Ezekiel 18:28

Authorized King James Version

PDF

Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Original Language Analysis

וַיִּרְאֶ֣ה Because he considereth H7200
וַיִּרְאֶ֣ה Because he considereth
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 1 of 10
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וַיָּ֔שָׁוב and turneth away H7725
וַיָּ֔שָׁוב and turneth away
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 2 of 10
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
מִכָּל H3605
מִכָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 3 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
פְּשָׁעָ֖יו from all his transgressions H6588
פְּשָׁעָ֖יו from all his transgressions
Strong's: H6588
Word #: 4 of 10
a revolt (national, moral or religious)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 5 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂ֑ה that he hath committed H6213
עָשָׂ֑ה that he hath committed
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 6 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יִחְיֶ֖ה he shall surely H2421
יִחְיֶ֖ה he shall surely
Strong's: H2421
Word #: 7 of 10
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
יִחְיֶ֖ה he shall surely H2421
יִחְיֶ֖ה he shall surely
Strong's: H2421
Word #: 8 of 10
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 9 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָמֽוּת׃ he shall not die H4191
יָמֽוּת׃ he shall not die
Strong's: H4191
Word #: 10 of 10
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Analysis & Commentary

'Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.' Genuine repentance involves consideration (ra'ah—seeing, understanding) and turning (shuv—repenting). It's not merely emotion but thoughtful recognition of sin and deliberate change. 'Turneth away from all his transgressions'—comprehensive repentance, not selective reform. The verdict: certain life. God's grace extends to all who truly repent.

Historical Context

This principle underlies all biblical calls to repentance from the prophets through John the Baptist to Jesus and the apostles. Repentance requires both recognition of sin and turning to God. True repentance produces changed life (fruit worthy of repentance—Matthew 3:8, Luke 3:8).

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People