Ezekiel 33:15

KJV

[If] the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.

KJV (with Strong's)

If the wicked {H7563} restore {H7725} the pledge {H2258}, give again {H7999} that he had robbed {H1500}, walk {H1980} in the statutes {H2708} of life {H2416}, without committing {H6213} iniquity {H5766}; he shall surely {H2421} live {H2421}, he shall not die {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

if the wicked person restores pledged property and returns what he stole, so that he lives by the laws that give life and does not commit evil deeds; then he will live, he will not die.

Berean Standard Bible

if he restores a pledge, makes restitution for what he has stolen, and walks in the statutes of life without practicing iniquity—then he will surely live; he will not die.

American Standard Version

if the wicked restore the pledge, give again that which he had taken by robbery, walk in the statutes of life, committing no iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 33:15 articulates a profound principle of divine justice and mercy, emphasizing that even a person previously characterized as "wicked" can avert judgment and experience life through genuine, active repentance. This involves not only ceasing from evil deeds but also making tangible restitution for past wrongs, such as restoring stolen goods or pledges, and committing to a lifestyle of sustained obedience to God's life-giving statutes. The verse underscores God's persistent desire for the wicked to turn from their destructive ways and embrace a life of spiritual vitality, highlighting individual accountability and the transformative power of a truly repentant heart.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 33:15 is situated within a crucial section of the book where God re-commissions Ezekiel as a "watchman" for Israel, particularly after the devastating fall of Jerusalem (586 BCE). This chapter marks a significant thematic shift from prophecies primarily focused on judgment to those emphasizing restoration, individual responsibility, and the possibility of repentance. Following the poignant declaration in [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God's Desire for Repentance") that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but desires their repentance and life, verse 15 provides concrete, actionable examples of what such a transformative turning entails. It elaborates on the conditions for the wicked to "live" and, conversely, for the righteous to "die" if they turn from their righteousness, thereby clarifying the dynamic nature of God's covenant relationship and individual moral standing, a theme extensively expounded upon in [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility"). The verse serves as a practical illustration of God's grace extended to those who genuinely turn.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the Babylonian captivity (early 6th century BCE). A prevalent and dangerous sentiment among the exiles was a fatalistic belief that they were suffering solely for the sins of their forefathers, encapsulated in the 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 mindset undermined individual accountability and extinguished hope for personal change or divine mercy. Ezekiel 33, echoing the profound theological arguments of [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility"), directly confronts this fatalism, powerfully asserting that each individual is personally responsible for their own choices and actions before God. The concepts of "pledge" and "robbed" were deeply embedded in ancient Near Eastern legal and social structures, where restitution for wrongs was a fundamental aspect of justice, restoring communal harmony, and demonstrating a genuine change of heart, as mandated by various Mosaic laws (e.g., [Exodus 22:1-15](/exodus/22-1 "Exodus 22:1-15 - Laws Concerning Property Rights")).
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 33:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. Foremost is the theme of **individual accountability and responsibility**, directly refuting the idea of inherited guilt and emphasizing that one's present moral choices, rather than ancestral sin, determine one's destiny before God. It also highlights **divine mercy and justice**, showcasing God's unwavering desire for humanity to choose life and His willingness to forgive and restore those who genuinely repent. The concept of **active repentance and restitution** is central, moving beyond mere cessation of sin to tangible actions that redress past wrongs and demonstrate a truly transformed heart. Finally, the emphasis on "walking in the statutes of life" underscores the **life-giving nature of God's law**, portraying obedience not as a burdensome legalism but as the pathway to true flourishing, spiritual vitality, and a blessed existence, a theme powerfully echoed in [Deuteronomy 30:19-20](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose Life by Obeying God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** This term (H7563) refers to an individual who is morally wrong, actively bad, and ungodly. It describes not merely someone who has committed a sin, but one whose character and orientation are fundamentally opposed to God's righteousness. The use of this term here emphasizes the radical nature of the transformation God offers: even those deeply entrenched in unrighteousness can find a path to life.
* **Walk (Hebrew, _hâlak'_):** The verb (H1980) signifies a continuous, habitual mode of conduct or lifestyle. It implies not just a single act but a sustained pattern of behavior. To "walk in the statutes of life" means to consistently order one's life according to God's commands, making them the guiding principle for daily existence. This highlights the active and ongoing nature of true repentance and obedience, a dynamic journey rather than a static state.
* **Live (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** This powerful verb (H2421) denotes more than mere physical existence. While it certainly includes the preservation of physical life, especially in the context of avoiding the "death" of judgment, it primarily signifies spiritual vitality, well-being, flourishing, and a right relationship with God. It encompasses the totality of life in its richest sense, a life characterized by divine favor and blessing that extends beyond the temporal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If the wicked restore the pledge,"**: This clause sets the initial condition for the wicked's transformation. "The wicked" (H7563, _râshâʻ_) refers to a person whose character is defined by unrighteousness and active opposition to God's ways. "Restore the pledge" (H7725, _shûwb_ + H2258, _chăbôl_) refers to the act of returning an item taken as security for a debt, which was often unjustly withheld or taken from the poor or vulnerable. This action signifies a concrete, tangible step of restitution and a turning away from oppressive or exploitative practices.
* **"give again that he had robbed,"**: This second condition further specifies the active and comprehensive nature of repentance. "Give again" (H7999, _shâlam_) implies making full restitution or compensation, bringing something to completion or wholeness. "That he had robbed" (H1500, _gᵉzêlâh_) refers to items or property taken by violence, extortion, or unjust means. This emphasizes that true repentance involves not just ceasing from wrongdoing but actively righting past wrongs and repairing the damage caused to others, demonstrating a commitment to justice.
* **"walk in the statutes of life,"**: This clause describes the ongoing commitment to righteous living that follows active restitution. To "walk" (H1980, _hâlak_) implies a continuous, habitual way of life, a sustained journey. "Statutes of life" (H2708, _chuqqâh_ + H2416, _chay_) refers to God's divine decrees and ordinances, which are inherently designed to lead to true flourishing, spiritual vitality, and a blessed existence. This signifies a fundamental reorientation of one's entire lifestyle towards God's righteous and life-giving standards.
* **"without committing iniquity;"**: This negative condition reinforces the positive command to walk in God's statutes, highlighting the cessation of active sin. "Without committing" (H6213, _ʻâsâh_) means to cease from practicing or doing. "Iniquity" (H5766, _ʻevel_) refers to moral evil, perverseness, or unrighteousness. This clause highlights the necessity of a complete cessation of sinful practices as an integral part of the repentant life, moving from active wrongdoing to active righteousness.
* **"he shall surely live,"**: This is the certain and emphatic outcome promised to the one who fulfills the preceding conditions. "Surely live" (H2421, _châyâh_ repeated for intense emphasis) is a powerful Hebrew idiom emphasizing the absolute certainty and profound vitality of the promised life. This life encompasses not only physical preservation from immediate judgment but also spiritual flourishing, holistic well-being, and a restored, vibrant relationship with God.
* **"he shall not die."**: This final clause serves as a strong negative affirmation, reinforcing the promise of life and contrasting it with the spiritual and temporal death that is the inevitable consequence of unrepentant wickedness. "Not die" (H4191, _mûwth_) underscores deliverance from judgment and eternal separation from God, affirming the full and comprehensive scope of the divine promise of life.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 33:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its transformative message with clarity and impact. The most prominent is the **Conditional Statement**, where a clear "if... then" structure is used to delineate the precise requirements for life. This highlights the direct correlation between human action (genuine repentance and sustained obedience) and divine response (the granting of life). There is also significant **Parallelism**, particularly in the concluding phrase "he shall surely live, he shall not die." This positive-negative pairing is a common Hebrew idiom, serving to intensify the certainty and comprehensive nature of the promise of life, emphasizing deliverance from all forms of death, both temporal and spiritual. The phrase "walk in the statutes of life" uses **Metaphor** and **Imagery**, presenting obedience not as a static adherence to rules but as a dynamic journey or a way of life, where God's laws are not restrictive burdens but a path leading to vitality, flourishing, and true well-being. Furthermore, the vivid imagery of "restoring the pledge" and "giving again that he had robbed" provides concrete, tangible examples of what genuine, active repentance looks like, making the abstract concept of turning from wickedness deeply practical and relatable for the audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 33:15 is a cornerstone passage for understanding God's character as both perfectly just and profoundly merciful, and the dynamic nature of His covenant relationship with humanity. It profoundly emphasizes that God's judgment is not arbitrary or irreversible but is contingent upon human response. The verse reveals that the path to life is open even to the "wicked," provided they engage in active, holistic repentance that includes not only a change of heart but also tangible acts of restitution and a sustained commitment to God's righteous standards. This underscores the principle of individual accountability, a central theme in Ezekiel, asserting that one's current moral standing, rather than past sins or inherited guilt, determines one's destiny. This passage beautifully illustrates God's persistent desire for reconciliation and His provision of a clear, actionable path for humanity to choose life over death, demonstrating His redemptive heart.

* [Leviticus 6:4-5](/leviticus/6-4-5 "Laws of Restitution for Theft and Deception")
* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Confession, Forsaking Sin, and Mercy")
* [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "The Wicked Turning to God for Mercy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 33:15 offers a timeless and profoundly hopeful message for individuals seeking spiritual transformation. It challenges any notion that one's past irrevocably defines one's future, asserting that God's grace extends even to the "wicked" who genuinely turn to Him. True repentance, as illuminated here, is not merely a passive feeling of regret or a verbal apology; it is an active, comprehensive reorientation of one's entire life. It demands concrete actions of restitution—making amends for wrongs committed—and a sustained commitment to living in accordance with God's life-giving principles. This verse calls us to a deep examination of our own lives: where have we caused harm, whether through direct action or neglect, and what tangible steps can we take to restore what was taken or broken? It encourages us to view God's "statutes of life" not as burdensome rules or restrictive legalisms, but as pathways to true flourishing, spiritual vitality, and a deeper, more intimate relationship with our Creator. Ultimately, it reminds us that God's desire is for us to "live," offering a clear and accessible path to spiritual vitality and reconciliation, regardless of our past transgressions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to move beyond mere regret to active restitution, making tangible amends for past wrongs?**
* **How can I cultivate a consistent "walk in the statutes of life," viewing God's commands as sources of flourishing and true freedom rather than restriction?**
* **What does "life" truly mean to me in the context of this verse, encompassing both spiritual vitality and physical well-being, and how am I pursuing that life in my daily choices and priorities?**
* **Considering God's profound willingness to grant life to the wicked who genuinely repent, how does this passage shape and deepen my understanding of His mercy and justice?**

### FAQ
**Does Ezekiel 33:15 imply that salvation is earned by good works?**

Answer: No, Ezekiel 33:15 does not teach salvation by works, but rather outlines the *evidence* and *fruit* of genuine repentance. The Old Testament, like the New, consistently emphasizes God's grace as the foundation of salvation and relationship with Him. However, true repentance, which is a turning *to* God, inherently involves a change of heart that manifests in changed behavior. The actions described—restoring pledges, making restitution, walking in statutes—are not a means to *earn* life or divine favor, but rather the *demonstration* of a heart that has truly turned from wickedness to God. They are the natural outflow of a renewed desire to live in alignment with God's will, which is itself a gift of grace and a response to His call. This aligns with the broader biblical understanding that faith without works is dead ([James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")), and that God's people are called to live righteously as a response to His saving grace, not as a condition for earning it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 33:15, with its emphasis on the wicked turning to "walk in the statutes of life" to "surely live," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament provides a path for the wicked to turn and live through obedience and restitution, it simultaneously highlights humanity's inherent inability to perfectly fulfill all of God's righteous demands. Jesus, however, perfectly "walked in the statutes of life," living a sinless life and fulfilling all righteousness on our behalf ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He is the very embodiment of the "statutes of life," for in Him is "life, and that life was the light of all mankind" ([John 1:4](/john/1-4 "John 1:4 - In Him Was Life")). Moreover, Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross provided the ultimate "restitution" for all humanity's robbery and iniquity against God, paying the debt we could never repay and reconciling us to the Father ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness of Sins and Cancellation of Debt")). Through faith in Him, the "wicked" are not merely given a chance to live, but are granted new, eternal life, being declared righteous in God's sight not by their works but by His grace ([Romans 5:17](/romans/5-17 "Romans 5:17 - Reign in Life Through Christ")). The call to "turn and live" in Ezekiel becomes the New Testament call to repent and believe in the Gospel, receiving the Holy Spirit who enables us to truly "walk in newness of life" ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Walk in Newness of Life")), no longer under the condemnation of death but assured of eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord ([Romans 8:1-2](/romans/8-1-2 "Romans 8:1-2 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

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 20:11

And I gave them my statutes, and shewed them my judgments, which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them.

Luke 19:8

And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore [him] fourfold.

Exodus 22:1

¶ If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.

Exodus 22:4

If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.

Ezekiel 18:7

And hath not oppressed any, [but] hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;

Psalms 119:93

¶ I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.

Leviticus 18:5

Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I [am] the LORD.