Ezekiel 33:16

KJV

None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live.

KJV (with Strong's)

None of his sins {H2403} that he hath committed {H2398} shall be mentioned {H2142} unto him: he hath done {H6213} that which is lawful {H4941} and right {H6666}; he shall surely {H2421} live {H2421}.

Complete Jewish Bible

None of the sins he committed will be remembered against him; he has done what is lawful and right; he will surely live.'

Berean Standard Bible

None of the sins he has committed will be held against him. He has done what is just and right; he will surely live.

American Standard Version

None of his sins that he hath committed shall be remembered against him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 33:16 presents a profound declaration of God's restorative justice and boundless mercy, promising complete forgiveness and the gift of life to the wicked who genuinely repent and turn to righteous living. This verse underscores that when an individual abandons their sinful ways and actively embraces God's statutes, their past transgressions are utterly blotted out from divine memory, signifying a fresh start and a guaranteed path to spiritual vitality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 33:16 is situated within a pivotal section of Ezekiel's prophecy (verses 10-20) that directly addresses the spiritual despair and fatalism of the Jewish exiles in Babylon. Following the fall of Jerusalem, the people felt condemned by their past sins, lamenting, "Our transgressions and our sins are upon us, and we pine away in them; how should we then live?" [Ezekiel 33:10](/ezekiel/33-10 "Ezekiel 33:10 - Despair of the Exiles"). God, through Ezekiel, refutes this notion of inescapable doom by reiterating His principles of individual accountability and the transformative power of repentance, previously explored in [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility"). The preceding verse, [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God Desires Life"), powerfully states God's desire for the wicked to turn and live, rather than perish. Verse 16 specifically elaborates on the divine promise extended to the repentant, contrasting it with the fate of the righteous who turn to sin, thus emphasizing the ongoing nature of moral choice.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel is set during the Babylonian exile (circa 597-571 BC), a period of immense national trauma and theological crisis for the Israelites. Stripped of their land, temple, and monarchy, many believed God had abandoned them, or that their collective sins had sealed their fate irrevocably. There was a prevailing sense that the children were paying for the sins of their fathers, leading to a feeling of helplessness. Ezekiel's ministry aimed to dismantle this fatalistic worldview, reminding the exiles that God's justice was not arbitrary and that individual choice remained paramount. His message provided a pathway to hope and restoration, even in the darkest of times, by emphasizing that God's covenant promises extended to individuals who would embrace righteousness, irrespective of their past or their nation's collective guilt.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Justice and Mercy**, demonstrating that God's justice is not merely punitive but also redemptive, offering a path to life through mercy. Secondly, it reinforces **Individual Responsibility and Accountability**, asserting that each person's destiny is determined by their present moral choices, not solely by inherited guilt or past actions. This stands in stark contrast to the common lament of the exiles. Thirdly, it underscores the **Transformative Power of Repentance**, defining it not merely as sorrow for sin but as an active turning away from evil and a demonstrable commitment to "that which is lawful and right." Finally, the verse strongly emphasizes the **Promise of Life**, both spiritual and, by implication, a restored relationship with God, as the ultimate outcome of genuine repentance. This promise echoes God's consistent invitation for humanity to choose life, as seen throughout scripture, from [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life") to [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Isaiah 55:7 - Return to the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sins (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** This word denotes an "offence" or "sinfulness," encompassing both the act of transgression and its inherent penalty or consequence. In the context of Ezekiel 33:16, it refers to the totality of past moral failings that previously separated the individual from God. The promise is that these offenses, and their associated guilt, will no longer be held against the repentant.
* **mentioned (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to mark (so as to be recognized)" or "to remember," here used in the negative ("shall not be mentioned"). This signifies a profound act of divine forgetting or non-recollection. God's promise is not merely to overlook sins, but to actively remove them from the record, implying a complete and irreversible blotting out from His memory and judgment.
* **live (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** This primitive root means "to live, whether literally or figuratively," and causatively, "to revive." In this verse, its emphatic repetition ("he shall surely live") underscores the certainty of the outcome. It encompasses not just physical survival but, more profoundly, spiritual vitality, restoration of relationship with God, and the promise of eternal well-being, contrasting sharply with the "death" that results from persistent wickedness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him"**: This clause declares the comprehensive nature of God's forgiveness. When a wicked person genuinely repents and changes their ways, their past transgressions, no matter how numerous or severe, are completely erased from God's judicial record. They are not merely overlooked or postponed, but are treated as if they never happened in terms of accountability and condemnation. This signifies a profound act of divine mercy and a complete blotting out of the past.
* **"he hath done that which is lawful and right"**: This phrase defines the necessary condition for such radical forgiveness: true repentance must be evidenced by a tangible change in behavior. "Lawful" (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_) refers to justice, ordinances, and what is due, while "right" (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_) signifies righteousness, virtue, and moral rectitude. This indicates that the turning from sin is not merely an internal feeling of remorse but an active, observable commitment to living in accordance with God's commands and principles, demonstrating a transformed heart.
* **"he shall surely live"**: This emphatic declaration is the promised outcome of genuine repentance and righteous living. The repetition of the verb "live" (Hebrew, _châyâh'_) underscores the certainty and absolute nature of this promise. It refers not just to physical preservation but, more significantly, to spiritual life, restoration of fellowship with God, and the promise of eternal salvation. It is the antithesis of the "death" that results from persistent sin and a powerful affirmation of God's desire for humanity's flourishing.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 33:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Contrast** is central, setting the dire consequences of unrepentant sin (death) against the promise of life for the truly repentant. This stark opposition highlights the critical choice presented to the individual. The phrase "none of his sins... shall be mentioned unto him" utilizes a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like memory and forgetting to God, though it is understood metaphorically to convey the complete and judicial removal of guilt. The repetition of the Hebrew word for "live" (_châyâh_) in "he shall surely live" functions as **Emphasis**, underscoring the absolute certainty and profound significance of the divine promise of life for the one who turns to righteousness. This also serves as a **Conditional Promise**, where the divine outcome (life, forgiveness) is contingent upon human action (doing what is lawful and right).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 33:16 stands as a powerful testament to God's character as a God of infinite mercy and transformative grace. It reveals that His justice is not a rigid, unforgiving mechanism, but one that actively seeks the restoration of the lost. The promise of sins not being "mentioned" against the repentant highlights the comprehensive nature of divine forgiveness, a theme consistently woven throughout the Old Testament. This concept foreshadows the New Covenant promise of God's law written on hearts and sins remembered no more, pointing to a deeper, more profound work of redemption. It assures us that God's desire is always for life and reconciliation, not for the condemnation of the contrite heart.

* [Isaiah 43:25](/isaiah/43-25 "Isaiah 43:25 - God Blots Out Transgressions")
* [Psalm 103:12](/psalm/103-12 "Psalm 103:12 - As Far as the East is from the West")
* [Micah 7:19](/micah/7-19 "Micah 7:19 - God's Compassion and Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 33:16 offers profound hope and a clear call to action for every individual. It dismantles the lie that past sins are an insurmountable barrier to God's grace, assuring us that genuine repentance opens the door to complete forgiveness and a new beginning. This verse challenges us to move beyond mere regret for wrongdoing to an active turning away from sin and a deliberate commitment to living in alignment with God's righteous standards. It reminds us that God is not a cosmic scorekeeper eager to condemn, but a loving Father who desires our spiritual life and flourishing. Our response to this divine invitation should be one of humble confession, sincere repentance, and a joyful embrace of the transformed life He offers, knowing that our past, when repented of, is truly forgotten by Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "none of his sins... shall be mentioned unto him" mean for your personal struggle with past guilt or shame?**
* **How does the phrase "he hath done that which is lawful and right" challenge your understanding of true repentance? Is it merely sorrow, or does it require action?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to a deeper level of "lawful and right" living as evidence of your repentance?**
* **How does the promise "he shall surely live" encourage you to pursue a transformed life in fellowship with God?**

### FAQ
**Does God literally "forget" our sins when we repent, as implied by "shall not be mentioned"?**

Answer: While God, being omniscient, does not literally "forget" in the human sense of losing memory, the phrase "shall not be mentioned unto him" signifies a judicial and relational act of non-remembrance. It means that God chooses not to bring those sins into account for judgment or condemnation. They are completely removed from the record of guilt and will not be held against the repentant individual. This is a profound declaration of divine forgiveness, where the legal and moral consequences of past sins are fully annulled, allowing for a fresh start and a restored relationship. This concept is beautifully echoed in [Hebrews 8:12](/hebrews/8-12 "Hebrews 8:12 - Sins Remembered No More") within the New Covenant.

**What exactly does "that which is lawful and right" entail in practical terms?**

Answer: "That which is lawful and right" refers to living in accordance with God's revealed will and moral standards, as found in His law and ethical teachings. It implies a demonstrable change in behavior and a commitment to justice (_mishpâṭ_) and righteousness (_tsᵉdâqâh_). This isn't about earning salvation through works, but about repentance producing fruit consistent with a changed heart. Practically, it means actively turning away from past sinful practices and intentionally pursuing actions that honor God and bless others, such as honesty, integrity, compassion, and obedience to His commands. It's about aligning one's life with God's character, as exemplified throughout the Scriptures (e.g., [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")).

**Is this verse teaching salvation by works, where one's good deeds erase past sins?**

Answer: No, this verse is not teaching salvation by works in the sense of earning God's favor through human effort. Instead, it describes the *fruit* and *evidence* of genuine repentance. The "doing that which is lawful and right" is the outward manifestation of an inward transformation, a heart truly turned to God. God's forgiveness is an act of grace, but it is extended to those who respond with a changed heart and life. The emphasis is on God's willingness to forgive and grant life to the one who turns from wickedness, not on human deeds as the *basis* for earning salvation, but as the *proof* of a transformed heart that has received God's grace. The ultimate source of forgiveness and life is God's mercy, which is accessed through repentance and faith, as seen in passages like [Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Repent and Be Converted").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 33:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament promise that "none of his sins... shall be mentioned unto him" is fully realized through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross. It is through faith in Him that our sins are not merely forgotten, but are completely removed and imputed to Christ, while His perfect righteousness is imputed to us [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"). The "lawful and right" living that Ezekiel describes as the evidence of repentance is made possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to walk in newness of life, fulfilling the righteous requirements of the law not by human effort, but by divine enablement [Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled"). Furthermore, the emphatic promise "he shall surely live" transcends mere physical survival to embrace eternal life and spiritual resurrection in Christ. He is the resurrection and the life [John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"), and all who believe in Him, repenting of their sins and turning to Him, receive not just forgiveness but a new creation in Him, where the old has passed away and the new has come [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"). Thus, Ezekiel's ancient promise points directly to the comprehensive salvation and transformative power found uniquely in Jesus Christ.

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 18:22

All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.

Isaiah 43:25

I, [even] I, [am] he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

Micah 7:18

Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.

Micah 7:19

He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

Isaiah 1:18

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Isaiah 44:22

I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

1 John 2:1

¶ My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: