Ezekiel 18:5
Ezekiel 18:5 in Multiple Translations
Now suppose a man is righteous and does what is just and right:
¶ But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,
But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,
But if a man is upright, living rightly and doing righteousness,
Take the example of a man who is a good person, doing what is fair and right.
But if a man be iust, and doe that which is lawfull, and right,
And a man, when he is righteous, And hath done judgment and righteousness,
“But if a man is just, and does that which is lawful and right,
But if a man is just, and doeth that which is lawful and right,
And if a man be just, and do judgment and justice,
So, suppose there is a righteous person whoalways does what is fair and right [DOU].
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 18:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 18:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִ֖ישׁ
כִּי
יִהְיֶ֣ה
צַדִּ֑יק
וְ/עָשָׂ֥ה
מִשְׁפָּ֖ט
וּ/צְדָקָֽה
וְ/אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יִהְיֶ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
צַדִּ֑יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
וְ/עָשָׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
מִשְׁפָּ֖ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms
וּ/צְדָקָֽה
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
Conj | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 18:5
וְ/אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יִהְיֶ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
צַדִּ֑יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
וְ/עָשָׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
מִשְׁפָּ֖ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
וּ/צְדָקָֽה
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
Conj | N-fs
Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.
Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)
Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 18:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 18:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 18:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 18:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:5
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 18:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:5
- Sermons on Ezekiel 18:5
Context — The Soul Who Sins Will Die
3As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel.
4Behold, every soul belongs to Me; both father and son are Mine. The soul who sins is the one who will die.
5Now suppose a man is righteous and does what is just and right:
6He does not eat at the mountain or look to the idols of the house of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor’s wife or approach a woman during her period. 7He does not oppress another, but restores the pledge to the debtor. He does not commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 33:14 | But if I tell the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ and he turns from his sin and does what is just and right— |
| 2 | 1 John 3:7 | Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. |
| 3 | Proverbs 21:3 | To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice. |
| 4 | 1 John 2:3 | By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments. |
| 5 | Psalms 24:4–6 | He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from the God of his salvation. Such is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face, O God of Jacob. Selah |
| 6 | 1 John 5:2–5 | By this we know that we love the children of God: when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome, because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith. Who then overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. |
| 7 | James 2:14–26 | What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. O foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is worthless? Was not our father Abraham justified by what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith was working with his actions, and his faith was perfected by what he did. And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God. As you can see, a man is justified by his deeds and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute justified by her actions when she welcomed the spies and sent them off on another route? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. |
| 8 | 1 John 2:29 | If you know that He is righteous, you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him. |
| 9 | Romans 2:7–10 | To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, first for the Jew, then for the Greek. |
| 10 | Genesis 18:19 | For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.” |
Ezekiel 18:5 Summary
[This verse is talking about a man who tries to live a good life and do what is right in God's eyes. It's like what we read in Proverbs 10:9, which says that the man of integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. To be righteous means to live in a way that is pleasing to God, and that involves following His commands and living a life of love and kindness, as seen in Matthew 22:37-40. By living this way, we can have a close relationship with God and live a life that honors Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a man to be righteous in Ezekiel 18:5?
To be righteous means to live in accordance with God's standards, as seen in Leviticus 18:5 and Deuteronomy 6:25, which emphasize following God's laws and commands to be considered righteous.
Is being righteous just about following rules?
No, being righteous is about having a personal relationship with God and living a life that reflects His character, as seen in Micah 6:8, which emphasizes doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God.
Can anyone be righteous, or is it only for a select few?
According to Romans 3:10, no one is naturally righteous, but through faith in Jesus Christ, anyone can become righteous in God's eyes, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:21.
How does this verse relate to the concept of sin and guilt?
This verse is part of a larger discussion in Ezekiel 18 about individual responsibility for sin, emphasizing that each person is accountable for their own actions, as stated in Ezekiel 18:4, which says the soul who sins is the one who will die.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate righteousness in my daily life, just like the man described in Ezekiel 18:5?
- How can I balance the desire to follow God's laws with the need to have a personal relationship with Him?
- In what ways can I reflect God's character in my interactions with others, as described in Micah 6:8?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek forgiveness and strive to live a more righteous life?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 18:5
But if a man be just,.... Not legally, as to be wholly free from sin, for there is no such just man, Ecclesiastes 7:20; but evangelically, through the imputation of the righteousness of Christ unto
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 18:5
But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, But if a man be just.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:5
So far is God from perverse and froward partiality in his judgments, that none ever had cause to complain hereof. If a man, without respect of persons, every one, whoever he be, be just; faultless and unstained, which may refer to his temper and disposition of mind; and if his conversation hath agreed with the law of God and rule of justice in all points, in private and public affairs among men.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:5
Ezekiel 18:5 But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,Ver. 5. But if a man be just.] Keep faith and a good conscience; do good acts, and have good aims; do all as well as any, not this or that, but this and that too, as here it followeth, duties of piety, and duties of charity.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:5
(5) If a man be just.—At the opening and close of the statement in regard to the righteous man (Ezekiel 18:5; Ezekiel 18:9), he is described in general and comprehensive terms; while in the intermediate verses various particulars of an upright life are specified as examples of the whole. These particulars have reference, first, to religious duties (Ezekiel 18:6 a), then to moral obligations, such as the avoidance of adultery (Ezekiel 18:6 b), and finally to duties negative and positive towards one’s neighbour (Ezekiel 18:7-8). The whole, including Ezekiel 18:5; Ezekiel 18:9, may be considered as a terse summary of the practical duty of man.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:5
Verse 5. If a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right] If he be just or holy within, and do what is according to law and equity. What is meant by this, is immediately specified.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 18:5
5–20. Developement of the principle in three instances, chosen so as to exhibit it in its most paradoxical form 5–9. The man that is righteous shall live. First, his righteousness is defined generally as doing judgment or right and justice, Ezekiel 18:5. Then it is analysed into: (1) religious duties, Ezekiel 18:6; (2) duties relating to marriage and the relations of men and women, Ezekiel 18:6; (3) duties to one’s neighbour, Ezekiel 18:7-8; and (4) finally all these duties are brought under the conception of obedience to the commands of God, Ezekiel 18:9.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:5
5. If a man be just — The just man, according to Ezekiel’s definition, is one who is faithful to God and is obedient to his written law (Ezekiel 18:6); he does that which is “lawful and right;” he is
Sermons on Ezekiel 18:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
What Christmas Promises: Forgiveness by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the manifestation of God's love towards humanity through the sending of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, into the world. The preacher emp |
|
1 John - the Glory of Fellowship by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude to God for the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. The focus of the sermon is on the importance of practicing righteousness an |
|
Biblical Assurance 5 - Austin, Tx by Paul Washer | In this sermon, Paul Washer emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living with an eternal perspective. He urges listeners to consider the two significant days |
|
(Through the Bible) 1 John 1-2:11 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who had been living a miserable and mean life for over 16 years. One day, his little daughter came running to him, but he pu |
|
(In the Word) 15 - the World in the Church by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying committed to the word of God and not being swayed by old traditions or wrong teachings. He urges the listeners to |
|
Having Assurance of Salvation by Bob Jennings | This sermon emphasizes the importance of wholehearted devotion to God, highlighting the need to fully surrender and consecrate ourselves to Him without holding back. It discusses t |
|
|
(Saved Through the Fire) 09 - the Walk of Peace by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of repentance and the dangers of burnout. He shares a personal experience of being afflicted by powers of darkness and how rep |