This verse specifically highlights God's boundless mercy and grace, demonstrating that sincere repentance and a return to righteous living can lead to salvation, regardless of past actions. It is part of God’s discourse to correct a distorted understanding of divine justice and offer hope for change.

Ezekiel 18 21 Word Analysis

• “If”: This is a conditional particle. It introduces the possibility and the specific conditions for a different outcome.
• “a wicked person”:
  • "wicked": (Hebrew: rasha') - refers to someone who is unjust, evil, or wicked; someone who acts contrary to God's will and law. This describes a state of active sinfulness.
• “turns”:
  • "turns": (Hebrew: shuv) - A key verb in the Old Testament, signifying repentance. It means to turn back, to return. It implies a fundamental change of direction, a ceasing of former ways and an embracing of new ones.
• “from all the sins”:
  • "sins": (Hebrew: chet'- plurals) - Refers to transgressions, moral failings, falling short of God's standard. "All the sins" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this turning away from wickedness.
• “he has committed”: Indicates personal agency and responsibility for the actions taken.
• “and obeys”:
  • "obeys": (Hebrew: shama' meaning to hear, listen, attend, and by extension, obey) - implies active listening to God's commands and then putting them into practice.
• “all my statutes”:
  • "statutes": (Hebrew: choq or chuqqah) - refers to divine ordinances, appointed times, or decrees established by God. This signifies adherence to the totality of God’s laws and commands.
• “and does what is just and right”:
  • "just": (Hebrew: mishpat) - judgment, righteousness, justice, what is right according to law or custom.
  • "right": (Hebrew: tsedakah - often translated as righteousness, but in contexts with mishpat implies beneficence or charitable acts). Together, these indicate practicing both conformity to divine law and showing benevolence and fairness. This is not just avoidance of sin, but active pursuit of good.
• “he shall surely live”:
  • "live": (Hebrew: chayyah) - indicates continuing life, flourishing, well-being, and salvation.
  • "surely": Emphasizes the certainty of this outcome based on God's faithfulness to His promise.
• “he shall not die”:
  • "die": (Hebrew: mut) - Refers to spiritual and eternal death, separation from God. This confirms that the righteous life cancels out the penalty for past sins.

Group Analysis: The phrase "turns from all the sins he has committed and obeys all my statutes and does what is just and right" describes a complete and genuine repentance. It's not a superficial change but a profound inward and outward transformation, evidenced by obedience to God's entire Law and the practice of both justice and righteousness.

Ezekiel 18 21 Bonus Section

The concept of "turning" (shuv) is central to Hebrew thought and essential for understanding covenant renewal. This verse provides a powerful contrast to the theological concept of inherited guilt, re-emphasizing God's direct relationship with each individual. It highlights that the potential for change and a restored relationship with God is always available through repentance and righteous action. The New Testament echoes this through the teachings of Jesus, particularly the parables of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15), and the apostles' calls to repentance and faith in Christ as the means of forgiveness and new life. This assurance of life through a turned life strongly points to the need for Christ's atonement, which makes such obedience possible and imputes righteousness.

Ezekiel 18 21 Commentary

This verse is a powerful declaration of God's prevenient grace and the principle of individual repentance. It assures that past unrighteousness does not preclude a future of life with God if one turns wholeheartedly. The emphasis is on a change of heart, demonstrated by obedience and righteous deeds. God's character is revealed as just, yet also merciful and desirous of the life of the sinner. This isn't a transactional deal, but a consequence of God's loving provision for repentance.

• Practical Usage: When one realizes they have strayed, this verse encourages a definite turning away from sinful patterns and a deliberate return to obeying God’s word in all areas of life. It provides hope for the desperate and a challenge to the complacent.