King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 33:14 Mean?

Ezekiel 33:14 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezekiel 33:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live.

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 · 9 words
וּבְאָמְרִ֥י1 of 9

“Again when I say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָֽרָשָׁ֖ע2 of 9

“unto the wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

תָּמ֑וּת3 of 9

“Thou shalt surely”

H4191

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

תָּמ֑וּת4 of 9

“Thou shalt surely”

H4191

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

וְשָׁב֙5 of 9

“if he turn”

H7725

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

מֵֽחַטָּאת֔וֹ6 of 9

“from his sin”

H2403

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

וְעָשָׂ֥ה7 of 9

“and do”

H6213

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

מִשְׁפָּ֖ט8 of 9

“that which is lawful”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

וּצְדָקָֽה׃9 of 9

“and right”

H6666

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

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 33:14 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 33:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 18:27Isaiah 55:7Jeremiah 18:7-8Hosea 14:1Ezekiel 33:8Micah 6:8

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