Ezekiel 18:24

Authorized King James Version

But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּבְשׁ֨וּב

H7725

turneth away

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

צַדִּ֤יק

H6662

But when the righteous

just

צִדְקֹתָ֤ו

H6666

All his righteousness

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

עָשָׂה֙

H6213

and committeth

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

עָ֔וֶל

H5766

iniquity

(moral) evil

כְּכֹ֨ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַתּוֹעֵב֜וֹת

H8441

according to all the abominations

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂה֙

H6213

and committeth

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

#10

הָרָשָׁ֛ע

H7563

that the wicked

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

#11

עָשָׂה֙

H6213

and committeth

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

#12

וָחָ֑י

H2425

shall he live

to live; causatively to revive

#13

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#14

צִדְקֹתָ֤ו

H6666

All his righteousness

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

#15

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#16

עָשָׂה֙

H6213

and committeth

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

#17

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#18

תִזָּכַ֔רְנָה

H2142

shall not be mentioned

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

#19

בְּמַעֲל֧וֹ

H4603

in his trespass

properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously

#20

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#21

מָעַ֛ל

H4604

that he hath trespassed

treachery, i.e., sin

#22

וּבְחַטָּאת֥וֹ

H2403

and in his sin

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

#23

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#24

חָטָ֖א

H2398

that he hath sinned

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

#25

בָּ֥ם

#26

יָמֽוּת׃

H4191

in them shall he die

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing righteousness contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ezekiel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes righteousness in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding righteousness in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 18 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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