Ezekiel 33:18
Ezekiel 33:18 in Multiple Translations
If a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he will die for it.
When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby.
When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die therein.
When the upright man, turning away from his righteousness, does evil, death will overtake him in it.
If a good person stops doing good and sins, they will die because of it.
When the righteous turneth from his righteousnesse, and committeth iniquitie, he shall euen die thereby.
In the turning back of the righteous from his righteousness, And he hath done perversity — he dieth for it.
When the righteous turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he will even die therein.
When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, for that he shall even die.
For when the just shall depart from his justice, and commit iniquities, he shall die in them.
If a righteous person turns away from doing what is righteous and starts to do what is evil, it is fair that he die because of his sins.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 33:18
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 33:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/שׁוּב
צַדִּ֥יק
מִ/צִּדְקָת֖/וֹ
וְ/עָ֣שָׂה
עָ֑וֶל
וּ/מֵ֖ת
בָּ/הֶֽם
בְּ/שׁוּב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
צַדִּ֥יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
מִ/צִּדְקָת֖/וֹ
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
Prep | N-fs | Suff
וְ/עָ֣שָׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
עָ֑וֶל
ʻevel
H5766
injustice
N-cs
וּ/מֵ֖ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
בָּ/הֶֽם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 33:18
בְּ/שׁוּב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
צַדִּ֥יק
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.
מִ/צִּדְקָת֖/וֹ
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
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.
וְ/עָ֣שָׂה
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.
עָ֑וֶל
ʻevel
H5766
"injustice"
N-cs
Injustice or moral evil is what this word represents, covering violent deeds, unfair speech, and general wrongdoing. It is used to describe actions that go against God's standards of righteousness.
Definition: injustice, unrighteousness Another spelling of av.lah (עַוְלָה "injustice" H5766B)
Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: iniquity, perverseness, unjust(-ly), unrighteousness(-ly); wicked(-ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 64:7; Psalms 7:4.
וּ/מֵ֖ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
בָּ/הֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Ezekiel 33:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 33:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 33:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 33:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:18
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 33:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:18
- Sermons on Ezekiel 33:18
Context — The Message of the Watchman
16None of the sins he has committed will be held against him. He has done what is just and right; he will surely live.
17Yet your people say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ But it is their way that is not just.
18If a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he will die for it.
19But if a wicked man turns from his wickedness and does what is just and right, he will live because of this. 20Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ But I will judge each of you according to his ways, O house of Israel.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 33:12–13 | Therefore, son of man, say to your people: ‘The righteousness of the righteous man will not deliver him in the day of his transgression; neither will the wickedness of the wicked man cause him to stumble on the day he turns from his wickedness. Nor will the righteous man be able to survive by his righteousness on the day he sins.’ If I tell the righteous man that he will surely live, but he then trusts in his righteousness and commits iniquity, then none of his righteous works will be remembered; he will die because of the iniquity he has committed. |
| 2 | 2 Peter 2:20–22 | If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn away from the holy commandment passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.” |
| 3 | Hebrews 10:38 | But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.” |
| 4 | Ezekiel 18:26–27 | If a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, he will die for this. He will die because of the iniquity he has committed. But if a wicked man turns from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he will save his life. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 3:20 | Now if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. If you did not warn him, he will die in his sin, and the righteous acts he did will not be remembered. And I will hold you responsible for his blood. |
Ezekiel 33:18 Summary
[This verse teaches us that if someone who is trying to follow God's ways stops doing what is right and starts sinning, they will face consequences, as also warned in Galatians 6:7-8. It's essential to continue seeking God and doing what is right, as encouraged in Matthew 22:37-40. Our actions have consequences, and turning away from righteousness can lead to spiritual death, but thankfully, God offers forgiveness and restoration through Jesus Christ, as seen in John 3:16.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to a righteous person who stops being righteous and starts sinning?
According to Ezekiel 33:18, if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he will die for it, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in righteousness as seen in Revelation 2:10.
Is it possible for someone to lose their salvation if they sin after becoming a believer?
Ezekiel 33:18 suggests that a righteous person who turns to sin will face consequences, but it's essential to consider the context of the entire Bible, including verses like Romans 8:1 and John 10:28, which provide assurance of salvation for those who remain in Christ.
How does this verse relate to the concept of 'once saved, always saved'?
This verse highlights the importance of ongoing obedience and righteousness, as also emphasized in 1 John 3:6, suggesting that a believer's actions have consequences and that salvation is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey of following Christ.
What is the significance of the phrase 'he will die for it' in this verse?
The phrase 'he will die for it' refers to spiritual death and separation from God, as seen in Ezekiel 18:4, emphasizing the severity of turning away from righteousness and the importance of repentance and restoration, as encouraged in 1 John 1:9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be turning away from righteousness, and how can I repent and return to following God?
- How can I ensure that my actions and decisions align with God's will and righteousness, as described in Psalm 119:105?
- What are the consequences of sin in my life, and how can I seek forgiveness and restoration, as promised in 1 John 1:9?
- In what ways can I encourage and support others in their walk with God, to help them persevere in righteousness, as encouraged in Hebrews 10:24-25?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 33:18
When the righteous turneth from his righteousness,.... This and what is said in the following verse are clear instances of the equality, justness, and goodness of the ways of God; and are again
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 33:18
When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:18
Ezekiel 33:18 When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby.Ver. 18. When the righteous turneth.] To set them down, if right reason would do it (and man should be mancipium rationis, a slave to reason), he repeateth what he hath said before.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 33:18
10–20. Despondency of the people, making the prophet’s appeals to them of none effect. Removal of the despair by two gracious words from the Lord.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:18
10-20. Compare notes Ezekiel 18:23-32. The people have ceased to excuse themselves, and now “pine away” in utter despair because of their sins.
Sermons on Ezekiel 33:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 49 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the teachings of Jesus in Matthew chapter 12, emphasizing the importance of replacing evil with good in our hearts to avoid a worse state. It warns against |
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Sinners in Zion Described and Doomed. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the importance of not being at ease in Zion, emphasizing that true Christians are engaged in a spiritual warfare, constantly seeking to work out their |
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2 Peter 2:20 by John Gill | John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 2:20, emphasizing that individuals may escape the corruptions of the world and exhibit outward reformation without possessing true grace. He warns tha |
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Genesis 19:22 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of remembering Lot's wife as a warning against worldliness and the dangers of clinging to a sinful past. He describes the conditions of Sodom, |
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No Turning Back by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer warns against the alarming trend of evangelicals who pray and preach as Christians while living and speaking like the world, suggesting that this duality leads to aposta |
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Epistle 211 by George Fox | George Fox preaches a powerful message warning those who have turned back to the world's ways after knowing the truth, causing stumbling blocks for others and grieving the righteou |
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Epistle 214 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the power of the Lord God being over those who pray sincerely, contrasting it with those who pray insincerely with an earthly, dark spirit. He warns again |