Ezekiel 33:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

And when the wicked person turns from his wickedness and does what is lawful and right, he will live because of it.

Berean Standard Bible

But if a wicked man turns from his wickedness and does what is just and right, he will live because of this.

American Standard Version

And when the wicked turneth from his wickedness, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 33:19 encapsulates a profound declaration of divine justice and mercy, asserting that if an individual who has been characterized by wickedness genuinely repents and actively pursues a life aligned with God's righteous standards, they will be granted life. This verse underscores the transformative power of true repentance, emphasizing God's desire for the restoration and flourishing of even the most wayward, contingent upon their sincere turning from sin and embracing of righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 33:19 is situated within a crucial discourse (Ezekiel 33:1-20) where God re-commissions Ezekiel as a watchman over Israel, reiterating the principles of individual accountability previously introduced in [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Accountability"). The chapter opens with a clear explanation of the watchman's responsibility to warn the people, highlighting the dire consequences of unheeded warnings and the life-giving outcome of heeding them. Verses 10-20 directly address the people's complaint that "The way of the Lord is not just" ([Ezekiel 33:17](/ezekiel/33-17 "Ezekiel 33:17 - The Lord's Way is Just")). God meticulously refutes this, demonstrating His perfect equity: the righteous who turn to wickedness will die ([Ezekiel 33:18](/ezekiel/33-18 "Ezekiel 33:18 - The Righteous Who Turn Away")), and conversely, the wicked who turn from their wickedness will live. This verse, therefore, serves as the hopeful counterpoint to the preceding warning, emphasizing God's unwavering commitment to offer a path to life through repentance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel is set during the Babylonian exile, a period of immense national trauma and theological questioning for the Jewish people. They had been deported from their homeland, Jerusalem lay in ruins, and many struggled to reconcile their suffering with God's covenant promises. A prevalent belief, influenced by the communal nature of ancient Near Eastern societies, was that children suffered for their parents' sins or that the nation's fate was predetermined by past generations. Ezekiel's message, particularly in chapters 18 and 33, directly challenges this deterministic worldview. It asserts individual moral responsibility, a revolutionary concept for many exiles. The call to "do that which is lawful and right" (Hebrew: *mishpat u'tzedakah*) resonated deeply within a society that understood justice and righteousness as foundational pillars of a well-ordered community and as reflections of God's own character, as seen in the Mosaic Law.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice and Mercy**, showcasing God's equitable dealings with humanity, where judgment is tempered by an earnest desire for life and restoration. God explicitly states, "I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live" ([Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God's Desire for Life")). This highlights God's **Conditional Covenant and Individual Accountability**, where one's present moral choices, not past lineage or collective sin, determine their immediate spiritual standing and destiny. The emphasis on "turn from his wickedness" underscores the vital theme of **Repentance and Transformation**, portraying it not merely as a change of behavior but as a fundamental reorientation of one's life away from sin and towards God's standards. Finally, the promise of "he shall live thereby" points to the theme of **Life and Restoration**, both physical and spiritual, as the ultimate outcome of genuine turning to God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** This term (H7563) denotes someone who is morally wrong, an actively bad person. It describes not just specific sinful acts, but a state of being alienated from God and His ways, characterized by a persistent disregard for divine law and righteousness. The wicked person is one who is guilty and ungodly by nature and practice.
* **turn (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root (H7725) is profoundly significant, meaning "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively." In this context, it signifies a complete reversal of direction, a spiritual "U-turn" from a life of sin towards God. It is the foundational concept of repentance throughout the Old Testament, implying a change of mind, heart, and action.
* **live (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** This root (H2421) means "to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive." It encompasses not only physical existence but also spiritual vitality, flourishing, restoration, and preservation. For the wicked who repent, this means not merely avoiding death but experiencing a renewed, vibrant life in alignment with God's purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if the wicked turn from his wickedness":** This clause establishes the condition for divine favor. It addresses the "wicked" (H7563, *râshâʻ*), a person defined by their "wickedness" (H7564, *rishʻâh*), which is moral wrongness. The pivotal action is to "turn" (H7725, *shûwb*), signifying a decisive and complete repentance—a turning away from their sinful lifestyle and disposition. This is not a superficial change but a fundamental reorientation of the will and direction of life.
* **"and do that which is lawful and right":** This second condition specifies the active manifestation of repentance. "Do" (H6213, *ʻâsâh*) implies active engagement and performance. "Lawful" (H4941, *mishpâṭ*) refers to justice, judgment, or ordinance, encompassing what is legally and morally correct according to God's standards. "Right" (H6666, *tsᵉdâqâh*) denotes righteousness, rectitude, and virtue. Together, *mishpâṭ u'tsᵉdâqâh* (justice and righteousness) describe a life lived in active conformity to God's moral and ethical requirements, reflecting His character. This is the positive outworking of the turning away from wickedness.
* **"he shall live thereby":** This final clause states the promised outcome. The word "live" (H2421, *châyâh*) here signifies not merely physical survival but a comprehensive experience of life, including spiritual vitality, well-being, and restoration. It implies a reversal of the spiritual death that wickedness brings, leading to a renewed relationship with God and a flourishing existence, both now and eternally, as a direct consequence of their repentance and righteous actions.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 33:19 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. It is fundamentally a **Conditional Statement**, structured with an "if...then" construct, clearly delineating the cause-and-effect relationship between human action (repentance and righteousness) and divine response (life). This creates a sense of direct accountability and agency. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, setting the "wicked" and their "wickedness" in stark opposition to "that which is lawful and right," highlighting the radical shift required for transformation. This antithesis underscores the profound change of direction God demands. Furthermore, the concept of "turn from his wickedness" functions as a **Metaphor** for spiritual repentance, likening a change in moral direction to a physical turning away from a path of destruction towards a path of life. This vivid imagery makes the abstract concept of repentance tangible and urgent.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 33:19 stands as a powerful testament to God's character, revealing Him as both perfectly just and profoundly merciful. It refutes the fatalistic notion that one's destiny is sealed by past sins or inherited guilt, instead championing individual moral agency and the transformative power of genuine repentance. God's desire for life, not death, for all people is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, and this verse underscores that His offer of restoration extends even to those who have been deeply entrenched in wickedness, provided they turn from their ways and embrace righteousness. This turning is not merely a cessation of bad behavior but an active pursuit of God's standards, demonstrating a heart truly changed and aligned with divine will.

* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Confession and Forsaking Sin")
* [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "God's Abundant Pardon")
* [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "Humility, Prayer, and Turning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 33:19 offers timeless hope and a clear, actionable path for anyone seeking reconciliation with God. It assures us that no one is beyond God's reach or forgiveness, provided there is genuine repentance—a sincere turning away from sin and a deliberate turning towards righteousness. This verse challenges any notion of predetermination that denies individual responsibility, affirming that our choices profoundly impact our spiritual trajectory. For believers, it serves as a powerful reminder of the continuous need for self-examination, confession, and a renewed commitment to living righteously, knowing that God's mercy is always available. For those who feel burdened by past wrongs or believe they are too far gone, it highlights God's merciful nature and His earnest desire for all to choose life through active repentance. It underscores that God values a transformed heart and life over a person's past record, echoing the New Testament call to new life in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "wickedness" in my life do I need to genuinely "turn from" today?**
* **How does my daily life actively demonstrate "that which is lawful and right" in God's eyes?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to believe that my past defines my future, and how does this verse challenge that belief?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that consistently seeks to "do that which is lawful and right"?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse imply salvation by works, or contradict the New Testament emphasis on grace?**

Answer: This verse, like many Old Testament passages, emphasizes the *conditionality* of God's covenant blessings and the necessity of human response. It does not imply salvation by works in the sense of earning favor through perfect obedience. Rather, it highlights that true repentance (turning from wickedness) is evidenced by a changed life (doing what is lawful and right). In the Old Testament context, "life" often referred to flourishing, well-being, and continued covenant relationship with God in the land. This is entirely consistent with the New Testament, which teaches that genuine faith, which is a gift of grace, always produces good works as its fruit ([Ephesians 2:8-10](/ephesians/2-8 "Grace, Faith, and Good Works")). The turning from sin and doing righteousness are not the *means* by which one earns God's favor, but the *evidence* and *outworking* of a heart that has responded to God's call and received His grace. The New Testament affirms that repentance is a prerequisite for receiving forgiveness and new life in Christ ([Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Repentance for Forgiveness")).

**What does "lawful and right" mean in a practical sense for us today?**

Answer: "Lawful and right" (Hebrew: *mishpat u'tsᵉdâqâh*) refers to living in accordance with God's moral and ethical standards, which are revealed in His Word. Practically, for believers today, this means actively pursuing justice, integrity, compassion, and holiness in all areas of life. It involves loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbor as ourselves ([Matthew 22:37-39](/matthew/22-37 "The Great Commandments")). This includes honest dealings, speaking truth, caring for the vulnerable, seeking reconciliation, and living out the fruit of the Spirit ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "The Fruit of the Spirit")). It's a holistic commitment to reflecting God's character in our actions, thoughts, and relationships, guided by the principles of Scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 33:19, with its emphasis on the wicked turning from sin to live, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament offered a path to life through repentance and adherence to the Law, it revealed humanity's inability to perfectly "do that which is lawful and right" on its own, highlighting the need for a greater intervention. Jesus is the perfect embodiment of "that which is lawful and right," fulfilling all righteousness ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")) and providing the means for true transformation. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making it possible for the wicked to truly "turn from his wickedness" by repenting and placing faith in Him. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, we are not merely offered a chance to live by our own efforts, but are granted new life—a spiritual rebirth ([John 3:3](/john/3-3 "Born Again"))—and are empowered by the Holy Spirit to genuinely "do that which is lawful and right." The promise "he shall live thereby" is fully realized in Christ, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")), offering eternal life to all who believe and turn to Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World")). In Him, the transformation from wickedness to righteousness is not just a moral effort, but a supernatural work of grace, leading to a life lived in union with God.

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 18:27

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;