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.

But when the righteous {H6662} turneth away {H7725} from his righteousness {H6666}, and committeth {H6213} iniquity {H5766}, and doeth {H6213} according to all the abominations {H8441} that the wicked {H7563} man doeth {H6213}, shall he live {H2425}? All his righteousness {H6666} that he hath done {H6213} shall not be mentioned {H2142}: in his trespass {H4603} that he hath trespassed {H4604}, and in his sin {H2403} that he hath sinned {H2398}, in them shall he die {H4191}.

"On the other hand, when the righteous person turns away from his righteousness and commits wickedness by acting in accordance with all the disgusting practices that the wicked person does, will he live? None of the righteous deeds he has done will be remembered; for the trespasses and sins he has committed, he will die.

But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, committing the same abominations as the wicked, will he live? None of the righteous acts he did will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness and sin he has committed, he will die.

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? None of his righteous deeds that he hath done shall be remembered: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

Ezekiel 18:24 is a powerful verse that underscores God's principle of individual accountability, particularly warning against the spiritual peril of a righteous person who turns away from their commitment to God and embraces sin. It highlights the serious consequences of backsliding and the conditional nature of divine favor based on one's present walk.

Context

This verse is situated within Ezekiel chapter 18, a pivotal passage where God directly refutes 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). The people believed they were being punished for the sins of their ancestors, but God, through Ezekiel, emphatically declares that each individual is responsible for their own actions. The chapter outlines various scenarios – a righteous man, a wicked man who repents, and, as seen in this verse, one who turns from righteousness to wickedness. The overarching message is God's justice and fairness in judging each person based on their own choices and conduct.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Individual Accountability: The core message is a resounding affirmation of individual responsibility before God. Past righteousness does not grant immunity from current judgment if one willingly and persistently chooses a path of sin.
  • Conditional Nature of Righteousness: Righteousness, in this context, is not presented as an irreversible state, but as a dynamic walk with God. To "turneth away from his righteousness" implies a deliberate and sustained departure from a life pleasing to God. All previous good deeds are rendered null in the face of such a radical turning to "abominations."
  • Severity of Apostasy: The verse highlights the grave danger of backsliding or apostasy. It's a stark warning that abandoning a righteous path, especially after having known and walked in it, leads to spiritual death. This concept resonates with warnings found in the New Testament about willful sin after receiving knowledge of the truth.
  • Divine Justice: God's judgment is portrayed as just and consistent. He does not arbitrarily condemn but responds to the active choices of individuals, whether for righteousness or wickedness. Just as the wicked can repent and live (Ezekiel 18:21-23), the righteous can choose to abandon their path and face the consequences.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "righteousness" is tzedeq (צֶדֶק), which speaks to ethical and moral rectitude, conformity to divine law, and a right relationship with God. When one "turneth away" (סוּר - sur), it signifies a deliberate deviation or departure from this path.
  • The term "abominations" (to'evah - תּוֹעֵבָה) refers to practices intensely offensive to God, such as idolatry, sexual perversion, or unjust social practices, underscoring the severity of the sins committed.
  • To "die" (מוּת - mut) in this context implies not just physical death, but spiritual separation from God, a loss of divine favor and blessing that leads to eternal consequences.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 18:24 serves as a powerful reminder for believers to remain vigilant and persevere in their walk with God. It challenges any presumption that past good works or a former "season of righteousness" can compensate for a present life of unrepentant sin. This verse calls for continuous self-examination and a commitment to ongoing repentance and obedience.

It underscores the importance of working out one's own salvation with fear and trembling, emphasizing that our spiritual standing is tied to our current disposition and actions before God. It's a call to faithfulness, stressing that a life devoted to Christ requires enduring commitment, not just a momentary decision, echoing the New Testament emphasis on continuing in the faith and resisting the allure of sin.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 33:18

    When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby.

  • Proverbs 21:16

    ¶ The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

  • 2 John 1:8

    Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

  • Ezekiel 33:12

    Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his [righteousness] in the day that he sinneth.

  • Ezekiel 33:13

    When I shall say to the righteous, [that] he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.

  • Galatians 3:4

    Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if [it be] yet in vain.

  • 2 Chronicles 24:17

    Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them.

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