Ezekiel 33:19

But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby.

But if the wicked {H7563} turn {H7725} from his wickedness {H7564}, and do {H6213} that which is lawful {H4941} and right {H6666}, he shall live {H2421} 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.

Commentary

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

  • Repentance and Transformation: The core message is that a genuine "turning from his wickedness" (Hebrew: shuv - to turn back, repent) leads to a renewed life. This isn't merely a change of behavior but a change of heart and direction.
  • Divine Justice and Mercy: God's character is revealed as both just and merciful. He does not delight in the death of the wicked but offers a path to life through repentance. This demonstrates His willingness to forgive and restore based on a person's present conduct, not just their past.
  • Individual Accountability: The verse places emphasis on the individual's responsibility for their moral choices. Each person's destiny is tied to their own actions and their response to God's call to righteousness, rather than being solely determined by their ancestors' sins or the collective fate of the nation.
  • Conditional Life: The promise of "he shall live thereby" is conditional upon actively pursuing "that which is lawful and right" (Hebrew: mishpat u'tzedakah - justice and righteousness). This implies living in accordance with God's moral and ethical standards.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "turn" (Χ©Χ•Χ‘ - 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" (Χ¨Χ©Χ’ - rasha) describes not just specific sinful acts but a state of being alienated from God and His ways. Conversely, "lawful and right" (מש׀ט Χ•Χ¦Χ“Χ§Χ” - 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.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 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;
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