Ezekiel 18:23

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

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}?

Complete Jewish Bible

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?

Berean Standard Bible

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?

American Standard Version

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 18:23 powerfully articulates the compassionate heart of God, revealing His profound desire for the repentance and life of the wicked rather than their judgment and death. This verse stands as a core declaration of divine mercy, emphasizing that God's ultimate intention is redemptive, offering a path to spiritual and eternal life through a genuine turning away from sin. It underscores the Lord GOD's character as one who delights not in destruction but in the restoration of humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 18:23 is situated within a pivotal chapter where the prophet Ezekiel addresses 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 "Ezekiel 18:2 - The Proverb of Sour Grapes")). This proverb reflected a fatalistic belief that the current generation was suffering solely for the sins of their ancestors, thereby absolving themselves of personal responsibility. Through a series of hypothetical scenarios involving righteous individuals turning to wickedness and wicked individuals turning to righteousness, God vehemently refutes this notion, establishing the principle of individual accountability. The chapter culminates in a clear declaration that each person will be judged according to their own deeds, with verse 23 serving as the compassionate theological underpinning for this emphasis on personal choice and its consequences, highlighting God's redemptive purpose behind His just pronouncements.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel was delivered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the sixth century BCE, following the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. This period was marked by profound despair, disillusionment, and a struggle to understand God's justice amidst their suffering. The exiles often blamed previous generations for their predicament, clinging to the proverb of the sour grapes as a justification for their own spiritual apathy. Ezekiel's message, therefore, was not merely theological but deeply pastoral, aimed at re-establishing hope and individual moral agency within a community that felt condemned by history. It challenged their fatalism, calling them to personal repentance and a renewed relationship with God, offering a path forward even in exile.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is **God's Desire for Life and Repentance**, unequivocally stating that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather desires their turning and living. This theme is echoed later in [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God's Desire for Repentance"). Closely related is the theme of **Divine Mercy and Patience**, showcasing God's willingness to extend grace even to those who have strayed far, aligning with the New Testament's emphasis on God's patience for all to come to repentance, as seen in [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance"). While not explicitly stated in verse 23, the foundational theme of **Individual Responsibility** from [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility") undergirds the call to "return from his ways," placing the onus of choice and action squarely on the individual. Finally, the verse highlights **Repentance as the Path to Life**, clearly linking a change of "ways" with the reception of true life, both spiritual and eternal.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pleasure (Hebrew, _châphêts'_):** From the primitive root H2654, this word means "to incline to," "to be pleased with," or "to desire." In this context, it emphatically conveys God's disposition—He does not find satisfaction or delight in the demise of the wicked. Instead, His inclination is towards their well-being and restoration.
* **wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** Derived from H7563, this term describes someone who is "morally wrong" or an "actively bad person." It denotes a state of being ungodly or guilty, indicating a persistent pattern of behavior that deviates from God's righteous standards. The verse specifically addresses those whose "ways" are characterized by such moral deviation.
* **return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root (H7725) is a crucial biblical term for repentance. It signifies "to turn back," "to revert," or "to change direction." It implies a decisive and complete reversal of one's course of life, moving away from sin and back towards God's will and righteousness. This "return" is presented as the prerequisite for "living."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?"**: This opening clause is a powerful rhetorical question. It asserts God's character, indicating that His nature is not one that rejoices in the death or destruction of any person, even those who are morally corrupt. It challenges the common human assumption that divine justice inherently demands punitive destruction, revealing instead a divine heart that grieves over such outcomes.
* **"saith the Lord GOD:"**: This interjection serves as an authoritative divine oracle, emphasizing that the preceding and following statements are direct pronouncements from God Himself. "Lord GOD" (Hebrew: _Adonai Yᵉhôvih_) combines _Adonai_ (Master, Lord, emphasizing sovereignty) with _Yᵉhôvih_ (a vocalization of YHWH, God's personal covenant name, emphasizing His relational and faithful character). Together, it underscores the absolute truth and weighty significance of this divine declaration.
* **"and not that he should return from his ways, and live?"**: This concluding clause answers the rhetorical question by stating God's true desire. It presents the alternative to death: a turning away from one's sinful "ways" (referring to one's course of life or mode of action) and embracing "life." This "life" is not merely physical existence but encompasses spiritual vitality, reconciliation with God, and eternal well-being. It highlights God's redemptive purpose and the pathway to experiencing His blessing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? ... and not that he should return from his ways, and live?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to make a forceful assertion about God's character and desires, inviting the audience to reflect on the obvious answer. There is a clear **Juxtaposition** and **Antithesis** between "the wicked should die" and "he should return from his ways, and live," highlighting the stark contrast between the two outcomes and the conditions for each. The phrase "saith the Lord GOD" functions as an **Oracle Formula**, lending divine authority and weight to the statement, marking it as an indisputable truth directly from God. Finally, the concept of God having "pleasure" or "delight" can be seen as a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like emotions to God to help humanity grasp His deep compassion and benevolent disposition towards His creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 18:23 is a cornerstone verse for understanding God's character, revealing a divine heart that is fundamentally inclined towards life and reconciliation rather than judgment and condemnation. It dismantles the misconception of a vengeful deity eager for destruction, instead portraying a God whose justice is always tempered by mercy, and whose ultimate desire is for humanity's flourishing. This verse profoundly shapes our understanding of divine sovereignty, demonstrating that God's power is exercised not merely in judgment but supremely in His capacity to offer redemption and new beginnings. It underscores the biblical truth that while sin leads to death, God provides a way back to life through genuine repentance, emphasizing His patience and long-suffering love for all people.

* [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God's Oath Regarding Repentance")
* [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord's Patience and Desire for Repentance")
* [1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God's Desire for All to Be Saved")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 18:23 offers profound comfort and a clear call to action, resonating deeply with both believers and those yet to embrace faith. For the sinner, it provides immense hope, assuring that God's door to forgiveness and new life is perpetually open to those who genuinely turn from their ways. This truth is foundational to the Christian message of salvation, emphasizing that no one is beyond the reach of God's redemptive grace. For the believer, it serves as a powerful reminder of the character of the God we worship—not a harsh judge eager to condemn, but a loving Father who longs for His children to choose life. This understanding should ignite a fervent passion for evangelism, compelling us to share the good news of repentance and redemption with a world desperately in need of hope. It challenges us to reflect God's heart in our own interactions, extending grace and patience to others, and actively participating in His mission of reconciliation. Ultimately, this verse calls us to recognize God's unfathomable mercy and to respond to His gracious invitation to turn from our own sinful ways and embrace the abundant, eternal life He offers through His Son.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's desire for life, as expressed in Ezekiel 18:23, challenge or affirm your current perception of God's character?**
* **In what specific "ways" might you be called to "return" or change direction in your own life to align more fully with God's will?**
* **How does this verse motivate you to share the message of repentance and life with others, and what practical steps can you take to do so?**

### FAQ
**Does Ezekiel 18:23 mean that God does not punish sin?**

Answer: No, Ezekiel 18:23 does not mean God does not punish sin. Rather, it reveals God's *disposition* and *preference*. While God is perfectly just and sin has consequences, His ultimate desire is for people to repent and live, thereby avoiding the judgment that their unrepentant sin would otherwise incur. The broader context of [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Accountability") clearly outlines the consequences of both righteousness and wickedness, emphasizing that each person will be judged according to their own deeds. God's desire for life is an invitation to avoid judgment through repentance, not a denial of His justice.

**What does "return from his ways" mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: "Return from his ways" (Hebrew: _shûwb_ from _derek_) signifies a complete and genuine repentance. Practically, it means a radical change of mind, heart, and action. It involves acknowledging one's sin, turning away from sinful patterns of behavior, and actively turning towards God and His righteous standards. This isn't merely a superficial change but a fundamental reorientation of one's life, aligning one's choices and actions with God's will, as demonstrated throughout the Scriptures (e.g., [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - Confession and Forsaking Sin")).

**Is this verse applicable to everyone, or just the people of Israel?**

Answer: While Ezekiel's prophecy was initially given to the exiles of Israel, the theological principles articulated in [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Principles of Individual Justice") and especially in verse 23 are universal in their application. God's character as one who desires life and repentance for the wicked transcends specific historical contexts. This divine disposition is consistent throughout the Old and New Testaments, affirming God's desire for all humanity to come to repentance and be saved, as seen in passages like [1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God's Universal Desire for Salvation")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 18:23 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. God's declaration that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but desires their repentance and life, is perfectly embodied in Christ's mission. Jesus came into the world not to condemn it, but that through Him, the world might be saved ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Jesus' Mission of Salvation")). He is the very manifestation of God's desire for life, offering Himself as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His atoning death and resurrection, Jesus provides the perfect means for the "wicked" to "return from his ways" and truly "live." The call to "return" is fulfilled in the New Covenant through repentance and faith in Christ, where believers receive forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life, becoming new creations in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Jesus Himself declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Only Way")). Thus, the compassionate heart of God revealed in Ezekiel finds its complete and saving expression in the Gospel, inviting all to turn to Christ and receive 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.

Cross-References

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.