King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 18:24 Mean?

Ezekiel 18:24 in the King James Version says “But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abom... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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 18:24 · KJV


Context

22

All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.

23

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?

24

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.

25

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?

26

When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"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." This sobering warning addresses apostasy danger. The phrase "turneth away from righteousness" indicates deliberate departure, not momentary lapse. Final apostasy proves that prior "righteousness" was external conformity, not genuine faith. The Reformed doctrine of perseverance teaches that true believers ultimately persevere; those who utterly apostatize demonstrate they never possessed saving faith.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Among the exiles (591 BC), some appeared righteous but lacked genuine transformation. God warns that mere external righteousness without heart change proves insufficient. Israel's history included many who started well but finished poorly. The warning guards against presumptuous assurance based on past performance rather than present faith. The early church recognized this danger: apostasy reveals false profession (1 John 2:19, Hebrews 6:4-6). True faith perseveres; false faith eventually manifests itself.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this warning challenge presumptuous assurance based on past religious performance?
  2. What is the relationship between genuine persevering faith and temporary false profession?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
וּבְשׁ֨וּב1 of 26

turneth away

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

צַדִּ֤יק2 of 26

But when the righteous

H6662

just

צִדְקֹתָ֤ו3 of 26

All his righteousness

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

עָשָׂה֙4 of 26

and committeth

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

עָ֔וֶל5 of 26

iniquity

H5766

(moral) evil

כְּכֹ֨ל6 of 26
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַתּוֹעֵב֜וֹת7 of 26

according to all the abominations

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

אֲשֶׁר8 of 26
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂה֙9 of 26

and committeth

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הָרָשָׁ֛ע10 of 26

that the wicked

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

עָשָׂה֙11 of 26

and committeth

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וָחָ֑י12 of 26

shall he live

H2425

to live; causatively to revive

כָּל13 of 26
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

צִדְקֹתָ֤ו14 of 26

All his righteousness

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

אֲשֶׁר15 of 26
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂה֙16 of 26

and committeth

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לֹ֣א17 of 26
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִזָּכַ֔רְנָה18 of 26

shall not be mentioned

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

בְּמַעֲל֧וֹ19 of 26

in his trespass

H4603

properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously

אֲשֶׁר20 of 26
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

מָעַ֛ל21 of 26

that he hath trespassed

H4604

treachery, i.e., sin

וּבְחַטָּאת֥וֹ22 of 26

and in his sin

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

אֲשֶׁר23 of 26
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

חָטָ֖א24 of 26

that he hath sinned

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

בָּ֥ם25 of 26
H0
יָמֽוּת׃26 of 26

in them shall he die

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill


Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 18:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 18:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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