King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 33:13 Mean?

Ezekiel 33:13 in the King James Version says “When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity,...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.”

Ezekiel 33:13 · KJV

Context

11

Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

12

Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth.

13

When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.

14

Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; that: Heb. judgment and justice

15

If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Read Ezekiel 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This passage emphasizes both the possibility and necessity of genuine repentance. God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but desires they turn and live (Ezekiel 33:11). This reflects the Reformed understanding that while salvation is entirely by grace through faith, it necessarily involves repentance—turning from sin to God in trust and obedience. True conversion produces transformed living, not merely intellectual assent to doctrine. The call to repentance demonstrates God's mercy even amid judgment, offering escape to those who truly turn from rebellion. This principle refutes both presumption ("I'm elect, so my behavior doesn't matter") and despair ("I've sinned too much to be saved")—both errors Ezekiel's audience faced.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage was delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 586-571 BCE) after Jerusalem's destruction. The exiled community grappled with theological and practical questions: Why had judgment come? Would restoration occur? How should they live in exile? The historical context of ancient Near Eastern covenant patterns, conquest and exile practices, and prophetic literature provides essential background. Archaeological discoveries from this period illuminate the exile's realities and the return's historical fulfillment. Yet Ezekiel's prophecies extend beyond immediate historical context to find fuller realization in Christ and the church, with ultimate consummation in the new creation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen your understanding of God's character, purposes, or ways of working in history?
  2. What specific application does this passage call you to make in your current circumstances or spiritual life?
  3. How does this Old Testament passage illuminate New Testament teaching about Christ, salvation, or the church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
בְּאָמְרִ֤י1 of 19

“When I shall say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לַצַּדִּיק֙2 of 19

“to the righteous”

H6662

just

יִֽחְיֶ֔ה3 of 19

“live”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

יִֽחְיֶ֔ה4 of 19

“live”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

וְהֽוּא5 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

בָטַ֥ח6 of 19

“if he trust”

H982

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

עַל7 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

צִדְקֹתָו֙8 of 19

“all his righteousnesses”

H6666

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

עָשָׂ֖ה9 of 19

“and commit”

H6213

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

וּבְעַוְל֥וֹ10 of 19

“but for his iniquity”

H5766

(moral) evil

כָּל11 of 19
H3605

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

צִדְקֹתָו֙12 of 19

“all his righteousnesses”

H6666

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

לֹ֣א13 of 19
H3808

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

תִזָּכַ֔רְנָה14 of 19

“shall not be remembered”

H2142

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

וּבְעַוְל֥וֹ15 of 19

“but for his iniquity”

H5766

(moral) evil

אֲשֶׁר16 of 19
H834

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

עָשָׂ֖ה17 of 19

“and commit”

H6213

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

בּ֥וֹ18 of 19
H0
יָמֽוּת׃19 of 19

“he shall 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 33:13 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 33:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 18:24Hebrews 10:38Ezekiel 18:4Luke 18:9-14Ezekiel 3:201 John 2:19

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