King James Version
Ezekiel 18:23 in the King James Version says “Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?”
Ezekiel 18:23 · KJV
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.
All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.
Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?
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.
Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Have I any pleasure”
H2654properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
“Have I any pleasure”
H2654properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
“should die”
H4194death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“and not that he should return”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
“from his ways”
H1870a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Ezekiel 18:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Ezekiel 18:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge