Ezekiel 18:31

KJV

Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

KJV (with Strong's)

Cast away {H7993} from you all your transgressions {H6588}, whereby ye have transgressed {H6586}; and make {H6213} you a new {H2319} heart {H3820} and a new {H2319} spirit {H7307}: for why will ye die {H4191}, O house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Throw far away from yourselves all your crimes that you committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit; for why should you die, house of Isra'el?

Berean Standard Bible

Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel?

American Standard Version

Cast away from you all your transgressions, wherein ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 18:31 is a profound divine appeal, urging the exiled Israelites to undergo a radical spiritual transformation. It calls for an active renunciation of past transgressions and a deliberate cultivation of an inner renewal—a "new heart and a new spirit." This urgent command is underscored by a poignant rhetorical question, revealing God's deep desire for His people's life and well-being, rather than their spiritual demise, thereby emphasizing individual accountability and the accessibility of repentance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 18:31 stands as the climactic exhortation within a pivotal chapter that forcefully refutes a prevailing proverb among the exiles: "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 convenient excuse, attributing the present generation's suffering solely to the sins of their ancestors and absolving them of personal responsibility. Through Ezekiel, God dismantles this notion, asserting His absolute justice and the principle of individual accountability for sin and righteousness. The chapter systematically outlines that a righteous person who turns to sin will die for their sin, and a wicked person who turns from their sin will live [Ezekiel 18:21-23](/ezekiel/18-21 "Ezekiel 18:21-23 - The Righteousness of God"). The verse thus serves as a direct, compassionate plea for the people to embrace this individual responsibility and choose life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Ezekiel was delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 597-571 BC), a period of immense national trauma and theological crisis for Israel. Stripped of their land, temple, and monarchy, the exiles grappled with profound questions about God's justice, their covenant relationship, and the reasons for their suffering. The "sour grapes" proverb reflected a fatalistic mindset, a belief that their destiny was sealed by ancestral guilt, leading to despair and a reluctance to repent. Ezekiel's message, therefore, was revolutionary: it challenged this collective guilt mentality, emphasizing that God deals with individuals based on their own choices. This call to "cast away" and "make a new heart" was a direct counter-cultural challenge to a people who felt trapped by history and external circumstances, urging them to recognize their agency in their spiritual fate.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, **Individual Accountability** is paramount, as God directly addresses "you" (singular and plural) and the "house of Israel," demanding personal action rather than collective blame. This is a foundational principle throughout [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility"). Secondly, **Radical Repentance and Inner Transformation** are central. The command to "cast away transgressions" is an active, decisive rejection of sin, while "make you a new heart and a new spirit" points to a profound internal renewal, not just external behavioral modification. This theme is echoed in God's promise to give a new heart and spirit in [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - God's Promise of a New Heart and Spirit"). Thirdly, **God's Desire for Life and Mercy** is vividly portrayed in the rhetorical question, "for why will ye die, O house of Israel?" This underscores God's compassion and His preference for His people's spiritual life over their judgment, a sentiment reiterated in [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God's Desire for Repentance and Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cast away (Hebrew, _shâlak'_ H7993):** From the primitive root meaning "to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)." This word implies a definitive, forceful, and intentional act of removal. It is not a casual dismissal or a gradual letting go, but a decisive hurling away of something undesirable, indicating the radical nature of the repentance God demands. It emphasizes the human agency in actively disassociating from sin.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_ H3820) and Spirit (Hebrew, _rûwach'_ H7307):** In Hebrew thought, the "heart" (_lêb_) represents the very core of one's being—the seat of intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. It is the inner self from which all actions flow. The "spirit" (_rûwach_) signifies the inner disposition, breath of life, or animating principle, often associated with one's attitude, vitality, and even the divine breath. The adjective "new" (_châdâsh_ H2319), meaning "fresh" or "new thing," applied to both, emphasizes that God desires a comprehensive, internal overhaul of one's entire moral, volitional, and spiritual nature, not merely superficial changes.
* **Die (Hebrew, _mûwth'_ H4191):** A primitive root meaning "to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill." In this context, "die" primarily refers to spiritual death—separation from God, leading to judgment and the cessation of covenant life. While it can imply physical death as a consequence of unrepentant sin, its primary emphasis here is on the spiritual demise that results from a continued state of rebellion against God, underscoring the grave stakes of their choices.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed;":** This initial clause is a direct, imperative command. "Transgressions" (Hebrew, _peshaʻ_ H6588) refers to a revolt or rebellion against divine authority, implying a deliberate breaking of covenant. The repetition of the root "transgress" (Hebrew, _pâshaʻ_ H6586) amplifies the severity and pervasiveness of their sin. The command demands an active, decisive, and personal renunciation of all forms of rebellion and sin that have characterized their past. It places the onus of action squarely on the individual.
* **"and make you a new heart and a new spirit:":** This second imperative builds upon the first, moving from the negative (casting away sin) to the positive (cultivating internal renewal). The command to "make" (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh_ H6213) suggests an active participation in the process of transformation. While God ultimately grants the new heart and spirit (as seen in [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - God's Promise of a New Heart and Spirit")), this verse emphasizes human responsibility to desire, seek, and align with that divine work. It calls for a fundamental change in one's inner disposition, desires, and moral compass.
* **"for why will ye die, O house of Israel?":** This concluding clause is a poignant rhetorical question that reveals God's profound compassion and His ultimate desire for His people's life. It serves as a powerful motivation for repentance, highlighting that spiritual death is not God's will but the inevitable consequence of unrepentant sin. The address "O house of Israel" (Hebrew, _bayith Yisrâʼêl_ H1004 H3478) underscores that this divine plea is directed to the entire covenant community, offering them a clear choice between life and death.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 18:31 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The predominant device is the **Imperative Mood**, seen in "Cast away" and "make," which conveys the urgency and directness of God's command, demanding immediate and decisive action from the people. This is followed by a powerful **Rhetorical Question**, "for why will ye die, O house of Israel?" This question is not seeking information but is designed to provoke thought, challenge assumptions, and underscore the illogical and tragic nature of choosing spiritual death when life is offered. It highlights God's lament and His fervent desire for their well-being. Furthermore, the phrase "new heart and a new spirit" employs **Metaphor**, where "heart" and "spirit" represent the innermost being, the seat of will, emotion, and moral character. The "newness" signifies a complete internal renovation. There is also an element of **Parallelism** in the structure, moving from the negative command (casting away transgressions) to the positive command (making a new heart and spirit), illustrating the two-fold nature of true repentance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 18:31 profoundly articulates the biblical truth that God desires repentance and life, not judgment and death. It underscores the principle of individual moral agency and responsibility before a just God, challenging any notion of inherited guilt as a sole determinant of one's spiritual fate. The call for a "new heart and a new spirit" anticipates the New Covenant promise where God Himself would write His law on their hearts and put His Spirit within them, enabling true obedience and relationship. This verse bridges the Old Testament emphasis on human responsibility in repentance with the New Testament revelation of divine enablement for transformation, demonstrating that God's gracious invitation precedes and empowers human response.

* [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life")
* [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")
* [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 18:31 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless summons to genuine spiritual transformation. It challenges any passive approach to faith, asserting that while salvation is God's gift, we are called to actively participate in the process of sanctification. The command to "cast away" our transgressions reminds us that repentance is not merely feeling sorry for sin, but a decisive turning away from it, a deliberate act of renunciation. Simultaneously, the call to "make you a new heart and a new spirit" emphasizes that true change is internal, a renewal of our deepest desires and motivations, aligning them with God's will. This transformation is not something we accomplish in our own strength, but rather something we earnestly pursue, trusting in God's power to work within us. The poignant question, "why will ye die?" echoes God's enduring love and mercy, reminding us that He desires our abundant life and offers a path away from spiritual death through repentance and faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "transgressions" do I need to actively "cast away" from my life today?**
* **In what ways do I need God to "make" a "new heart and a new spirit" within me, and how can I actively participate in seeking that transformation?**
* **How does understanding God's desire for me to "live" rather than "die" motivate my pursuit of holiness and repentance?**

### FAQ

**Is the "new heart and new spirit" something we do, or something God gives?**

Answer: Ezekiel 18:31 presents a fascinating tension that highlights both human responsibility and divine enablement. Here, the command is for the people to "make you a new heart and a new spirit," emphasizing human agency and the necessity of choosing repentance and desiring transformation. However, elsewhere in Ezekiel, particularly in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - God's Promise of a New Heart and Spirit"), God explicitly promises, "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you." This apparent paradox is resolved by understanding that true spiritual transformation is a cooperative work. Humans are commanded to turn, repent, and desire this change, while God is the one who ultimately performs the deep, internal work of regeneration, empowering the very change He commands. Our active repentance and desire for renewal are responses to His gracious invitation and the work of His Spirit.

**What does "die" mean in this context? Is it physical death or something else?**

Answer: While unrepentant sin can certainly lead to physical consequences, including death, the primary meaning of "die" in [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility") and particularly in [Ezekiel 18:31](/ezekiel/18-31 "Ezekiel 18:31 - Call to Repentance") is spiritual death. This refers to a state of separation from God, a severance of the life-giving relationship with Him, and the experience of His judgment. It is the antithesis of covenant life and fellowship. God's question, "for why will ye die," underscores that this spiritual demise is not His desire for His people, but the inevitable outcome of persistent rebellion and refusal to repent. It is a death of relationship, purpose, and ultimately, eternal hope.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 18:31 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The command to "cast away... transgressions" and "make you a new heart and a new spirit" points directly to the radical transformation offered through the gospel. Humanity, enslaved by sin and spiritually dead ([Ephesians 2:1](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Trespasses")), is utterly incapable of generating a truly "new heart" on its own. It is Christ who, through His atoning death on the cross, bore the full weight of our transgressions, enabling us to "cast them away" by faith in Him ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and New Life in Christ")). The promise of a "new heart and a new spirit" is realized in the New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood")), where the Holy Spirit is poured out, regenerating believers and empowering them to live a new life ([Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Regeneration by the Holy Spirit")). Jesus 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")), and through Him, God's desire for us to "live" rather than "die" is fully accomplished, offering eternal life to all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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

Psalms 51:10

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Ezekiel 36:26

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Romans 8:13

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Ezekiel 11:19

And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:

Isaiah 1:16

¶ Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

Isaiah 1:17

Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.