18:22 18:22

Ezekiel 18:23

18:24 18:24

Bible Versions

Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: [and] not that he should return from his ways, and live?
Have I any pleasure {H2654} at all {H2654} that the wicked {H7563} should die {H4194}? saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}: and not that he should return {H7725} from his ways {H1870}, and live {H2421}?
Do I take any pleasure at all in having the wicked person die?" asks Adonai ELOHIM. "Wouldn't I prefer that he turn from his ways and live?
Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn’t I prefer that he turn from his ways and live?
Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked? saith the Lord Jehovah; and not rather that he should return from his way, and live?

Ezekiel 18:23 (KJV) powerfully reveals the compassionate heart of God, declaring, "Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: [and] not that he should return from his ways, and live?" This verse stands as a profound statement of divine desire for repentance and life over judgment and death.

Context

This verse is situated within Ezekiel chapter 18, where the prophet addresses a common proverb among the exiles in Babylon: "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge" (Ezekiel 18:2). This proverb suggested that the current generation was suffering for the sins of their ancestors, implying a lack of individual accountability. Through Ezekiel, God vehemently refutes this notion, emphasizing personal responsibility for one's actions. The chapter outlines various scenarios of righteous individuals turning to sin, and wicked individuals turning to righteousness, illustrating that each person will be judged according to their own deeds. Verse 23 encapsulates God's ultimate intention behind this declaration of individual justice: not to condemn, but to offer a path to life through repentance.

Key Themes

  • God's Desire for Life: The primary message is that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. His preference is for them to turn from their sinful paths and live. This highlights His inherent goodness and mercy.
  • Divine Mercy and Patience: This verse underscores God's immense patience and willingness to extend grace, even to those who have strayed far from Him. It aligns with other scriptures that speak of God's desire for all to come to repentance.
  • Individual Responsibility: While not explicitly stated in this verse, it is a foundational theme of Ezekiel 18. The call to "return from his ways" places the onus of choice and action directly on the individual.
  • Repentance as the Path to Life: The verse clearly links "returning from his ways" (repentance) with "living." True life, in a spiritual and eternal sense, is found in turning away from sin and towards God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Lord GOD" (Hebrew: Adonai Yahweh) is significant. Adonai signifies "Master" or "Lord," emphasizing God's sovereignty and authority. Yahweh is God's personal covenant name, revealing His relational and faithful character. Together, it conveys the image of a sovereign, covenant-keeping God who is deeply invested in the well-being of His people. The word "return" (Hebrew: shuv) is a key biblical term for repentance, meaning to turn back, to revert, or to change direction. It implies a complete change of heart and action, moving away from sin and back towards God's will.

Reflection and Application

Ezekiel 18:23 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers and non-believers alike:

  • Hope for the Sinner: It provides immense hope, assuring that God's door to forgiveness and new life is always open to those who genuinely repent. This truth is central to the Christian message of salvation through Christ.
  • Motivation for Evangelism: Knowing that God desires life for all should motivate believers to share the good news of repentance and redemption.
  • Understanding God's Character: This verse beautifully reveals God's heart – not a vengeful deity eager to punish, but a loving Father who longs for His children to choose life. This divine characteristic is echoed throughout Scripture, from His compassion in Exodus 34:6-7 to His call in Ezekiel 33:11: "As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live."

Ultimately, Ezekiel 18:23 calls us to recognize God's unfathomable mercy and to respond to His gracious invitation to turn from our ways and embrace the abundant life He offers.

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.

  • Ezekiel 33:11

    Say unto them, [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

  • 1 Timothy 2:4

    Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

  • 2 Peter 3:9

    ¶ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

  • Ezekiel 18:32

    For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn [yourselves], and live ye.

  • Psalms 147:11

    The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

  • Luke 15:10

    Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

  • Luke 15:32

    It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
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