Ezekiel 18:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Again, when the wicked {H7563} man turneth away {H7725} from his wickedness {H7564} that he hath committed {H6213}, and doeth {H6213} that which is lawful {H4941} and right {H6666}, he shall save {H2421} his soul {H5315} alive {H2421}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And when the wicked person turns away from all the wickedness he has committed and does what is lawful and right, he will save his life.

Berean Standard Bible

But if a wicked man turns from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he will save his life.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 18:27 serves as a profound declaration of God's individual justice and boundless mercy, articulating the transformative truth that a wicked person who genuinely turns from their sin and actively pursues righteousness will find spiritual and physical preservation. This verse powerfully refutes the notion of inherited guilt, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to personal accountability and emphasizing that an individual's destiny is shaped by their own choices and actions, particularly their willingness to repent and embrace God's righteous standards. It offers a vibrant message of hope, affirming that radical transformation and a renewed, life-giving relationship with God are profoundly possible for all who truly repent.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 18:27 is a pivotal statement nestled within a chapter dedicated to dismantling 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 served as a fatalistic excuse, suggesting that the current generation's suffering was solely a consequence of their ancestors' sins, thereby absolving them of personal responsibility. Through divine revelation, Ezekiel systematically refutes this misconception by presenting a series of hypothetical, yet highly illustrative, scenarios. The chapter meticulously outlines the spiritual trajectory and divine judgment for a righteous man, a wicked man, a righteous man who deviates into wickedness ([Ezekiel 18:24](/ezekiel/18-24 "Ezekiel 18:24 - Righteous Man Who Turns Wicked")), and, critically for our verse, a wicked man who turns to righteousness. The immediate preceding verses ([Ezekiel 18:25-26](/ezekiel/18-25-26 "Ezekiel 18:25-26 - God's Justice and the Righteous Who Turn Away")) address the justice of God's ways concerning the righteous person who falls into sin. Verse 27 then provides the hopeful and redemptive counterpoint, unequivocally demonstrating God's readiness to forgive, restore, and grant life to those who genuinely repent. This carefully constructed narrative framework reinforces the chapter's overarching message of individual moral agency and God's equitable, just, and merciful dealings with humanity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophetic ministry of Ezekiel unfolded during the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile (circa 597-538 BC), a time of profound national trauma, spiritual disorientation, and existential crisis for the people of Judah. Having witnessed the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and their sacred temple, and forcibly deported from their homeland, many Israelites grappled with reconciling their immense suffering with God's enduring covenant promises. The aforementioned "sour grapes" proverb provided a convenient, albeit deeply flawed, theological lens through which to interpret their predicament, effectively shifting blame away from their own corporate and individual transgressions. Against this backdrop of national despair, spiritual apathy, and widespread misinterpretation of divine justice, Ezekiel's message of individual accountability and the profound possibility of repentance was not merely revolutionary but existentially vital. It directly challenged the prevailing communal guilt mentality, which fostered a sense of helplessness, and instead issued a clarion call to personal spiritual renewal, urging the exiles to embrace responsibility for their own moral choices rather than passively accepting a fate they believed was dictated solely by ancestral sin. This radical emphasis on individual moral standing and the power of personal repentance was absolutely crucial for the spiritual survival, moral regeneration, and eventual restoration of the Israelite community.

* **Key Themes:** The paramount theme woven throughout [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility and Divine Justice") is **individual accountability** before a holy God. The chapter vehemently repudiates the concept of inherited guilt, asserting with divine authority that "The soul who sins is the one who will die" ([Ezekiel 18:4](/ezekiel/18-4 "Ezekiel 18:4 - The Soul Who Sins Will Die")). This foundational theme is powerfully reinforced and brought to a hopeful climax in verse 27, which demonstrates that even a deeply wicked person can avert divine judgment and embrace life through genuine transformation. Another indispensable theme is the **transformative power of repentance**. The verse profoundly highlights that God's justice is not rigid, unforgiving, or punitive in a way that precludes mercy, but is rather tempered with immense grace, offering a clear and accessible path to life for those who "turn away from their wickedness." This concept of "turning" (Hebrew: *shuv*) is foundational to the biblical understanding of repentance, signifying not merely regret but a complete and decisive change of direction in one's life—a turning *from* sin and a turning *to* God. Furthermore, the chapter, and specifically this verse, underscores God's **impartial justice and profound desire for life**. God emphatically declares that He takes "no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live" ([Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God's Desire for Repentance")). This divine disposition towards mercy, reconciliation, and life for the repentant is a cornerstone of Ezekiel's prophetic message, offering a beacon of hope amidst the pronouncements of judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **turneth away (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** (H7725) This primitive root is central to the biblical concept of repentance and conversion. It means "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again." In the context of Ezekiel 18:27, it signifies a profound spiritual reversal, a deliberate and active abandonment of a life characterized by wickedness and a volitional reorientation towards God's righteous ways. This is not merely passive regret or fleeting remorse, but a decisive, volitional act of turning away from sin and turning back to God in obedience.
* **lawful (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** (H4941) Derived from the root meaning "to judge," *mishpâṭ* properly refers to "a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, individual or collective), including the act, the place, the suit, the crime, and the penalty; abstractly, justice, including a participant's right or privilege (statutory or customary), or even a style." When paired with "right" (*tsᵉdâqâh*), it describes actions that conform to God's established moral and legal standards. It speaks to living in accordance with God's righteous requirements, demonstrating a life characterized by justice, equity, and adherence to divine commands in all spheres.
* **save... alive (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** (H2421) This root means "to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive; keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole." When used with "soul" (Hebrew, *nephesh*, H5315, meaning "a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental)"), "save his soul alive" signifies not merely the preservation of physical existence but, more profoundly, spiritual vitality, holistic well-being, and a restored, flourishing relationship with God. It implies escape from the spiritual death and divine judgment that inevitably accompany unrepentant wickedness, leading instead to a life of flourishing and divine favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed":** This opening clause establishes the critical condition upon which the subsequent divine promise rests. It powerfully highlights the indispensable agency of the individual ("when the wicked man turneth away") and precisely defines the nature of this turning ("from his wickedness that he hath committed"). The deliberate repetition of "wicked" and "wickedness" emphatically underscores the profound moral and spiritual transformation required—a complete cessation of sinful practices and a radical reorientation of one's entire life. It unequivocally asserts that genuine repentance is a conscious, deliberate, and active act of renunciation of sin.
* **"and doeth that which is lawful and right":** This phrase articulates the essential, positive, and active component of true repentance. It is not sufficient to merely cease from evil; there must be a corresponding, demonstrable commitment to righteous living. "Lawful" (*mishpâṭ*) refers to living in adherence to God's divine ordinances and embodying justice in one's actions, while "right" (*tsᵉdâqâh*) speaks to moral righteousness, integrity, and virtue. Together, these terms signify a life characterized by active obedience to God's commands, a diligent pursuit of ethical conduct, and the consistent demonstration of integrity, thereby providing tangible evidence of the sincerity of one's turning.
* **"he shall save his soul alive":** This is the divine promise, the gracious consequence, and the profound outcome of genuine repentance coupled with a commitment to righteous living. "Save his soul alive" implies a holistic preservation from spiritual death and the judgment inextricably linked with sin. It speaks to a restoration of life in its fullest, most vibrant sense—spiritual vitality, profound peace with God, and the promise of continued existence and blessing, both temporal and eternal. It stands as a powerful declaration of God's immense mercy and His unwavering willingness to grant life and flourishing to all who sincerely turn to Him.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 18:27 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its transformative message with clarity and impact. The most prominent is the **Conditional Statement**, structured as a clear "if-then" proposition: "If the wicked man turns... and does what is lawful and right, then he shall save his soul alive." This structure powerfully highlights the direct, undeniable correlation between human action (genuine repentance and active pursuit of righteousness) and the divine response (the preservation of life), thereby underscoring the absolute necessity of individual responsibility. There is also a striking use of **Antithesis**, sharply contrasting the "wicked man" and "his wickedness" with the active pursuit of "that which is lawful and right." This stark opposition vividly emphasizes the radical, fundamental nature of the transformation being described—a complete reversal of one's moral and spiritual direction. Furthermore, the evocative phrase "save his soul alive" functions as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "soul" (*nephesh*) represents the entire person, encompassing their physical existence, spiritual vitality, and relational well-being. The "saving" of the soul alive thus implies a holistic, comprehensive restoration and preservation from the devastating consequences of sin, extending far beyond mere physical existence to include profound spiritual vitality and a renewed, life-giving relationship with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 18:27 stands as a cornerstone of Old Testament theology concerning individual accountability, divine justice, and the profound nature of repentance. It powerfully asserts that God's justice is not arbitrary or collective, but is meticulously based on personal moral choices, offering a clear, accessible path to reconciliation and life for those who genuinely turn from sin. This verse fundamentally challenges any fatalistic notion of inherited guilt or predestined condemnation, instead emphasizing God's profound, unwavering desire for humanity to choose life and flourish. It reveals a God who is both perfectly just in judging wickedness and infinitely merciful in extending grace to the repentant, demonstrating unequivocally that His ultimate pleasure is not in the death of the wicked, but rather in their turning to Him and living. This foundational principle lays the crucial groundwork for a deeper, more nuanced understanding of God's character and His overarching redemptive plan as it unfolds throughout the entirety of Scripture.

* [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God's Desire for Repentance and Life")
* [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Isaiah 55:7 - The Lord's Abundant Pardon for the Repentant")
* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - Confession, Forsaking Sin, and Mercy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 18:27 offers a profound message of hope and a clear, compelling call to action for every individual, irrespective of their past transgressions. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's mercy is boundless, His grace is infinitely available, and His redemptive power is active for all who genuinely repent. This verse decisively dismantles the deceptive lie that one's past sins are an insurmountable barrier to God's favor or that our destiny is irrevocably sealed by ancestral failings or previous choices. Instead, it places the transformative power of spiritual change squarely in the realm of personal choice and active, intentional obedience. True repentance, as so vividly illuminated here, is not merely a fleeting feeling of regret or a passive acknowledgment of wrongdoing, but a decisive, volitional turning away from sin and a deliberate, active commitment to living in accordance with God's righteous standards. This active pursuit of "that which is lawful and right" demonstrates the profound sincerity of one's heart and opens the door to a life of spiritual vitality, profound peace with God, and divine blessing. For us today, it is a powerful and urgent encouragement to honestly examine our lives, humbly confess our sins, and actively pursue a path of righteousness, knowing with absolute certainty that God stands ready and willing to forgive, restore, and grant us abundant life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "turning away from wickedness" practically and tangibly look like in my daily life and choices?**
* **How does the concept of "doing that which is lawful and right" challenge or affirm my current actions, priorities, and ethical commitments?**
* **In what specific ways might I be tempted to blame external circumstances, inherited traits, or the actions of others for my spiritual condition, rather than taking full personal responsibility?**
* **How does the profound promise of "saving his soul alive" encourage and motivate me to pursue genuine, radical repentance today?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply salvation by works, or that one can earn their way into God's favor through human effort?**

Answer: Ezekiel 18:27, when interpreted within the expansive and cohesive framework of the broader biblical narrative, does not advocate for salvation by works in the sense of earning divine favor through human merit or perfect performance. Rather, it profoundly emphasizes the *necessity* of a genuine, transformative change of heart and life (repentance) as the *condition* for receiving God's boundless mercy and life. The "doing that which is lawful and right" is presented as the natural, authentic fruit and tangible evidence of true repentance, not as the meritorious cause of salvation itself. The Old Testament consistently portrays God as the sovereign initiator of salvation, who graciously provides the means for reconciliation and restoration. Repentance, therefore, is the indispensable human response to God's gracious invitation to life. While the Old Testament highlights the importance of obedience to the Law, it also powerfully points to the deeper need for a transformed heart, a theme that finds its ultimate and full development in the New Covenant. The "saving of the soul alive" is fundamentally a gracious act of God, extended in response to a genuinely repentant heart, not a wage earned for perfect adherence to a legal code. The overarching emphasis is on God's character—His profound desire for the wicked to turn from their destructive ways and live, rather than to perish in their sins ([Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God's Desire for Repentance and Life")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 18:27, with its profound emphasis on individual repentance leading to the preservation of life, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament called for a turning from wickedness and a diligent adherence to the Law, it simultaneously revealed humanity's consistent and pervasive failure to perfectly fulfill these divine requirements. Christ, however, perfectly lived out "that which is lawful and right," flawlessly fulfilling the righteousness of the Law on our behalf ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). The "wicked man" in Ezekiel finds life by turning from his sin; in the New Covenant, this turning (repentance) is not merely a moral effort or human resolve, but a Spirit-empowered response to the glorious gospel, made truly possible and effective by Christ's atoning work on the cross. Jesus himself is 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")), making true forgiveness, radical transformation, and reconciliation with God profoundly accessible. The "saving of his soul alive" is fully and eternally realized in the spiritual and eternal life offered through saving faith in Christ, who authoritatively 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 Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Through His vicarious death and triumphant resurrection, Christ provides the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice that cleanses us from all unrighteousness ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")) and empowers us by His indwelling Holy Spirit to "walk in newness of life" ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ")), thereby fulfilling the very essence of "doing that which is lawful and right" by living in joyful obedience to God's will. Thus, Ezekiel's ancient promise of life through repentance is ultimately secured, made truly accessible, and brought to its glorious consummation only through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

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

Isaiah 1:18

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Ezekiel 18:21

¶ 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.

Isaiah 55:7

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

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;

1 Timothy 4:16

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

Acts 26:20

But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and [then] to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Acts 20:21

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.