Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

EZEKIEL 18:28KJV
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Ezekiel 18:28 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 18:28 mean?

Ezekiel 18:28 says that if a person thoughtfully considers his actions and turns away from all the wrongs he has done, he will live and not die. The verse promises life to anyone who truly changes direction and leaves behind their past wrongdoings.

In this part of the book, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Israel, who are in exile. The situation is one where the people feel trapped by the consequences of their ancestors’ sins, but God is making it clear that each person is responsible for their own choices. The verse emphasizes personal responsibility and the real possibility of a new start if someone genuinely turns away from their past.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 18:28

  • "considereth" (רָאָה, ra'ah): This word means "to see" or "to look at," but here it carries the idea of someone thoughtfully examining their life and actions. It stresses that real change begins with honest self-reflection.
  • "turneth away" (שׁוּב, shuv): This word means "to return" or "to turn back." In this context, it describes a person making a deliberate choice to leave behind their past wrongs and head in a new direction.
  • "transgressions" (פֶּשַׁע, pesha): This word means "rebellions" or "acts of breaking away." It highlights that the wrongs in view are not just mistakes but willful acts against what is right.
  • "surely live" (חָיָה, chayah): The phrase uses the word twice for emphasis, meaning "he will certainly live." This repetition underlines the certainty of God’s promise to those who truly change.

Why Ezekiel 18:28 matters

  • Ezekiel 18:28 clears up the idea that people are trapped by their family’s past; it shows that each person’s choices matter to God.
  • The verse highlights that genuine self-examination and a real change of direction are what God looks for, not just outward actions or rituals.
  • This verse fits into a larger message in Ezekiel 18, where God explains that He takes no pleasure in anyone’s death but wants people to turn and live, showing God’s fairness and mercy.

Where else these words appear

“transgressions” Hebrew H6588 · used in 90 verses

  • Genesis 31:36 And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?
  • Psalms 51:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
  • Lamentations 1:5 Her adversaries are the chief, her enemies prosper; for the LORD hath afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions: her children are gone into captivity before the enemy.