33:10 33:10

Ezekiel 33:11

33:12 33:12

Bible Versions

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?
Say {H559} unto them, As I live {H2416}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}, I have no pleasure {H2654} in the death {H4194} of the wicked {H7563}; but that the wicked {H7563} turn {H7725} from his way {H1870} and live {H2421}: turn {H7725} ye, turn {H7725} ye from your evil {H7451} ways {H1870}; for why will ye die {H4191}, O house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}?
Say to them, 'As I live,' swears Adonai ELOHIM, 'I take no pleasure in having the wicked person die, but in having the wicked person turn from his way and live. So repent! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, house of Isra'el?'
Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’
Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, 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?

Commentary on Ezekiel 33:11 (KJV)

Ezekiel 33:11 is a powerful declaration of God's character and His fervent desire for humanity's salvation, not condemnation. It encapsulates the heart of God's mercy amidst His justice, challenging the common misconception that He delights in the downfall of the wicked.

Historical and Cultural Context

The prophet Ezekiel served during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, primarily addressing the Jewish exiles in Babylon. Following the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple (as detailed in 2 Kings 25:9), the people often felt God had abandoned them or that their fate was sealed. In this chapter, God re-establishes Ezekiel's role as a "watchman" (Ezekiel 33:7), responsible for warning the people of their sin and the consequences, but also of the opportunity for repentance and life. This verse serves as a divine plea, countering the despair and fatalism prevalent among the exiles.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Compassionate Character: The emphatic declaration, "As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked," reveals a God who is not vindictive but desires life and restoration. This divine oath underscores the absolute certainty and sincerity of His heart.
  • The Call to Repentance: The repeated exhortation, "turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways," highlights the urgency and necessity of genuine repentance. It's an active turning away from sin and turning towards God, emphasizing human responsibility in response to divine grace.
  • Life Over Death: God clearly states His preference: "but that the wicked turn from his way and live." His ultimate goal is not judgment, but the preservation of life, both physical and spiritual. The question "for why will ye die, O house of Israel?" is a poignant appeal, emphasizing that death is a choice, not an inevitable outcome for those who repent.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "As I live, saith the Lord GOD" is a powerful divine oath, confirming the truth and unwavering commitment behind God's words. The Hebrew word for "turn" is shuv (שׁוּב), which means to return, repent, or turn back. Its repetition emphasizes the earnestness of God's plea for a complete change of direction in one's life.

Related Scriptures

This verse beautifully illustrates God's long-suffering nature and His desire for all people to come to repentance, a theme echoed throughout Scripture. For instance, 2 Peter 3:9 states that the Lord is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." Similarly, Lamentations 3:33 assures us that God "doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men." This divine compassion is also evident in Isaiah 55:7, where God invites the wicked to forsake their way and return to Him, promising abundant pardon.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 33:11 offers immense hope and a clear call to action for believers and non-believers alike. It reminds us that God's door of mercy is always open. For those living in sin, it is an urgent invitation to repent and experience life. For believers, it serves as a powerful reminder of God's character and His relentless pursuit of those who are lost, encouraging us to share this message of hope and the availability of eternal life through faith in Him. It underscores that spiritual death is not God's will for humanity, but a consequence of unrepentance.

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.

  • 1 Timothy 2:4

    Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

  • Ezekiel 18:23

    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?

  • 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.

  • Isaiah 55:6

    ¶ Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

  • 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;

  • Proverbs 8:36

    But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
 Back

Search Scripture