Ezekiel 33:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

When I shall say {H559} to the righteous {H6662}, that he shall surely {H2421} live {H2421}; if he trust {H982} to his own righteousness {H6666}, and commit {H6213} iniquity {H5766}, all his righteousnesses {H6666} shall not be remembered {H2142}; but for his iniquity {H5766} that he hath committed {H6213}, he shall die {H4191} for it.

Complete Jewish Bible

So if, after I tell the righteous person that he will surely live, he begins trusting in his own [former] righteousness and starts committing crimes; then none of his [former] righteous actions will be remembered; on the contrary, he will die for the evil deeds he has committed.

Berean Standard Bible

If I tell the righteous man that he will surely live, but he then trusts in his righteousness and commits iniquity, then none of his righteous works will be remembered; he will die because of the iniquity he has committed.

American Standard Version

When I say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his righteousness, and commit iniquity, none of his righteous deeds shall be remembered; but in his iniquity that he hath committed, therein shall he die.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 33:13 delivers a profound and sobering warning regarding the conditional nature of righteousness and the imperative for continuous faithfulness. It asserts that if an individual, previously considered righteous and promised life, subsequently presumes upon their past good deeds, commits iniquity, and persists in it, their former righteousness will be disregarded by God, and they will face the consequence of death due to their present sin. This verse underscores God's unwavering justice and the critical importance of ongoing obedience and genuine repentance, highlighting that past spiritual standing does not exempt one from accountability for current transgression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal section of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry, specifically in chapter 33, where God re-commissioned Ezekiel as a "watchman" for the house of Israel. This re-commissioning, following the fall of Jerusalem, shifts the emphasis from corporate judgment to individual responsibility, a theme powerfully introduced in [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility"). Verses [Ezekiel 33:10-12](/ezekiel/33-10 "Ezekiel 33:10-12 - The Wicked Who Repent") immediately precede this verse, presenting the converse scenario: a wicked person who turns from their sin will live. Thus, [Ezekiel 33:13](/ezekiel/33-13 "Ezekiel 33:13 - The Righteous Who Turn to Sin") completes a balanced theological statement, emphasizing that both the wicked and the righteous are judged by their current spiritual trajectory, not merely their past status. The passage stresses that God desires life, not death, for all who genuinely turn to Him ([Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God's Desire for Repentance")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), a period of immense national trauma and theological re-evaluation for Israel. Many exiles clung to a false sense of security, believing that their status as God's chosen people or their past adherence to the covenant would guarantee their survival or restoration, regardless of their current moral state. There was also a prevalent notion of corporate guilt, where individuals felt they were being punished for the sins of their ancestors ([Ezekiel 18:2](/ezekiel/18-2 "Ezekiel 18:2 - The Proverb of Sour Grapes")). Ezekiel's message, particularly in chapters 18 and 33, forcefully refutes this, shifting the focus to individual accountability and the present choices of each person. The concept of "righteousness" in this context refers to adherence to the Mosaic Law and covenant stipulations, while "iniquity" signifies a deliberate departure from those divine standards.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 33:13](/ezekiel/33-13 "Ezekiel 33:13 - The Consequences of Backsliding") contributes significantly to several major themes within the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. **Individual Accountability** is paramount, asserting that each person's destiny is determined by their own actions and choices, not by ancestral merit or past achievements. This challenges any form of spiritual presumption. The **Conditional Nature of God's Covenant** is also highlighted; while God's promises are sure, their benefits are often contingent upon human faithfulness and obedience. The verse serves as a stark warning against **Spiritual Complacency** and the **Danger of Presumption**, particularly for those who might rely on a past declaration of faith or a period of righteous living as a permanent shield against the consequences of sin. Finally, it underscores **God's Impartial Justice**, demonstrating that His standards are consistent and apply to all, regardless of their prior spiritual standing, demanding ongoing perseverance in righteousness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **live (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** From H2421, this primitive root means "to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive; keep (leave, make) alive, certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, (God) save (alive, life, lives), surely, be whole." In this verse, it signifies a state of spiritual and physical well-being, granted by God as a consequence of righteousness. The promise "he shall surely live" is a declaration of divine favor and sustained existence.
* **trust (Hebrew, _bâṭach'_):** From H982, this primitive root means "properly, to hide for refuge (but not so precipitately as חָסָה); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure; be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust." The phrase "if he trust to his own righteousness" indicates a dangerous reliance on self-merit or past achievements, rather than a humble and continuous dependence on God's grace and ongoing guidance. It implies a misplaced confidence that leads to spiritual carelessness.
* **remembered (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** From H2142, this primitive root means "properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male; idiom burn (incense), idiom earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, idiom still, think on, idiom well." When God declares that "all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered," it does not imply divine amnesia. Instead, it means that God will no longer acknowledge, credit, or take into account those past good deeds as a basis for life or favor when the individual has turned to and persisted in iniquity. It signifies a withdrawal of divine recognition and the nullification of their former standing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When I shall say to the righteous, [that] he shall surely live;":** This opening clause establishes a divine promise of life and well-being to those who are currently living in accordance with God's standards. It sets the stage for a conditional statement, indicating God's initial disposition and declaration towards the righteous individual.
* **"if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, ":** This is the critical conditional clause, outlining the forfeiture of the promise. "Trust to his own righteousness" describes a spiritual presumption, a reliance on self-merit or past performance rather than ongoing dependence on God. Coupled with this is the active choice to "commit iniquity," which signifies a deliberate and persistent turning away from God's commands and engaging in sin.
* **"all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered;":** This clause describes the immediate consequence of the preceding condition. God will not "remember" or acknowledge the individual's past acts of righteousness. This is not a literal forgetting by God, but rather a divine refusal to credit or count those past deeds as a basis for life or favor, given the current state of rebellion and sin.
* **"but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.":** This final clause states the ultimate outcome. The individual will face the consequence of death (spiritual separation and judgment, potentially physical death as well) specifically because of the iniquity they have committed and persisted in. This underscores the principle of immediate accountability for present sin, regardless of past spiritual achievements.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 33:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The primary device is a **Conditional Statement** (an "if...then" structure), which clearly delineates the cause-and-effect relationship between human action and divine consequence. This structure emphasizes human agency and responsibility. There is a strong **Contrast** established between the initial state of righteousness and the subsequent turn to iniquity, and likewise between the promise of life and the outcome of death. This stark juxtaposition highlights the severity of spiritual backsliding. The phrase "shall not be remembered" functions as a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human characteristic (remembering/forgetting) to God. However, as analyzed above, it is not literal forgetfulness but a theological statement about God's just judgment and the nullification of past merits in the face of present unrepentant sin. Finally, there is an element of **Irony** in the "righteous" person dying, precisely because they "trust to his own righteousness," which becomes their downfall, rather than a continuous, humble walk with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 33:13 is a powerful testament to God's unwavering justice and holiness, revealing that His standards are not arbitrary and His covenant is not a license for sin. It dismantles any notion of "once righteous, always righteous" without the accompanying commitment to ongoing obedience and a life of repentance. The verse emphasizes that true righteousness is not a static declaration but a dynamic, continuous walk of faithfulness. It warns against the spiritual danger of presumption, where past spiritual achievements or a declaration of faith are seen as an immunization against the consequences of present, deliberate sin. God's judgment is based on the current state of the heart and actions, underscoring the critical need for perseverance in faith and a vigilant guard against backsliding. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, emphasizing the necessity of enduring to the end.

* [Matthew 24:13](/matthew/24-13 "Matthew 24:13 - Perseverance to the End")
* [Hebrews 10:26-27](/hebrews/10-26 "Hebrews 10:26-27 - Deliberate Sin After Receiving Truth")
* [2 Peter 2:20-22](/2_peter/2-20 "2 Peter 2:20-22 - The Danger of Returning to Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 33:13 serves as a profound and sobering mirror for every believer, challenging any complacency or presumption in our spiritual walk. It reminds us that our standing before God is not merely a historical event but a continuous, dynamic relationship requiring ongoing vigilance, humility, and obedience. We are called to maintain a heart of repentance, acknowledging that even after experiencing God's grace, we remain susceptible to sin. This verse urges us to cultivate a consistent and authentic faith that manifests in daily choices, rather than resting on past laurels or a superficial declaration. Our hope is not in our own fleeting righteousness, but in the enduring righteousness of Christ, which we are called to embody through a Spirit-led life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly "trusting in my own righteousness" rather than continually relying on God's grace?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of perseverance and the ongoing nature of my walk with God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more vigilant and consistent obedience to God's commands, guarding against spiritual complacency?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that a person can lose their salvation?**

Answer: This verse highlights the serious consequences for someone who, having been declared righteous, turns to deliberate and persistent sin. While theological interpretations vary on the concept of "losing salvation," the verse unequivocally teaches that a past declaration of righteousness does not grant immunity from the consequences of present, unrepentant sin. It emphasizes that God's justice is applied based on one's current spiritual trajectory and actions. It serves as a strong warning against spiritual presumption and backsliding, underscoring the necessity of ongoing faithfulness and genuine repentance, as seen in passages like [Hebrews 6:4-6](/hebrews/6-4 "Hebrews 6:4-6 - Warning Against Apostasy").

**What does it mean that "all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered"? Does God forget?**

Answer: When the text states that God will "not remember" past righteousness, it does not imply divine amnesia. God is omniscient and does not literally forget anything. Instead, "not remembered" means that God will no longer acknowledge, credit, or take into account those past good deeds as a basis for life or favor. In the context of the individual's current and persistent iniquity, their former righteous acts lose their efficacy as a plea for divine blessing or escape from judgment. It signifies a divine withdrawal of recognition for past merit when present sin is embraced, demonstrating God's impartial justice that judges based on current conduct, as also implied in [Romans 2:6-8](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6-8 - God's Impartial Judgment").

**Is God's grace not sufficient if past righteousness can be disregarded?**

Answer: God's grace is indeed sufficient and abundant, but it is not a license for sin ([Romans 6:1-2](/romans/6-1 "Romans 6:1-2 - Shall We Go On Sinning?")). This verse does not negate grace but clarifies its proper understanding. Grace calls us to repentance and empowers us to live righteously. When a person, having received grace and lived righteously, then deliberately turns to iniquity and trusts in their own past deeds, they are in essence rejecting the ongoing work of grace in their lives. The verse underscores that grace leads to transformation and sustained obedience, not spiritual apathy or a presumption that past grace covers future, unrepentant sin. True grace leads to a desire for holiness and perseverance in faith ([Titus 2:11-12](/titus/2-11 "Titus 2:11-12 - Grace Teaches Us to Deny Ungodliness")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 33:13, with its stark warning about the conditional nature of human righteousness, powerfully points to the absolute necessity and sufficiency of Christ. In the Old Covenant, human righteousness, even when genuine, was always imperfect and susceptible to failure, as this verse vividly illustrates. No amount of past good deeds could ultimately secure eternal life if one turned away from God. This highlights humanity's desperate need for a righteousness that is not our own, a righteousness that is perfect and enduring. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of this need; He is the only one who lived a life of perfect, unwavering righteousness, never trusting in His own merit but always in complete obedience to the Father ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest, Tempted Yet Sinless")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ provides a righteousness that is imputed to believers by faith ([Romans 3:21-22](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21-22 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Unlike the "righteousnesses" of Ezekiel 33:13, which could be "not remembered" due to subsequent sin, the righteousness of Christ is eternally credited to those who are "in Christ" ([Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness from God by Faith")). This does not, however, negate the call to perseverance. Rather, it transforms it. Believers are called to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord" ([Colossians 1:10](/colossians/1-10 "Colossians 1:10 - Walking Worthy of the Lord")), not to earn salvation, but as a fruit of the Spirit's work within them, empowered by the very righteousness they have received. The warning in Ezekiel 33:13 serves as a profound reminder that true faith in Christ is not a one-time intellectual assent but an ongoing, living relationship that produces a desire for holiness and a turning away from sin, sustained by the grace of God ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession of Sins")). Our security is not in our own ability to maintain righteousness, but in the steadfastness of Christ's righteousness and His ongoing intercession for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")).

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 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.

Hebrews 10:38

Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

Ezekiel 18:4

Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

Ezekiel 3:20

Again, When a righteous [man] doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

Romans 10:3

For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

2 Peter 2:20

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

2 Peter 2:22

But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.