TRV
Ezekiel 33:19
Bible Versions
But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby.
And when the wicked person turns from his wickedness and does what is lawful and right, he will live because of it.
But if a wicked man turns from his wickedness and does what is just and right, he will live because of this.
And when the wicked turneth from his wickedness, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby.
Study Tools
-
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. -
Ezekiel 18:28
Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. -
Ezekiel 33:14
Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right;
Ezekiel 33:19 presents a profound truth about God's justice and mercy, emphasizing the transformative power of genuine repentance. It states, "But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby." This verse is a cornerstone of individual accountability within the prophetic message.
Context
This verse is part of a larger discourse in Ezekiel 33 where God re-establishes Ezekiel's role as a watchman over the house of Israel. The chapter clarifies that individuals, not just the nation collectively, are held responsible for their actions. The people had been questioning God's fairness, claiming His ways were not just. God refutes this, asserting that His dealings are entirely equitable: the righteous who turn to wickedness will die, and the wicked who turn to righteousness will live. This specific verse directly contrasts with the previous one, Ezekiel 33:18, which addresses the fate of the righteous who stray. The overarching message, consistent with Ezekiel 33:11, is God's desire for life, not death, for His people, even in the midst of the Babylonian exile.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "turn" (שוב - shuv) is crucial here. It signifies a complete reversal of direction, a spiritual U-turn from sin towards God. It's the same root word used for repentance throughout the Old Testament. "Wickedness" (רשע - rasha) describes not just specific sinful acts but a state of being alienated from God and His ways. Conversely, "lawful and right" (משפט וצדקה - mishpat u'tzedakah) refers to acting justly and righteously, reflecting God's own character and commandments. This isn't about legalistic adherence but a heart-driven pursuit of what is morally upright and pleasing to God, akin to the requirements highlighted in Micah 6:8.
Practical Application
Ezekiel 33:19 offers timeless hope and a clear call to action. It assures us that no one is beyond God's reach or forgiveness, provided there is genuine repentance. This verse challenges any notion of predetermination that denies individual responsibility. For believers, it serves as a reminder of the continuous need for self-examination and a commitment to living righteously. For those seeking spiritual truth, it highlights God's merciful nature and His desire for all to choose life through turning from sin. It underscores that God values a transformed heart and life over a person's past record, echoing the New Testament call to repentance for the forgiveness of sins and the promise of new life.