Ezekiel 18:22

KJV

All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.

KJV (with Strong's)

All his transgressions {H6588} that he hath committed {H6213}, they shall not be mentioned {H2142} unto him: in his righteousness {H6666} that he hath done {H6213} he shall live {H2421}.

Complete Jewish Bible

None of the transgressions he has committed will be remembered against him; for the righteousness that he has done, he will live.

Berean Standard Bible

None of the transgressions he has committed will be held against him. Because of the righteousness he has practiced, he will live.

American Standard Version

None of his transgressions that he hath committed shall be remembered against him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 18:22 delivers a profound declaration of divine justice and boundless mercy, articulating God's principle of individual accountability and the transformative power of genuine repentance. It asserts that when a wicked person turns from their transgressions and embraces a life of active righteousness, their past sins will not be held against them, and they will, by virtue of their new obedience, experience true life and flourishing. This verse offers immense hope, underscoring God's fervent desire for reconciliation and His readiness to forgive and fully restore those who sincerely turn to Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 18:22 is strategically placed within a pivotal chapter that directly confronts a deeply ingrained proverb among the exiled Israelites: "[The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge](/ezekiel/18-2 "Ezekiel 18:2 - The Proverb of Sour Grapes")." This proverb reflected a pervasive fatalism, a belief that the current generation was unjustly suffering for the sins of their ancestors, leading to despair and a sense of inescapable inherited guilt. Throughout [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility"), God, speaking through the prophet Ezekiel, systematically dismantles this deterministic view. He meticulously illustrates, through various hypothetical scenarios—a righteous man, his wicked son, and his righteous grandson—that each individual's destiny is determined by their own choices and actions, not by their lineage. Verse 22 specifically addresses the hopeful and redemptive scenario of a wicked person who genuinely repents, serving as a powerful counterpoint to the idea of inevitable generational punishment and highlighting God's commitment to individual justice and mercy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel was delivered during the traumatic period of the Babylonian exile (c. 597-571 BC). For the Israelites, the loss of their land, the destruction of the Temple, and the cessation of their monarchy created an acute theological crisis. The proverb of the "sour grapes" was a cultural coping mechanism, a way to externalize blame and rationalize their suffering, often excusing their own spiritual apathy and rebellion. In this dire context, Ezekiel's message of individual accountability was revolutionary and deeply challenging. It called the exiles to personal introspection, repentance, and a renewed understanding of God's character, rather than passive resignation. By emphasizing that individual salvation and restoration were still possible through a personal turning to God, the message aimed to foster a renewed sense of hope, agency, and responsibility among a people who felt utterly defeated and without recourse.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it champions **Individual Accountability**, asserting that one's standing before God is determined by their own choices and actions, not inherited guilt or the deeds of others. This is a foundational principle reiterated throughout the chapter, as seen in passages like [Ezekiel 18:4](/ezekiel/18-4 "Ezekiel 18:4 - Every Soul Belongs to God") and [Ezekiel 18:20](/ezekiel/18-20 "Ezekiel 18:20 - The Soul Who Sins Will Die"). Secondly, it highlights the **Transformative Power of Repentance**, demonstrating that a genuine turning from a life of wickedness has immediate and profound consequences, leading to complete forgiveness and life. God's fervent desire for the wicked to turn and live is a recurring motif, explicitly stated in [Ezekiel 18:23](/ezekiel/18-23 "Ezekiel 18:23 - God's Desire for Repentance") and [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God Takes No Pleasure in the Death of the Wicked"). Finally, the verse underscores **Divine Forgiveness and Mercy**, portraying God's boundless willingness to pardon and "forget" past transgressions when true repentance occurs, leading to a flourishing life in covenant with Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **transgressions (Hebrew, _peshaʻ'_):** From a root meaning "to revolt" or "to rebel," this term signifies more than a simple error or misstep. It denotes a deliberate, conscious act of rebellion against God's established order, law, or covenant. In [Ezekiel 18:22](/ezekiel/18-22 "Ezekiel 18:22 - Forgiveness and Life"), it emphasizes the gravity and willful nature of the past actions that are now being set aside by divine grace.
* **mentioned (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** This word means "to remember," "to recall," or "to bring to mind." In a judicial or relational context, "not be mentioned" implies a cessation of remembrance in an accusatory or condemning sense. It does not mean God literally forgets (as He is omniscient), but rather that He chooses not to bring them up as a basis for judgment or condemnation against the repentant individual. It signifies a profound, complete, and judicial pardon.
* **live (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to live," "to revive," or "to be whole." This term encompasses far more than mere physical existence. In this context, it refers to a flourishing, vibrant, and blessed life in covenant with God, marked by divine favor, spiritual vitality, and true well-being. It signifies restoration to a right relationship with God, leading to purpose and abundant life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All his transgressions that he hath committed,"**: This opening clause establishes the premise: it refers to an individual whose past life has been characterized by numerous, deliberate acts of rebellion and sin against God. The phrase "all his transgressions" emphasizes the totality and comprehensive nature of the past wickedness, no matter how extensive or severe.
* **"they shall not be mentioned unto him:"**: This is the profound and central promise of divine forgiveness. The past sins, though numerous and grave, will not be brought to mind, held against the individual, or used as a basis for condemnation. This signifies a complete judicial pardon, a wiping clean of the moral and spiritual slate, and a cessation of the legal remembrance of guilt.
* **"in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live."**: This concluding clause presents both the condition and the glorious consequence. The "righteousness that he hath done" refers to the new life of active obedience, conformity to God's will, and righteous conduct that follows genuine repentance. As a direct result of this transformed character and conduct, the individual will experience "life"—a full, blessed, and covenantal existence with God, marked by spiritual vitality and freedom from the condemnation of their past.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 18:22 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking clarity and impact. **Contrast** is central, starkly juxtaposing the "transgressions" of the past with the "righteousness" of the present, thereby highlighting the dramatic and transformative shift in the individual's standing before God. The phrase "they shall not be mentioned unto him" functions as a powerful form of **Meiosis** (understatement) or **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the completeness and finality of God's forgiveness; it's not merely that sins won't be casually recalled, but they will be judicially dismissed and rendered irrelevant for condemnation. The verse also presents a clear **Conditional Promise**, where the assurance of "life" is directly contingent upon the "righteousness that he hath done," establishing a direct cause-and-effect relationship between genuine repentance, new obedience, and divine favor. This precise structure underscores the individual's agency and responsibility in their spiritual journey towards restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 18:22 stands as a cornerstone passage for understanding the multifaceted character of God as both perfectly just and limitlessly merciful. It profoundly reveals His desire for humanity's reconciliation, demonstrating that His justice is not solely punitive but deeply redemptive. This verse powerfully prefigures the New Covenant promise where God declares, "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more" ([Hebrews 8:12](/hebrews/8-12 "Hebrews 8:12 - God Remembers Sins No More")). It lays essential groundwork for the biblical concept of justification, where a repentant sinner's past is not held against them, and their new life of obedience is recognized and honored by God. This principle of divine "forgetfulness" of sin upon genuine repentance is a testament to God's boundless grace and His unwavering commitment to providing a path to full restoration for all who sincerely turn to Him.

* [Isaiah 43:25](/isaiah/43-25 "Isaiah 43:25 - God Blots Out Transgressions")
* [Psalm 103:12](/psalms/103-12 "Psalm 103:12 - God Removes Our Sins")
* [Micah 7:18-19](/micah/7-18-19 "Micah 7:18-19 - God Delights in Mercy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 18:22 offers a profound message of hope, liberation, and empowerment for anyone burdened by the weight of past failures and sins. It powerfully dismantles the insidious lie that our past irrevocably defines our future, asserting with divine authority that God's mercy is infinitely greater than any transgression. This verse calls us to embrace personal responsibility for our spiritual journey, recognizing that genuine repentance—a sincere turning from sin to active righteousness—is met with the astounding promise of divine forgiveness and a complete fresh start. It encourages us to live not in the shadow of condemnation, but in the radiant light of God's restorative grace, knowing that our past sins, once confessed and forsaken, will not be held against us. This liberating truth empowers us to pursue a life of active obedience and unwavering faith, confident that God passionately desires our flourishing and offers a clear path to true, abundant life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What past "transgressions" might I be allowing to hinder my present walk with God, despite His clear promise of forgiveness?**
* **How does the concept of God "not mentioning" my sins impact my understanding of His boundless mercy and transformative grace?**
* **In what tangible and practical ways can I demonstrate "righteousness that he hath done" in my daily life as evidence of genuine repentance?**
* **How does the promise of "he shall live" motivate and empower me to pursue a deeper, more vibrant, and purposeful relationship with God?**

### FAQ
**Does "not be mentioned" mean God literally forgets my sins?**

Answer: While God is omniscient and knows all things, the phrase "they shall not be mentioned unto him" in [Ezekiel 18:22](/ezekiel/18-22 "Ezekiel 18:22 - Forgiveness and Life") is a legal and relational declaration of profound divine grace. It means that God, in His perfect justice and boundless mercy, chooses not to bring up or hold those past sins against the repentant individual as a basis for condemnation or judgment. It signifies a complete judicial pardon and a cessation of remembrance in an accusatory sense, similar to how God promises under the new covenant, "their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more" ([Hebrews 8:12](/hebrews/8-12 "Hebrews 8:12 - God Remembers Sins No More")). It is an act of sovereign divine grace and forgiveness, not a limitation of God's infinite memory.

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

Answer: The "life" promised in [Ezekiel 18:22](/ezekiel/18-22 "Ezekiel 18:22 - The Promise of Life") (Hebrew: *châyâh*) encompasses far more than mere physical existence. While it certainly includes the continuation of life, especially in contrast to the "death" (spiritual and physical judgment) that typically follows unrepentant sin, its primary meaning is a flourishing, vibrant, and blessed existence in covenant with God. It signifies spiritual vitality, divine favor, peace, and a restored, right relationship with the Creator. This concept of "life" is holistic, referring to true well-being, purpose, and spiritual abundance that comes from walking in righteousness before God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 18:22, with its profound declaration of forgiveness for the repentant and the promise of life through righteousness, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament offered a path to forgiveness through repentance and obedience to the Law, it simultaneously revealed humanity's inherent inability to perfectly maintain such righteousness. Christ, however, perfectly fulfilled the Law, living a life of absolute and unblemished righteousness on our behalf ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"); [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Our Righteousness")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He bore the full weight of "all his transgressions" for those who believe, ensuring that our sins are not merely "not mentioned" but are completely blotted out, nailed to the cross, and remembered no more ([Colossians 2:14](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14 - Cancellation of Debt"); [Hebrews 10:17](/hebrews/10-17 "Hebrews 10:17 - Sins Remembered No More")). The "righteousness that he hath done" in Ezekiel 18:22, which leads to life, is ultimately imputed to believers through faith in Christ, who becomes our very righteousness before God ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith"); [Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness from God")). Thus, the promise of "he shall live" is realized eternally and abundantly in Christ, who is Himself "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), offering not just physical existence but eternal life in communion with God for all who turn from their sin and trust fully in Him as Lord and Savior.

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

Micah 7:19

He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

Ezekiel 33:16

None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live.

Isaiah 43:25

I, [even] I, [am] he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

Psalms 18:20

¶ The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.

Psalms 18:24

Therefore hath the LORD recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.

Ezekiel 18:24

But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, [and] doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked [man] doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

Hebrews 8:12

For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.