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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But if the wicked {H7563} will turn {H7725} from all his sins {H2403} that he hath committed {H6213}, and keep {H8104} all my statutes {H2708}, and do {H6213} that which is lawful {H4941} and right {H6666}, he shall surely {H2421} live {H2421}, he shall not die {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"However, if the wicked person repents of all the sins he committed, keeps my laws and does what is lawful and right; then he will certainly live, he will not die.

Berean Standard Bible

But if the wicked man turns from all the sins he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die.

American Standard Version

But if the wicked 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 18:21 stands as a pivotal declaration within the prophet's discourse on individual accountability, asserting God's profound mercy and desire for human flourishing. It proclaims that if a wicked person genuinely turns from their sins, observes God's statutes, and acts with justice and righteousness, they will certainly live and not perish. This verse powerfully refutes the prevailing notion of inherited guilt, emphasizing that personal repentance and obedience are the pathways to divine favor and life, underscoring God's character as one who offers restoration rather than merely retribution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 18:21 is embedded within a profound theological discourse (Ezekiel 18:1-32) that directly confronts a popular proverb among the exiles: "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge" ([Ezekiel 18:2](/ezekiel/18-2 "Ezekiel 18:2 - The Proverb of Sour Grapes")). This proverb implied that the current generation was suffering for the sins of their ancestors, fostering a sense of fatalism and injustice. God, through Ezekiel, vehemently rejects this notion, asserting individual responsibility for sin and righteousness. The chapter systematically presents scenarios of righteous individuals, wicked individuals, and those who change their ways, illustrating that each person's destiny is determined by their own choices. Verse 21, specifically, serves as a powerful counterpoint to the judgment on the unrepentant, offering a clear path to life for those who genuinely repent, reinforcing God's desire for reconciliation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile (circa 597-571 BC), a period of profound national crisis and theological re-evaluation for the Israelites. The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, coupled with their forced displacement, led many to question God's justice and the nature of the covenant. The prevailing cultural understanding often included a corporate view of sin and punishment, where the community or family suffered for the actions of its members or ancestors. Ezekiel's message, particularly in chapter 18, represents a radical shift, emphasizing individual moral agency and accountability before God. This was crucial for fostering hope and encouraging personal transformation among a people who felt condemned by their past and the sins of previous generations. The concept of "statutes," "lawful," and "right" refers to the Mosaic Law and the principles of justice and righteousness that God had established for Israel.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility") is **individual accountability** before God, directly challenging the idea of inherited guilt. This verse highlights that God's justice is not arbitrary but is based on personal conduct. Another crucial theme is the **transformative power of repentance**. The emphasis on "turning from all his sins" signifies a complete reorientation of one's life, not merely a cessation of bad behavior. This genuine change of heart and action is met with God's **divine mercy and desire for life**, as expressed in the repeated phrase "he shall surely live, he shall not die." This echoes God's lament in [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God's Desire for Life"), where He declares He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. The verse also underscores the **conditional nature of life and blessing** under the Old Covenant, where obedience to God's "statutes" and doing "that which is lawful and right" are prerequisites for experiencing His promised life and well-being.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sins (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to miss the mark," refers to an offense against God's law, encompassing habitual sinfulness, its penalty, and even the means of expiation. In Ezekiel 18:21, the emphasis is on the complete turning away "from all his sins," indicating a comprehensive departure from a life characterized by missing God's moral standard.
* **turn (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** A primitive root, _shûwb_ signifies a complete change of direction or a turning back, often with the idea of repentance. It implies not just regret for past actions but a decisive and active reorientation of one's life away from sin and towards God and His ways. This is a fundamental concept of biblical repentance, requiring both an abandonment of the old path and an embrace of the new.
* **live (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** This word denotes life in its fullest sense, encompassing not only physical existence but also spiritual vitality, well-being, prosperity, and a restored relationship with God. When contrasted with "not die," it emphasizes a vibrant, blessed, and full life that is the antithesis of the spiritual and often physical death associated with persistent sin and separation from God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed,"**: This clause establishes the primary condition for the promise of life. It specifies that the "wicked" – one characterized by moral wrongness and active bad behavior – must undergo a radical transformation. The turning must be comprehensive, "from all his sins," indicating a complete and sincere repentance, not merely a selective cessation of certain misdeeds. It addresses the totality of a person's sinful past.
* **"and keep all my statutes,"**: This second condition moves beyond merely ceasing sin to actively embracing God's revealed will. "Statutes" refer to God's ordinances and enactments, the divine law. The requirement to "keep all" implies a commitment to obedience across the board, demonstrating a heart truly reoriented towards God's righteous standards. This is not just about avoiding evil but actively pursuing good as defined by God.
* **"and do that which is lawful and right,"**: This clause further clarifies the nature of the required obedience. "Lawful" (_mishpâṭ_) refers to justice, judgment, and proper legal or customary conduct, encompassing both divine and human law. "Right" (_tsᵉdâqâh_) speaks of righteousness, rectitude, and moral virtue. Together, these terms emphasize a life lived in active conformity to God's moral and ethical principles, demonstrating practical righteousness in daily life and interactions.
* **"he shall surely live, he shall not die."**: This is the emphatic promise contingent upon the preceding conditions. The repetition and strong affirmation ("surely live, he shall not die") underscore the certainty and absolute nature of the divine promise. This "life" is comprehensive, referring to spiritual vitality, divine favor, a restored relationship with God, and deliverance from the spiritual and ultimate physical consequences of sin. It is the opposite of the "death" (separation from God, spiritual decay, and ultimate judgment) that is the natural outcome of unrepentant wickedness.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 18:21 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Conditional Statement**, introduced by "But if," which clearly sets out the premise (repentance and obedience) upon which the consequence (life) is contingent. This structure highlights human agency and responsibility in the divine-human relationship. **Antithesis** is powerfully used in the concluding phrase, "he shall surely live, he shall not die." This stark contrast between life and death emphasizes the dramatic and absolute nature of the transformation and its outcome. The repetition of the concept of life and the negation of death ("surely live, he shall not die") also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the certainty of God's promise and His desire for restoration. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Proverbial Reversal**, directly counteracting the fatalistic proverb mentioned earlier in the chapter, offering a message of hope and individual empowerment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 18:21 is a profound statement of God's character, revealing His justice intertwined with boundless mercy. It dismantles the notion of inherited guilt, firmly establishing individual accountability before God. The verse highlights that God's ultimate desire is not the condemnation of the wicked but their repentance and subsequent life. This emphasis on turning from sin and embracing righteousness is foundational to biblical theology, demonstrating that God provides a path to reconciliation and flourishing even for those who have strayed far. It underscores the active nature of repentance, which involves both a cessation of evil and a commitment to God's righteous ways.

* [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Isaiah 55:7 - Call to Repentance and Forgiveness")
* [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God's Desire for the Wicked to Turn")
* [Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Repentance and Refreshing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 18:21 offers an enduring message of hope and a clear call to action for every individual. It dismantles any fatalistic worldview, asserting that our spiritual trajectory is not predetermined by our lineage or past mistakes but by our personal choices in the present. This verse assures us that no one is beyond the reach of God's mercy; regardless of the depth or duration of past sins, the door to forgiveness and life remains open for those who genuinely turn to Him. True repentance, as illuminated here, is not merely regret or a passive cessation of bad habits, but an active, decisive reorientation of one's entire being—a turning *from* sin and a turning *to* God's statutes and righteous living. This commitment to a new way of life, characterized by justice and righteousness, is what God desires and what leads to genuine spiritual vitality and well-being. This understanding should motivate us to continually examine our hearts, confess our sins, and actively pursue a life that honors God, trusting in His restorative power and His profound desire for our life, not our death.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "sins" do I need to "turn from" in my life, and what concrete steps can I take to demonstrate that turning?**
* **How does the concept of "keeping all my statutes" and "doing that which is lawful and right" translate into practical daily obedience in my contemporary context?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to believe that my past or the actions of others define my spiritual destiny, and how does Ezekiel 18:21 challenge that belief?**
* **What does "surely live" mean to me personally, beyond mere physical existence, and how can I pursue that abundant life God offers?**

### FAQ

**Does "turn from all his sins" mean I have to be perfect to receive God's mercy?**

Answer: No, "turn from all his sins" does not imply a requirement for absolute perfection from that moment forward. Instead, it signifies a genuine and comprehensive reorientation of one's will and life direction. It means abandoning the *practice* and *love* of sin, making a decisive break with a sinful lifestyle, and committing to follow God's ways. It's about the heart's disposition and the direction of one's life, rather than flawless execution. God looks at the sincerity of the turning and the commitment to His statutes, not an immediate, unattainable sinlessness. This turning is a continuous process of repentance and growth, enabled by God's grace.

**Is this verse teaching salvation by works?**

Answer: Ezekiel 18:21, within its Old Covenant context, describes the conditions for covenant life and blessing for the nation of Israel. It emphasizes that individual obedience and repentance are necessary for experiencing God's favor and avoiding judgment. While it highlights human responsibility and action, it's crucial to understand that this obedience is a *response* to God's gracious offer of life, not a means of earning salvation independently of His mercy. The underlying assumption is God's prior grace in revealing His statutes and offering a path to life. In the broader biblical narrative, true repentance and obedience are always empowered by God's grace and Spirit, leading to a transformed life that reflects a right relationship with Him. The New Testament clarifies that ultimate salvation and eternal life are a gift of God's grace, received through faith, which then produces the fruit of repentance and good works (see [Ephesians 2:8-10](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-10 - Grace Through Faith for Good Works")).

**What kind of "life" is promised in this verse? Is it only physical life?**

Answer: The "life" promised in Ezekiel 18:21 is multifaceted and extends beyond mere physical existence. While it certainly includes the preservation of physical life and well-being in the Old Testament context (e.g., avoiding premature death or national destruction), it primarily refers to a state of spiritual vitality, peace, and flourishing in relationship with God. It signifies deliverance from the spiritual "death" that is the consequence of sin—separation from God, alienation, and spiritual decay. This "life" encompasses God's favor, blessing, and the experience of His presence, leading to a holistic sense of well-being. In a New Testament light, this concept of "life" foreshadows the eternal life and abundant spiritual life found in Christ (see [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life in Christ")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 18:21, with its profound emphasis on individual repentance and the promise of life, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant offered a path to life through adherence to the law and genuine turning from sin, humanity's inherent inability to perfectly keep God's "statutes" and "do that which is lawful and right" consistently led to failure. Jesus, the perfect [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfilled all righteousness on our behalf, living the life we could not live and dying the death we deserved. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He provided the ultimate means for the "wicked" to "turn from all his sins." True repentance, as called for in Ezekiel, is now inextricably linked to faith in Christ, who grants forgiveness and the power to live a new life. The "life" promised in Ezekiel is fully realized in Christ, who declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")). He not only frees us from the penalty of sin but also empowers us by His Holy Spirit to genuinely "keep His statutes" and "do that which is lawful and right" (cf. [Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Christ")). Thus, the conditional promise of life in Ezekiel 18:21 becomes an unconditional gift of eternal life for all who turn to Christ in faith, enabling a transformed life of obedience that flows from a renewed heart.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 33:19

But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby.

Ezekiel 18:27

Again, when the wicked [man] turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.

Ezekiel 18:28

Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Proverbs 28:13

¶ He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.

Titus 2:11

¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Acts 3:19

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;