Ezekiel 18:5

KJV

But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,

KJV (with Strong's)

But if a man {H376} be just {H6662}, and do {H6213} that which is lawful {H4941} and right {H6666},

Complete Jewish Bible

"Consider someone who is righteous, who does what is lawful and right.

Berean Standard Bible

Now suppose a man is righteous and does what is just and right:

American Standard Version

But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 18:5 introduces the foundational premise of God's declaration regarding individual responsibility, establishing the characteristics of a righteous person who will live. This verse sets the stage for the chapter's profound refutation of generational guilt, emphasizing that divine judgment and blessing are based on personal conduct and adherence to God's moral and legal standards, rather than the sins or righteousness of one's ancestors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 18:5 serves as the pivot point in a crucial theological discourse. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 18:1-4) introduce and vehemently refute the popular Israelite proverb, "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 encapsulated the exiles' fatalistic belief that they were suffering solely for the sins of previous generations. God, through Ezekiel, declares His absolute sovereignty and justice, stating that "the soul who sins will die" ([Ezekiel 18:4](/ezekiel/18-4 "Ezekiel 18:4 - The Soul Who Sins Will Die")). Verse 5 then immediately transitions from this declaration of individual accountability to a detailed exposition of what constitutes a righteous life, providing a positive example against which subsequent negative examples (the wicked son, the righteous grandson) are contrasted throughout [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon following the first deportation in 597 BC. This period was marked by immense national trauma, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the loss of the Temple. The people struggled to reconcile their suffering with God's justice, often resorting to the aforementioned proverb to explain their plight. This cultural fatalism undermined hope and repentance. God's message through Ezekiel directly challenged this worldview, asserting that the covenant relationship was not merely corporate but also profoundly individual. The emphasis on "lawful and right" reflects the enduring importance of the Mosaic Law and the covenant stipulations even in exile, reminding the people that their relationship with God was predicated on personal obedience and moral integrity, not just national identity or ancestral merit.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to several profound themes in Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is **Individual Accountability**, a radical shift from the prevailing notion of corporate guilt, asserting that God judges each person based on their own choices and actions, not those of their parents or ancestors. This theme is explicitly stated in [Ezekiel 18:4](/ezekiel/18-4 "Ezekiel 18:4 - The Soul Who Sins Will Die") and reiterated throughout the chapter. Another key theme is the **Definition of Righteousness**, which is presented as a holistic concept encompassing both inward character ("just") and outward conduct ("do that which is lawful and right"). This goes beyond mere ritualistic observance, emphasizing ethical integrity, social justice, and obedience to God's moral law. Finally, the verse underscores **Divine Justice and Mercy**, demonstrating God's impartiality in judgment and His desire for all to turn from wickedness and live, as explicitly stated later in [Ezekiel 18:32](/ezekiel/18-32 "Ezekiel 18:32 - God Desires All to Live").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_):** This term refers to an individual, a male person. In this context, it emphasizes the singular, personal nature of the responsibility being described. It highlights that the principles laid out apply to each person distinctly, underscoring the shift from corporate to individual accountability.
* **just (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be righteous," this word describes someone who is upright, innocent, or lawful. It speaks to an intrinsic quality of character, a moral rectitude that aligns with God's standards. A "tsaddîyq" is one who is in right standing, not merely outwardly compliant but inwardly conformed to divine righteousness.
* **do (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This is a broad verb meaning "to do or make," encompassing action, accomplishment, and performance. Its inclusion here is crucial, as it links the internal state of being "just" with the external manifestation of that justice through concrete actions. Righteousness is not passive; it is demonstrated through active obedience.
* **lawful (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** This term denotes a verdict, judgment, or formal decree, often referring to human or divine law. It encompasses the act of judging, the place of judgment, and the principles of justice. In this context, "lawful" refers to actions that conform to established legal and judicial principles, particularly God's covenant laws and ordinances.
* **right (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_):** Closely related to "just" (_tsaddîyq_), this word refers to rightness, equity, or moral virtue. While _mishpâṭ_ often relates to legal justice, _tsᵉdâqâh_ emphasizes ethical and moral uprightness, a comprehensive commitment to what is fair, equitable, and morally good in all aspects of life. When paired with _mishpâṭ_, it signifies a complete and holistic righteousness that embraces both legal adherence and moral integrity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if a man be just":** This opening clause immediately sets the condition for the life God promises. It establishes that the individual's inherent character and moral uprightness are the starting point. Being "just" (tsaddîyq) implies a disposition of integrity, a heart inclined toward God's ways, and a life lived in conformity to His righteous standards. This is not merely a legalistic adherence but a fundamental orientation of one's being.
* **"and do that which is lawful and right":** This second clause describes the active manifestation of that inner justice. The righteous person does not merely possess an upright character but translates it into concrete actions. "Lawful" (mishpâṭ) refers to adherence to God's established decrees, judgments, and ordinances, encompassing both ritual and civil aspects of the Law. "Right" (tsᵉdâqâh) speaks to broader ethical and moral rectitude, encompassing fairness, equity, and compassion in one's dealings with others. Together, these phrases depict a comprehensive righteousness that is both internal and external, demonstrating obedience to God's revealed will in all spheres of life.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 18:5 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. Primarily, it functions as a **Didactic** statement, serving to teach and instruct the audience about the nature of true righteousness and individual accountability. Its straightforward, declarative tone emphasizes the clarity and certainty of God's judgment. The verse also utilizes **Emphasis** through its direct and unqualified assertion of the conditions for life, setting a stark contrast to the prevailing fatalism of the exiles. Although not a strict parallelism, the pairing of "just" with "lawful and right" creates a form of **Complementary Juxtaposition**, where the internal state of being "just" is perfectly complemented and expressed by the external actions of doing "lawful and right." This shows that true righteousness is holistic, encompassing both character and conduct.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 18:5 stands as a powerful declaration of God's impartial justice and His unwavering commitment to individual accountability. It dismantles the false notion of inherited guilt, asserting that each soul is responsible for its own choices. This principle underscores God's fairness and His desire for personal repentance and righteousness, providing a pathway to life for those who turn to Him in obedience. The verse defines righteousness not as mere ritual, but as a holistic commitment to God's moral and legal standards, encompassing both inner character and outward conduct.

* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God Will Render to Every Man According to His Deeds")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")
* [Ezekiel 18:32](/ezekiel/18-32 "Ezekiel 18:32 - God Desires All to Live")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 18:5 offers a profound challenge and immense hope for believers today. It unequivocally asserts our personal responsibility before God, reminding us that while we are influenced by our environment and upbringing, our ultimate spiritual standing is determined by our own choices and actions. This truth calls us to a life of intentional obedience, recognizing that genuine faith is not passive but actively manifests in ethical living, compassion, and adherence to God's commands. It encourages us to cultivate a holistic righteousness—one that begins in the heart and extends to every aspect of our conduct, impacting our relationships, our work, and our witness in the world. Furthermore, this verse provides immense encouragement, assuring us that God sees and honors individual faithfulness, offering a path to life and blessing regardless of past family patterns or societal injustices. It reminds us that our God is just and desires all to turn from wickedness and live.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to blame external circumstances or past influences for my present spiritual condition, rather than taking personal responsibility?**
* **How does my understanding of "justice" and "rightness" align with God's definition as presented in this verse? Am I pursuing a holistic righteousness that encompasses both inner character and outward actions?**
* **What specific actions can I take this week to "do that which is lawful and right" in my daily interactions and decisions?**

### FAQ
**Does Ezekiel 18:5 mean that God doesn't care about the sins of previous generations?**

Answer: Not at all. God certainly holds nations and generations accountable for their collective sins, as seen throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Lamentations 5:7](/lamentations/5-7 "Lamentations 5:7 - Our Fathers Sinned")). However, in Ezekiel 18, the specific point God is making is that an individual's personal destiny—whether they live or die spiritually—is not *solely* determined by the sins of their ancestors. While the consequences of past sins might affect the present generation (e.g., exile), God's ultimate judgment on an individual for eternal life or death is based on *their own* righteousness or wickedness. This verse emphasizes that a righteous individual will not perish for their parents' sins, nor will a wicked individual be saved by their parents' righteousness. The focus shifts to immediate, personal accountability and the possibility of individual repentance and life, regardless of one's lineage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 18:5, with its emphasis on a man being "just" and doing "that which is lawful and right," points directly to the perfect righteousness found in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law revealed God's standard of justice and righteousness, no human being could perfectly fulfill it (Romans 3:23). The "just man" described in Ezekiel 18:5 finds his ultimate embodiment in Jesus, who alone lived a life of absolute righteousness, perfectly fulfilling all that is "lawful and right" (Hebrews 4:15). He is the "righteous Servant" who justifies many (Isaiah 53:11). For us, true righteousness is not merely achieved by our own efforts, but is imputed to us through faith in Christ (Romans 3:21-22). We are declared "just" (justified) by God not because of our works, but because of Christ's perfect work on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). Furthermore, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to increasingly "do that which is lawful and right," living out the practical righteousness that God desires, as a fruit of our new life in Christ (Philippians 2:13; Galatians 5:22-23). Thus, Ezekiel 18:5 foreshadows both the perfect righteousness of Christ that saves us and the Spirit-empowered righteousness that transforms us.

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 33:14

Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right;

1 John 3:7

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

James 1:22

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

James 1:25

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

1 John 2:29

If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

Psalms 24:4

He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

Psalms 24:6

This [is] the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.