But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

EZEKIEL 18:21KJV
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Ezekiel 18:21 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 18:21 mean?

Ezekiel 18:21 says that if a wicked person turns away from all the wrongs he has done, keeps God's rules, and does what is right and fair, he will surely live and not die. This verse emphasizes that a change in behavior and a commitment to doing what is right can lead to life, no matter a person’s past.

In this part of the book, God is speaking to the people of Israel through the prophet Ezekiel. The people were in exile and believed they were being punished for their ancestors’ sins. God explains that each person is responsible for their own actions, and anyone who turns from wrongdoing and lives by God’s standards will be given life.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 18:21

  • "Turn" (שׁוּב, shuv): This word means to return or turn back. It is often used for repentance, showing a real change in direction, not just feeling sorry.
  • "Keep" (שָׁמַר, shamar): This means to guard or observe carefully. The idea is not just to know God’s statutes but to actively watch over them and live by them.
  • "Surely live" (חָיֹה יִחְיֶה, chayoh yichyeh): The double use of the word for "live" stresses the certainty and fullness of life promised to the one who turns and does right.

Why Ezekiel 18:21 matters

  • This verse corrects the idea that people are trapped by their past or by their ancestors’ sins; it shows that personal choice and change are possible and matter to God.
  • Ezekiel 18:21 highlights God’s fairness and willingness to forgive, focusing on present actions rather than past failures.
  • It connects to the larger message of Ezekiel 18, where God explains that each person is judged by their own actions, not by the actions of others.

Where else these words appear

“statutes” Hebrew H2708 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 26:5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.
  • Leviticus 26:43 The land also shall be left of them, and shall enjoy her sabbaths, while she lieth desolate without them: and they shall accept of the punishment of their iniquity: because, even because they despised my judgments, and because their soul abhorred my statutes.
  • 2 Kings 17:34 Unto this day they do after the former manners: they fear not the LORD, neither do they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, or after the law and commandment which the LORD commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel;

“right” Hebrew H6666 · used in 150 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • Psalms 103:6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
  • Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.