Ezekiel 33:18

KJV

When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby.

KJV (with Strong's)

When the righteous {H6662} turneth {H7725} from his righteousness {H6666}, and committeth {H6213} iniquity {H5766}, he shall even die {H4191} thereby.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the righteous person turns away from his righteousness and commits wickedness, he will die because of it.

Berean Standard Bible

If a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he will die for it.

American Standard Version

When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 33:18 presents a stark and profound warning, asserting that an individual who has previously lived in accordance with God's righteousness, but subsequently deviates from that path and actively engages in wickedness, will inevitably face spiritual death. This verse underscores the dynamic and conditional nature of one's standing before God, emphasizing that past obedience does not negate the dire consequences of a deliberate and sustained departure from divine standards, highlighting the critical importance of ongoing faithfulness and accountability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Ezekiel's renewed commission as a "watchman" for the house of Israel, detailed in [Ezekiel 33:1-9](/ezekiel/33-1-9 "Ezekiel 33:1-9 - Ezekiel's Role as Watchman"). Following a period of silence (cf. [Ezekiel 24:27](/ezekiel/24-27 "Ezekiel 24:27 - Ezekiel's Mute Period Ends")), God re-establishes Ezekiel's prophetic voice, tasking him with warning both the wicked and the righteous about individual accountability. [Ezekiel 33:12-20](/ezekiel/33-12-20 "Ezekiel 33:12-20 - God's Justice and Individual Responsibility") forms a pivotal chiasm, presenting a symmetrical argument about God's just dealings: if the wicked turn to righteousness, they live ([Ezekiel 33:14-16](/ezekiel/33-14-16 "Ezekiel 33:14-16 - The Wicked Who Repent")); if the righteous turn to wickedness, they die ([Ezekiel 33:18](/ezekiel/33-18 "Ezekiel 33:18 - The Righteous Who Turn Away")); and vice-versa. This structure powerfully reinforces the principle that one's present moral trajectory, not merely past status, determines their destiny. The chapter as a whole serves to dismantle the exiles' fatalistic belief that they were being punished solely for their ancestors' sins, asserting instead that each individual is responsible for their own choices and destiny before God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during a period of profound national crisis (c. 593-571 BC), following the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. The exiles grappled with immense suffering and a deep theological dilemma: how could God, who promised an eternal covenant, allow such devastation? A prevalent cultural belief, perhaps misinterpreting passages like [Lamentations 5:7](/lamentations/5-7 "Lamentations 5:7 - Our Fathers Have Sinned"), was that they were being punished for the sins of previous generations. This fostered a sense of hopelessness and a lack of individual responsibility. Ezekiel's message, particularly in [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Accountability") and [Ezekiel 33](/ezekiel/33 "Ezekiel 33 - The Watchman and Individual Responsibility"), directly confronts this deterministic worldview. The concept of "righteousness" (Hebrew: *tzedakah*) in this context was not merely ritualistic observance but encompassed ethical conduct, justice, and faithful adherence to the covenant, deeply intertwined with both individual and communal well-being according to God's standards.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme underscored by [Ezekiel 33:18](/ezekiel/33-18 "Ezekiel 33:18 - The Righteous Who Turn Away") is **Individual Accountability**. God's judgment is not static or based on a fixed status; it is dynamic and responsive to a person's current moral and spiritual orientation. This challenges any notion of "resting on past laurels" or presuming eternal security based solely on former good deeds. Another prominent theme is **Conditional Righteousness**, highlighting that righteousness is not an unchangeable state but a continuous, active process of living in obedience to God. To "turn from his righteousness" implies a deliberate and sustained departure from a life aligned with God's will. This leads directly to the theme of **Consequences of Apostasy**, where "he shall even die thereby" signifies a profound spiritual death—a severing of the life-giving relationship with God, leading to separation and ultimate condemnation. This contrasts starkly with the life promised to the repentant wicked, emphasizing God's **Divine Justice** as perfectly equitable and responsive to a person's current moral trajectory, as seen throughout [Ezekiel 33](/ezekiel/33 "Ezekiel 33 - The Watchman and Individual Accountability").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **righteous (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** (H6662) This term describes someone who is just, lawful, and upright, whose character and actions conform to divine standards of righteousness and justice. In the context of Ezekiel 33:18, it refers to an individual who has genuinely lived in accordance with God's commands and principles, possessing a true state of rectitude.
* **turneth (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** (H7725) A primitive root meaning "to turn back," "turn away," or "return." This highly significant verb indicates a deliberate change of direction or course. In this verse, it denotes a conscious and active departure from a previously righteous path, implying a volitional act of spiritual backsliding or apostasy, rather than an accidental stumble or temporary lapse.
* **die (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** (H4191) A primitive root meaning "to die" (literally or figuratively) or "to kill." In this prophetic context, "die thereby" primarily signifies a spiritual death, a separation from the life-giving presence and blessing of God. It implies a loss of divine favor, a severing of the covenant relationship, and ultimately, eternal condemnation, rather than merely the physical cessation of life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When the righteous turneth from his righteousness":** This clause establishes the premise of the warning. It speaks of an individual who was genuinely "righteous" (Hebrew: *tsaddîyq*), meaning they lived in conformity to God's will and possessed "righteousness" (Hebrew: *tsᵉdâqâh*), a state of being just and upright. The critical action is "turneth" (Hebrew: *shûwb*), indicating a deliberate and decisive departure from this established path of obedience and faithfulness. This is not a momentary lapse but a fundamental reorientation of one's life away from God's standards.
* **"and committeth iniquity":** This second clause specifies the nature of the turning away. It's not merely a passive cessation of righteous living but an active engagement in "iniquity" (Hebrew: *ʻevel*)—moral evil, perverseness, and unrighteousness. The verb "committeth" (Hebrew: *ʻâsâh*) implies a doing or making, signifying that the individual actively practices or performs wickedness, thereby solidifying their departure from their former righteous walk and embracing a life contrary to God's will.
* **"he shall even die thereby":** This final clause states the unequivocal and certain consequence. The phrase "die thereby" (Hebrew: *mûwth*) refers to a spiritual death, a profound separation from God's life, blessing, and covenant relationship. It signifies the forfeiture of the life and favor that accompanies righteousness, leading to condemnation. This outcome is presented as a direct and certain result of the turning away and the commitment of iniquity, emphasizing the direct link between moral choice and spiritual destiny.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 33:18 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its stark and urgent message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting the "righteous" person and their "righteousness" directly against the "iniquity" they commit. This sharp juxtaposition highlights the dramatic and tragic nature of spiritual backsliding. The verse also utilizes **Hypothetical Case** to illustrate a profound theological truth, presenting a "when... then" scenario that serves as a universal warning rather than a specific historical event. The phrase "he shall even die thereby" functions as **Metonymy** or **Symbolism**, where "die" represents not merely physical cessation but a profound spiritual separation from God, a loss of divine life and blessing, and ultimately, eternal judgment. This symbolic death underscores the gravity of apostasy. Furthermore, the direct and unambiguous language creates a sense of **Clarity and Emphasis**, leaving no room for misinterpretation regarding the severe consequences of abandoning a righteous life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 33:18 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the dynamic nature of God's justice and the ongoing requirement for faithfulness. It directly challenges any interpretation of divine grace or election that would suggest a believer can live in unrepentant sin without consequence. Instead, it aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on perseverance in faith and the solemn reality of apostasy. The passage highlights that God judges based on one's current moral and spiritual trajectory, not solely on past achievements or a static record. It underscores that true righteousness is a continuous walk of obedience, not a one-time declaration. The warning of "death" for those who turn from righteousness resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing the dire spiritual outcome for those who abandon their commitment to God and revert to a life of wickedness.

* [Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - He who endures to the end will be saved")
* [Hebrews 6:4-6](/hebrews/6-4-6 "Hebrews 6:4-6 - The Impossibility of Renewing Apostates to Repentance")
* [2 Peter 2:20-22](/2_peter/2-20-22 "2 Peter 2:20-22 - The Danger of Returning to Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 33:18 serves as a potent and necessary warning for all who claim to follow God. It calls us to a vigilant and active faith, reminding us that our spiritual standing is not a static achievement but a dynamic, ongoing relationship requiring consistent commitment and obedience. This verse challenges any complacency or presumption that past good deeds or a moment of conversion guarantees future salvation regardless of one's present conduct. It compels us to examine our hearts regularly, to confess and repent of sin, and to earnestly pursue a life of righteousness. The "death" spoken of here is a spiritual reality—a separation from the life-giving presence of God—and it underscores the profound seriousness of backsliding. For believers, this means diligently "working out your own salvation with fear and trembling" ([Philippians 2:12](/philippians/2-12 "Philippians 2:12 - Working Out Salvation")). It is a call to persevere, to endure to the end, and to understand that genuine faith is evidenced by a life transformed and continually submitted to God's will, demonstrating that our commitment to God is not merely intellectual assent but a lived reality.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of righteousness and salvation, particularly in light of ongoing obedience?**
* **Am I relying on past spiritual experiences or a one-time decision, or is my walk with God active and ongoing, characterized by present faithfulness?**
* **What "iniquities" or patterns of sin might I be committing, or tolerating, that could indicate a turning away from my righteous path?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to ensure I am continually "turning" towards God and His righteousness, actively pursuing holiness and repentance?**

### FAQ
**Does Ezekiel 33:18 mean that once a person sins, they can never be forgiven or restored?**

Answer: No, Ezekiel 33:18 does not imply that a person can never be forgiven or restored after sinning. Rather, it emphasizes the *consequence* of a persistent and unrepentant turning away from righteousness and a deliberate commitment to iniquity. The broader context of Ezekiel, particularly [Ezekiel 33:14-16](/ezekiel/33-14-16 "Ezekiel 33:14-16 - The Wicked Who Repent Will Live"), clearly states that if a wicked person turns from their sin and does what is just and right, they will live. Similarly, the New Testament consistently teaches that repentance and faith in Christ lead to forgiveness and restoration, regardless of past sins ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")). The warning in [Ezekiel 33:18](/ezekiel/33-18 "Ezekiel 33:18 - The Righteous Who Turn Away") is against a *habitual* and *unrepented* departure from God's ways, signifying a fundamental change in allegiance, not against individual failures that are met with genuine repentance and a return to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 33:18, with its stark warning to the righteous who turn from their righteousness, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in highlighting the absolute necessity of a righteousness that is not self-generated or conditional upon human performance, but one that is perfectly imputed and sustained by Christ alone. While the Old Testament emphasizes the conditional nature of human righteousness and the dire consequences of failing to maintain it, the New Testament reveals that true and lasting righteousness is found only in Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness, not for Himself, but for humanity ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")), and whose atoning sacrifice provides the only means for humanity to be declared righteous before God ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). For those "in Christ," the warning of "dying thereby" is transformed. While there remains a call to persevere in faith and to live righteously as evidence of true conversion ([Philippians 2:12](/philippians/2-12 "Philippians 2:12 - Working Out Salvation")), the believer's standing is secured not by their own fluctuating obedience, but by the unchangeable righteousness of Christ applied to them by grace through faith ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, Ezekiel's warning serves to underscore the profound spiritual danger of relying on one's own works for salvation and points to the glorious, steadfast security found only in the perfect, enduring righteousness of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who is our life ([Colossians 3:4](/colossians/3-4 "Colossians 3:4 - Christ Our Life")).

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 33:12

Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his [righteousness] in the day that he sinneth.

Ezekiel 33:13

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.

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.

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 18:26

When a righteous [man] turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.

Ezekiel 18:27

Again, when the wicked [man] turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.