Ezekiel 18:27
But if a wicked man turns from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he will save his life.
But if a wicked man
The phrase "wicked man" in Hebrew is "רָשָׁע" (rasha), which refers to someone who is morally wrong or guilty. In the context of ancient Israel, a "wicked man" would be someone who has turned away from God's laws and commandments. This highlights the universal human condition of sinfulness and the need for redemption. The use of "but if" introduces a conditional statement, emphasizing the possibility of change and the hope that even those who have strayed far from righteousness can find a path back to God.

turns away from the wickedness
The Hebrew word for "turns away" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which means to return or repent. This is a powerful concept in the Hebrew Bible, signifying a complete transformation of heart and mind. Repentance is not merely feeling sorry for one's sins but involves a decisive change in direction, moving away from sin and towards God. This turning away is a critical step in the process of redemption and is a central theme in the prophetic messages of the Old Testament.

he has committed
The phrase "he has committed" underscores personal responsibility for one's actions. In the biblical context, each individual is accountable for their own sins. This is a significant departure from the idea of collective guilt or punishment, which was common in ancient cultures. The emphasis here is on personal repentance and the possibility of individual redemption, which aligns with the broader biblical narrative of personal accountability before God.

and does what is just and right
The Hebrew words for "just" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) and "right" (צְדָקָה, tzedakah) refer to actions that are in accordance with God's laws and standards. "Mishpat" often relates to justice in legal terms, while "tzedakah" encompasses righteousness and ethical behavior. Together, they represent a holistic approach to living a life that honors God. This phrase emphasizes that true repentance is demonstrated through a change in behavior, aligning one's actions with divine principles.

he will save his life
The promise "he will save his life" is a profound assurance of God's mercy and grace. The Hebrew word for "save" is "חָיָה" (chayah), which means to live or to preserve life. This is not just a promise of physical survival but also of spiritual renewal and eternal life. In the conservative Christian perspective, this foreshadows the New Testament message of salvation through faith and repentance. It underscores the transformative power of God's grace, which offers redemption and new life to all who turn to Him in repentance and faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet in the Old Testament, Ezekiel was called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile.

2. The Wicked Man
Represents individuals who have lived in sin but have the opportunity to repent and change their ways.

3. The Israelites
The primary audience of Ezekiel's prophecies, they were in exile due to their disobedience to God.

4. Babylon
The place of exile for the Israelites, symbolizing a period of judgment and reflection.

5. Repentance
A central theme in this passage, highlighting the transformative power of turning away from sin and towards righteousness.
Teaching Points
The Power of Repentance
True repentance involves a complete turning away from sin and a commitment to live according to God's standards. It is not just about feeling sorry but about making a decisive change in behavior.

God's Desire for Redemption
God does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked but desires that they turn from their ways and live. This reflects His merciful and loving nature.

Personal Responsibility
Each individual is responsible for their own actions and choices. The opportunity for repentance and salvation is personal and requires a personal response.

Hope for Transformation
No matter how far one has strayed, there is always hope for transformation and redemption through repentance and faith in God.

Living Righteously
After repentance, there is a call to live a life that is just and right, aligning with God's will and commands.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does Ezekiel 18:27 teach us about the nature of repentance and its impact on our lives?

2. How does the concept of personal responsibility in Ezekiel 18:27 challenge or encourage you in your spiritual journey?

3. In what ways does the message of Ezekiel 18:27 align with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament?

4. How can we apply the principle of repentance and transformation in our daily lives and interactions with others?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a significant change in your life through repentance. How did this align with the promise of life in Ezekiel 18:27?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezekiel 18:21-23
These verses emphasize God's desire for the wicked to turn from their ways and live, reinforcing the theme of repentance and divine mercy.

Luke 15:11-32
The Parable of the Prodigal Son illustrates the joy and restoration that come with repentance, similar to the message in Ezekiel 18:27.

2 Peter 3:9
This verse speaks of God's patience and desire for all to come to repentance, aligning with the message of hope and redemption in Ezekiel.

Isaiah 55:7
Encourages the wicked to forsake their ways and return to the Lord, promising mercy and pardon, echoing the call to repentance in Ezekiel.

Acts 3:19
Calls for repentance and turning to God so that sins may be wiped out, paralleling the promise of life in Ezekiel 18:27.
True RepentanceCharles KingsleyEzekiel 18:27
Moral Transformations and Their ConsequencesW. Jones Ezekiel 18:21-29
The Path to LifeJ.D. Davies Ezekiel 18:25-32
Of the Conversion of a SinnerAdam Littleton, D. D.Ezekiel 18:27-28
Practical Intention of the GospelJ. E. Golding.Ezekiel 18:27-28
RepentanceR. L. Cotton, M. A.Ezekiel 18:27-28
The Conversion of a SinnerB. Whichcote, D. D.Ezekiel 18:27-28
The Conversion of a SinnerB. Whichcote, D. D.Ezekiel 18:27-28
People
Ezekiel
Places
Babylon
Topics
Alive, Committed, Evil, Evil-doer, Judgment, Justice, Lawful, Ordered, Practices, Righteousness, Save, Soul, Turneth, Turning, Turns, Wicked, Wickedness
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 18:1-32

     6026   sin, judgment on
     6206   offence

Ezekiel 18:20-31

     6139   deadness, spiritual

Ezekiel 18:25-32

     1075   God, justice of

Ezekiel 18:27-28

     8330   receptiveness

Library
Sins of Parents visited
Eversley. 19th Sunday after Trinity, 1868. Ezekiel xviii. 1-4. "The word of the Lord came unto me again, saying, What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge? As I live, saith the Lord God, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel. Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

God's Curse on Sin.
"Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin."--EZEKIEL xviii. 30. These words of Ezekiel may be understood as expressing in the prophet's language what the Book of Deuteronomy expresses in such denunciations as those which were read to us the other day in the Commination Service. They correspond also to the warning of St. Paul when he says--"Be not
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

Divine Impartiality Considered.
"For there is no respect of persons with God." The divine impartiality is often asserted in the holy scriptures; and the assertion coincides with our natural ideas of deity. The pagans indeed attributed to their Gods, the vices, follies and weaknesses of men! But the beings whom they adored were mostly taken from among men, and might be considered as retaining human imperfections,--Had unbiased reason been consulted to find out a supreme being, a different object would have been exhibited to view.
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

True Repentance
EZEKIEL xviii. 27. When the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness which he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. We hear a great deal about repentance, and how necessary it is for a man to repent of his sins; for unless a man repent, he cannot be forgiven. But do we all of us really know what repentance means? I sometimes fear not. I sometimes fear, that though this text stands at the opening of the Church service, and though people hear it
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

Of the Examination of Conscience, and Purpose of Amendment
The Voice of the Beloved Above all things the priest of God must draw nigh, with all humility of heart and supplicating reverence, with full faith and pious desire for the honour of God, to celebrate, minister, and receive this Sacrament. Diligently examine thy conscience and with all thy might with true contrition and humble confession cleanse and purify it, so that thou mayest feel no burden, nor know anything which bringeth thee remorse and impedeth thy free approach. Have displeasure against
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Theology of Grace.
The theology which Augustin opposed, in his anti-Pelagian writings, to the errors of Pelagianism, is, shortly, the theology of grace. Its roots were planted deeply in his own experience, and in the teachings of Scripture, especially of that apostle whom he delights to call "the great preacher of grace," and to follow whom, in his measure, was his greatest desire. The grace of God in Jesus Christ, conveyed to us by the Holy Spirit and evidenced by the love that He sheds abroad in our hearts, is the
St. Augustine—Anti-Pelagian Writings

The Abbots Euroul and Loumon.
To the examples already given in the previous biographies, of the power which religion exercised over the rough and savage mind, we may add the following. The abbot Ebrolf (Euroul) had settled with his monks in a thick forest, infested by wild beasts and robbers. One of the robbers came to them, and, struck with reverence at their aspect, said to them: "Ye have chosen no fit dwelling for you here. The inhabitants of this forest live by plunder, and will not tolerate any one amongst them who maintains
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places

A Startling Statement
TEXT: "The wicked shall not be unpunished."--Prov. 11:21. There are very many passages of Scripture which ought to be read in connection with this text; as for example, "Fools make a mock at sin" (Proverbs 14:9), for only a fool would. Better trifle with the pestilence and expose one's self to the plague than to discount the blighting effects of sin. And, again, "The soul that sinneth it shall die" (Ezekiel 18:4). From this clear statement of the word of God there is no escape. Or, again, "Our
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot

General Character of Christians.
"And they that are Christ's have crucified the Flesh, with the Affections and Lusts." St. Paul is supposed to have been the first herald of gospel grace to the Galatians; and they appear to have rejoiced at the glad tidings, and to have received the bearer with much respect. But after his departure, certain judaizing teachers went among them, and labored but too successfully, to alienate their affections from him, and turn them form the simplicity of the gospel. The malice and errors of those deceitful
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

The Wicked Husbandmen.
"Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: and when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

The Same Necessary and Eternal Different Relations
that different things bear one to another, and the same consequent fitness or unfitness of the application of different things or different relations one to another, with regard to which the will of God always and necessarily does determine itself, to choose to act only what is agreeable to justice, equity, goodness, and truth, in order to the welfare of the whole universe, ought likewise constantly to determine the wills of all subordinate rational beings, to govern all their actions by the same
Samuel Clarke—A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God

Some Man Will Say, "So Then any Thief Whatever is to be Accounted Equal...
19. Some man will say, "So then any thief whatever is to be accounted equal with that thief who steals with will of mercy?" Who would say this? But of these two it does not follow that any is good, because one is worse. He is worse who steals through coveting, than he who steals through pity: but if all theft be sin, from all theft we must abstain. For who can say that people may sin, even though one sin be damnable, another venial? but now we are asking, if a man shall do this or that, who will
St. Augustine—Against Lying

"He is the Rock, his Work is Perfect, for all his Ways are Judgment, a God of Truth, and Without Iniquity, Just and Right is He.
Deut. xxxii. 4, 5.--"He is the Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are judgment, a God of truth, and without iniquity, just and right is he. They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children," &c. There are none can behold their own vileness as it is, but in the sight of God's glorious holiness. Sin is darkness, and neither sees itself, nor any thing else, therefore must his light shine to discover this darkness. If we abide within ourselves, and men like ourselves,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Jesus, My Rock.
When the storm and the tempest are raging around me, Oh! where shall I flee to be safe from their shock? There are walls which no mortal hands built to surround me, A Refuge Eternal,--'Tis JESUS MY ROCK! When my heart is all sorrow, and trials aggrieve me, To whom can I safely my secrets unlock? No bosom (save one) has the power to relieve me, The bosom which bled for me, JESUS MY ROCK! When Life's gloomy curtain, at last, shall close o'er me, And the chill hand of death unexpectedly knock, I will
John Ross Macduff—The Cities of Refuge: or, The Name of Jesus

And for Your Fearlessness against them Hold this Sure Sign -- Whenever There Is...
43. And for your fearlessness against them hold this sure sign--whenever there is any apparition, be not prostrate with fear, but whatsoever it be, first boldly ask, Who art thou? And from whence comest thou? And if it should be a vision of holy ones they will assure you, and change your fear into joy. But if the vision should be from the devil, immediately it becomes feeble, beholding your firm purpose of mind. For merely to ask, Who art thou [1083] ? and whence comest thou? is a proof of coolness.
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy.
It is found by continual experience, that near the time of death, when the children of God are weakest, then Satan makes the greatest nourish of his strength, and assails them with his strongest temptations. For he knows that either he must now or never prevail; for if their souls once go to heaven, he shall never vex nor trouble them any more. And therefore he will now bestir himself as much as he can, and labour to set before their eyes all the gross sins which ever they committed, and the judgments
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Concerning the Condition of Man in the Fall.
Concerning the Condition of Man in the Fall. [182] All Adam's posterity, or mankind, both Jews and Gentiles, as to the first Adam, or earthly man, is fallen, degenerated, and dead; deprived of the sensation or feeling of this inward testimony or seed of God; and is subject unto the power, nature, and seed of the serpent, which he soweth in men's hearts, while they abide in this natural and corrupted estate; from whence it comes, that not only their words and deeds, but all their imaginations, are
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

"But we are all as an Unclean Thing, and all Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags,"
Isaiah lxiv 6, 7.--"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags," &c. This people's condition agreeth well with ours, though the Lord's dealing be very different. The confessory part of this prayer belongeth to us now; and strange it is, that there is such odds of the Lord's dispensations, when there is no difference in our conditions; always we know not how soon the complaint may be ours also. This prayer was prayed long before the judgment and captivity came
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Repentance and Restitution.
"God commandeth all men everywhere to repent."--Acts xvii. 30. Repentance is one of the fundamental doctrines of the Bible. Yet I believe it is one of those truths that many people little understand at the present day. There are more people to-day in the mist and darkness about Repentance, Regeneration, the Atonement, and such-like fundamental truths, than perhaps on any other doctrines. Yet from our earliest years we have heard about them. If I were to ask for a definition of Repentance, a great
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It

Perseverance Proved.
2. I REMARK, that God is able to preserve and keep the true saints from apostacy, in consistency with their liberty: 2 Tim. i. 12: "For the which cause I also suffer these things; nevertheless, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." Here the apostle expresses the fullest confidence in the ability of Christ to keep him: and indeed, as has been said, it is most manifest that the apostles expected
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

Sanctification.
I. I will remind you of some points that have been settled in this course of study. 1. The true intent and meaning of the law of God has been, as I trust, ascertained in the lectures on moral government. Let this point if need be, be examined by reference to those lectures. 2. We have also seen, in those lectures, what is not, and what is implied in entire obedience to the moral law. 3. In those lectures, and also in the lectures on justification and repentance, it has been shown that nothing is
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

Letter ii (A. D. 1126) to the Monk Adam
To the Monk Adam [3] 1. If you remain yet in that spirit of charity which I either knew or believed to be with you formerly, you would certainly feel the condemnation with which charity must regard the scandal which you have given to the weak. For charity would not offend charity, nor scorn when it feels itself offended. For it cannot deny itself, nor be divided against itself. Its function is rather to draw together things divided; and it is far from dividing those that are joined. Now, if that
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Links
Ezekiel 18:27 NIV
Ezekiel 18:27 NLT
Ezekiel 18:27 ESV
Ezekiel 18:27 NASB
Ezekiel 18:27 KJV

Ezekiel 18:27 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Ezekiel 18:26
Top of Page
Top of Page