Ezekiel 33 14

Ezekiel 33:14 kjv

Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right;

Ezekiel 33:14 nkjv

Again, when I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' if he turns from his sin and does what is lawful and right,

Ezekiel 33:14 niv

And if I say to a wicked person, 'You will surely die,' but they then turn away from their sin and do what is just and right?

Ezekiel 33:14 esv

Again, though I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' yet if he turns from his sin and does what is just and right,

Ezekiel 33:14 nlt

And suppose I tell some wicked people that they will surely die, but then they turn from their sins and do what is just and right.

Ezekiel 33 verses

Ezekiel 33 14 Meaning

If the wicked person turns from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all My statutes and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die.

Ezekiel 33 14 Context

Ezekiel chapter 33 continues God's message to the exiles in Babylon, functioning as a continuation and reaffirmation of his role as a watchman. This specific verse, Ezekiel 33:14, follows God's declaration of His pleasure in the life of the wicked rather than their death (Ezekiel 33:11). It emphasizes the conditional nature of divine judgment and the abundant opportunity for a sinner to turn back to God and live.

Historically, the Israelites, having been exiled to Babylon, were grappling with the consequences of their disobedience. Many may have felt that God's covenant relationship with them was irrevocably broken. Ezekiel's prophecy, particularly this section, aims to correct such fatalistic views. It teaches that individual accountability before God is paramount, and no past sin, no matter how grievous, seals one's eternal destiny if genuine repentance and obedience follow.

This passage speaks directly to the people's understanding of justice and covenant. By reiterating the possibility of a "wicked person" changing their status, God demonstrates His mercy and desire for reconciliation. There isn't a direct polemic against contemporary beliefs here, but rather a clear explanation of divine principle that contrasts with a potential narrow or unmerciful view of God's judgment that the people might have adopted.

Ezekiel 33 14 Word Analysis

• "If" (Hebrew: "Im"): This is a conditional particle. It introduces a hypothesis or condition. It sets up the subsequent promise of life.
• "the wicked person" (Hebrew: "rasha' qadowsh"):
  • "rasha'" (רָשָׁע): This term signifies someone who is wicked, unjust, criminal, or evil in action and character. It refers to an unrighteous person who is guilty of sin and deserving of punishment.
  • "qadowsh": While "qadosh" typically means "holy" or "set apart," its use here in relation to "rasha'" is noteworthy. It could be interpreted in several ways: perhaps it highlights a transition where someone once wicked now turns, or it could be an emphatic descriptor within the prophetic speech, signifying the totality of human disposition needing repentance. Another perspective is that "qadowsh" might be mistranscribed or have a very nuanced meaning here. However, the prevalent understanding of the Masoretic Text renders it as "wicked person." Considering the context of Ezekiel 18, which also stresses personal responsibility and the possibility of change, the focus remains on the radical transformation from a state of wickedness. The juxtaposition underscores the significant change required.
• "turns" (Hebrew: "shuwb" - שׁוּב): This fundamental Hebrew verb means to turn, return, repent. It denotes a change of direction, both physically and spiritually. It implies a cessation of former actions and a movement toward new ones. It is a core concept in Old Testament theology for repentance.
• "from all" (Hebrew: "mikol"): This emphasizes completeness. The turning must be total, leaving behind all sinful practices.
• "his sins" (Hebrew: "chatow'thayw" - חֲטָאֹתָיו): This refers to his transgressions, offenses, errors, or departures from God's law.
• "that he has committed" (Hebrew: "asher 'asah"): This reinforces the reality of his past wrongdoing, acknowledging the actual history of sin.
• "and keeps" (Hebrew: "netsar" - נָצַר): This verb means to guard, keep, preserve, or obey. It signifies not just a single act but a persistent commitment to.
• "all My statutes" (Hebrew: "kol huqqay" - כָּל־ חֻקַּי): This refers to God's ordinances, decrees, and commands. Again, "all" indicates a comprehensive adherence.
• "and does" (Hebrew: "'asah" - עָשָׂה): This means to do, make, or perform.
• "what is lawful" (Hebrew: "mishpat" - מִשְׁפָּט): This refers to justice, what is right, legal judgment, or custom. It encompasses fairness and righteousness in dealings.
• "and right" (Hebrew: "tsedaqah" - צְדָקָה): This means righteousness, justice, equity. It signifies moral uprightness and conforming to divine standards.
• "he shall surely live" (Hebrew: "chay yichyeh" - חָיֹה יִחְיֶה): This is a strong emphatic statement. The repetition of the verb "to live" ("chayah") makes the promise certain and absolute. It means he will live (or survive, be kept alive). This refers to a state of well-being, restoration, and life in covenant with God.
• "he shall not die" (Hebrew: "al yamuth" - אַל־ יָמוּת): This is the negative assurance, emphasizing that the ultimate consequence of wickedness (spiritual and temporal death) will be averted through this act of repentance and obedience.

Word Group Analysis

• "turns from all his sins": This phrase signifies a complete change of heart and behavior. It is not a mere superficial apology but a deep, inner redirection away from every aspect of unrighteous living. This aligns with the New Testament concept of "metanoia" (repentance), which means a change of mind that leads to a change of behavior.
• "keeps all My statutes and does what is lawful and right": This describes the positive manifestation of repentance. It's not just about stopping what is wrong but actively pursuing what is good and obedient to God's commands. "Mishpat" and "tsedaqah" are often paired in the Old Testament to denote holistic righteousness, encompassing both justice in actions towards others and uprightness in one's walk with God.

Ezekiel 33 14 Bonus Section

This verse is part of a broader theological argument in Ezekiel 18 and 33 regarding individual responsibility versus corporate punishment. Previously, the Israelites lamented that they were suffering for the sins of their fathers (Ezekiel 18:2). Ezekiel is sent to correct this by explaining that God judges each person according to their own deeds. Ezekiel 33:14 serves as a key illustration of this principle by demonstrating God's grace toward the individual who repents. It highlights that God's judgment is fair and offers a path to life for those who turn from their wrongdoing, regardless of their past or the sins of their ancestors. This doctrine of individual accountability is crucial for understanding the justice and mercy of God. It's important to note that while God's mercy is available through repentance, this verse does not imply salvation by works; rather, obedience is presented as the fruit and evidence of genuine repentance and a restored relationship with God, facilitated by His grace.

Ezekiel 33 14 Commentary

Ezekiel 33:14 presents a powerful declaration of God's mercy, contingent upon genuine repentance. It reassures the people that their sinfulness does not automatically seal their doom if they truly turn away from their wicked ways. The turning must be comprehensive—a complete renunciation of all committed sins. Furthermore, it requires active obedience; simply stopping sin is insufficient. One must actively embrace God's statutes and live a life characterized by justice ("mishpat") and righteousness ("tsedaqah"). The emphatic repetition "he shall surely live; he shall not die" underscores the certainty of this divine reversal of fortune for the repentant sinner. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament's emphasis on covenant and obedience to the New Testament's message of salvation through Christ's atoning sacrifice, accessed by faith and repentance. God's desire is always life for His people, not destruction, as long as they choose to turn to Him.

• Practical Example: Consider someone deeply involved in deceitful business practices (sins). If this person, out of a conviction from God, stops all deception, begins to honestly repay those wronged, and adheres strictly to legal and ethical business conduct (keeping statutes, doing mishpat and tsedaqah), they are turning from their wicked ways. According to this verse, they can expect God's favor and the continuation of their life (both earthly and spiritual), rather than the judgment they deserved for their former actions.