King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 33:15 Mean?

Ezekiel 33:15 in the King James Version says “If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniqui...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 33:15 · KJV

Context

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.

17

Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal.

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 · 15 words
חֲבֹ֨ל1 of 15

“the pledge”

H2258

a pawn (as security for debt)

יָשִׁ֤יב2 of 15

“restore”

H7725

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

רָשָׁע֙3 of 15

“If the wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

גְּזֵלָ֣ה4 of 15

“that he had robbed”

H1500

to rob

יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם5 of 15

“give again”

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

בְּחֻקּ֤וֹת6 of 15

“in the statutes”

H2708

a statute

הַֽחַיִּים֙7 of 15

“of life”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

הָלַ֔ךְ8 of 15

“walk”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

לְבִלְתִּ֖י9 of 15
H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

עֲשׂ֣וֹת10 of 15

“without committing”

H6213

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

עָ֑וֶל11 of 15

“iniquity”

H5766

(moral) evil

יִֽחְיֶ֖ה12 of 15

“he shall surely”

H2421

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

יִֽחְיֶ֖ה13 of 15

“he shall surely”

H2421

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

לֹ֥א14 of 15
H3808

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

יָמֽוּת׃15 of 15

“he shall not 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 33:15 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 33:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 20:11Luke 19:8Exodus 22:1-4Ezekiel 18:7Leviticus 6:2-5Psalms 119:93

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