King James Version
What Does Ezekiel 33:16 Mean?
“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.”
Ezekiel 33:16 · KJV
Context
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.
18
When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThis 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.
KJV Study — Public Domain
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
- How does this verse deepen your understanding of God's character, purposes, or ways of working in history?
- What specific application does this passage call you to make in your current circumstances or spiritual life?
- How does this Old Testament passage illuminate New Testament teaching about Christ, salvation, or the church?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 12 wordsכָּל1 of 12
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
חַטֹּאתָו֙2 of 12
“None of his sins”
H2403an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
אֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 12
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
חָטָ֔א4 of 12
“that he hath committed”
H2398properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
לֹ֥א5 of 12
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִזָּכַ֖רְנָה6 of 12
“shall be mentioned”
H2142properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
ל֑וֹ7 of 12
H0מִשְׁפָּ֧ט8 of 12
“that which is lawful”
H4941properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
וּצְדָקָ֛ה9 of 12
“and right”
H6666rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
עָשָׂ֖ה10 of 12
“unto him he hath done”
H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יִֽחְיֶֽה׃11 of 12
“he shall surely”
H2421to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
יִֽחְיֶֽה׃12 of 12
“he shall surely”
H2421to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
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 33:16 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 33:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge