But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

EZEKIEL 18:24KJV
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Ezekiel 18:24 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 18:24 mean?

Ezekiel 18:24 says that if someone who has lived righteously turns away from doing what is right and instead chooses to do wrong and commit the same sins as wicked people, none of their past good deeds will be remembered; they will face the consequences of their wrongdoing. This verse emphasizes personal responsibility and that past righteousness does not excuse present sin.

In this chapter, God is speaking to the people of Israel through the prophet Ezekiel, addressing their complaints about fairness in how God judges people. The verse is part of a larger argument that each person is judged by their own choices, not by the actions of others or by their past. The focus is on the seriousness of turning away from a life of righteousness and the reality that ongoing choices matter.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 18:24

  • "Righteous" (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq) refers to someone who lives according to God's standards. The verse shows that being "righteous" is not a permanent status but depends on current actions.
  • "Turneth away" (שׁוּב, shuv) means to turn back or return. Here, it highlights a deliberate change in direction—from doing right to doing wrong.
  • "Iniquity" (עַוְלָה, avlah) points to injustice or moral wrongdoing, not just a minor mistake but a serious departure from what is right.
  • "Abominations" (תּוֹעֵבָה, to'evah) means acts that are detestable or repugnant, especially in a religious or moral sense. This word underlines the gravity of the sins being committed.

Why Ezekiel 18:24 matters

  • Ezekiel 18:24 corrects the idea that a lifetime of good deeds guarantees safety regardless of later choices, making clear that ongoing faithfulness is what matters.
  • The verse is central to the chapter’s message that each person is responsible for their own actions, not for the actions of their ancestors or descendants.
  • This teaching challenges any belief that God’s judgment is unfair, showing that both righteousness and wickedness are measured by present conduct, not just the past.