Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’ New Living Translation As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die? English Standard Version Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel? Berean Standard Bible Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ Berean Literal Bible Say to them: ‘As I live, a declaration of the Lord YHWH, I have no delight in the death of the wicked, but only in turning the wicked from his way that he should live. Turn back, turn back from your⁺ evil ways! For why should you⁺ die, O house of Israel?’ King James Bible Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? New King James Version Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ New American Standard Bible Say to them, ‘As I live!’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘I take no pleasure at all in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then should you die, house of Israel?’ NASB 1995 “Say to them, ‘As I live!’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then will you die, O house of Israel?’ NASB 1977 “Say to them, ‘As I live!’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then will you die, O house of Israel?’ Legacy Standard Bible Say to them, ‘As I live!’ declares Lord Yahweh, ‘I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then will you die, O house of Israel?’ Amplified Bible Say to them, ‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back (change your way of thinking), turn back [in repentance] from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ Berean Annotated Bible Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD {Adonai YHWH}, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your⁺ evil ways! For why should you⁺ die, O house of Israel (he wrestles with God)? Christian Standard Bible Tell them, ‘As I live—this is the declaration of the Lord GOD—I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked person should turn from his way and live. Repent, repent of your evil ways! Why will you die, house of Israel? ’ Holman Christian Standard Bible Tell them: As I live"—the declaration of the Lord GOD—"I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked person should turn from his way and live. Repent, repent of your evil ways! Why will you die, house of Israel?” American Standard Version Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Contemporary English Version Tell them that as surely as I am the living LORD God, I don't like to see wicked people die. I enjoy seeing them turn from their sins and live. So if the Israelites want to live, they must stop sinning and turn back to me. English Revised Version Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? GOD'S WORD® Translation "Tell them, 'As I live, declares the Almighty LORD, I don't want wicked people to die. Rather, I want them to turn from their ways and live. Change the way you think and act! Turn from your wicked ways! Do you want to die, people of Israel?' Good News Translation Tell them that as surely as I, the Sovereign LORD, am the living God, I do not enjoy seeing sinners die. I would rather see them stop sinning and live. Israel, stop the evil you are doing. Why do you want to die? International Standard Version "Tell them, 'As certainly as I'm alive and living,' declares the Lord GOD, 'I receive no pleasure in the death of the wicked. Instead, my pleasure is that the wicked repent from their behavior and live. Turn back! Turn back, all of you, from your wicked behavior! Why do you have to die, you house of Israel?'" NET Bible Say to them, 'As surely as I live, declares the sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but prefer that the wicked change his behavior and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil deeds! Why should you die, O house of Israel?' New Heart English Bible Tell them, 'As I live,' says the Lord GOD, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn, turn from your evil ways; for why will you die, house of Israel?' Webster's Bible Translation Say to them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked should turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSay to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ World English Bible Tell them, ‘“As I live,” says the Lord Yahweh, “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why will you die, house of Israel?”’ Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionSay to them, [As] I live—a declaration of Lord YHWH, "" I do not delight in the death of the wicked, "" But in the turning of the wicked from his way, and he has lived. Turn back, turn back, from your evil ways! Indeed, why do you die, O house of Israel? Berean Literal Bible Say to them: ‘As I live, a declaration of the Lord YHWH, I have no delight in the death of the wicked, but only in turning the wicked from his way that he should live. Turn back, turn back from your⁺ evil ways! For why should you⁺ die, O house of Israel?’ Young's Literal Translation Say unto them, I live -- an affirmation of the Lord Jehovah, I delight not in the death of the wicked, But -- in the turning of the wicked from his way, And he hath lived, Turn back, turn back, from your evil ways, Yea, why do ye die, O house of Israel? Smith's Literal Translation Say to them, I live, says the Lord Jehovah, if I shall delight in the death of the unjust; but in the turning back of the unjust one from his way, and he lived: turn back, turn back from your evil ways: and wherefore will ye die, O house of Israel? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSay to them: As I live, saith the Lord God, I desire not the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way, and live. Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways: and why will you die, O house of Israel? Catholic Public Domain Version Say to them: As I live, says the Lord God, I do not desire the death of the impious, but that the impious should convert from his way and live. Be converted, be converted from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel? New American Bible Answer them: As I live—oracle of the Lord GOD—I swear I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! Why should you die, house of Israel? New Revised Standard Version Say to them, As I live, says the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from their ways and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways; for why will you die, O house of Israel? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSay to them, As I live, says the LORD God, I do not desire the death of the wicked; but that the wicked should turn from his evil way and live; therefore you must repent and turn from your evil ways, and you shall not die, O house of Israel. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Say to them: ‘I am living, says THE LORD OF LORDS. I take no pleasure in the death of the evil, but that the evil would turn from his evil, and he would live. Return and be converted from your evil ways, and you shall not die, those of the house of Israel!’ OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Say unto them: As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Brenton Septuagint Translation Say to them, Thus saith the Lord; As I live, I desire not the death of the ungodly, as that the ungodly should turn from his way and live: turn ye heartily from your way; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Message of the Watchman10Now as for you, son of man, tell the house of Israel that this is what they have said: ‘Our transgressions and our sins are heavy upon us, and we are wasting away because of them! How can we live?’ 11Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ 12Therefore, 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.’… Cross References Say to them: Jeremiah 1:17 Get yourself ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them, or I will terrify you before them. Ezekiel 2:7 But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious. Jeremiah 26:2 “This is what the LORD says: Stand in the courtyard of the house of the LORD and speak all the words I have commanded you to speak to all the cities of Judah who come to worship there. Do not omit a word. ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, Numbers 14:21 “Yet as surely as I live and as surely as the whole earth is filled with the glory of the LORD, Ezekiel 20:33 As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, with a strong hand, an outstretched arm, and outpoured wrath I will rule over you. Deuteronomy 32:40 For I lift up My hand to heaven and declare: As surely as I live forever, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, Ezekiel 18:23 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn’t I prefer that he turn from his ways and live? Ezekiel 18:32 For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live! John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Ezekiel 18:21 But if the wicked man turns from all the sins he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die. 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. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Ezekiel 18:30 Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. Jeremiah 25:5 The prophets told you, ‘Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and deeds, and you can dwell in the land that the LORD has given to you and your fathers forever and ever. Zechariah 1:4 Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Turn now from your evil ways and deeds.’ But they did not listen or pay attention to Me, declares the LORD. For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ Ezekiel 18:31 Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? Treasury of Scripture Say to them, As I live, said the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn you, turn you from your evil ways; for why will you die, O house of Israel? As I live Ezekiel 5:11 Wherefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish thee; neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity. Ezekiel 14:16-18 Though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered, but the land shall be desolate… Ezekiel 16:48 As I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters. I have Ezekiel 18:23,32 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? … 2 Samuel 14:14 For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him. Lamentations 3:33 For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. turn ye Ezekiel 14:6 Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations. Ezekiel 18:30,31 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… Proverbs 1:23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. Jump to Previous Death Die Evil House Israel Live Pleasure Rather Turn Way Ways WickedJump to Next Death Die Evil House Israel Live Pleasure Rather Turn Way Ways WickedEzekiel 33 1. According to the duty of a watchman in warning the people7. Ezekiel is admonished of his duty 10. God shows the justice of his ways toward the penitent and toward revolters 17. He maintains his justice 21. Upon the news of the taking of Jerusalem 25. he prophecies the desolation of the land 30. God's judgment upon the mockers of the prophets Say to them: This phrase indicates a direct command from God to the prophet Ezekiel, emphasizing the role of prophets as messengers. In the context of Ezekiel's ministry, he was tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites, who were in exile in Babylon. This highlights the importance of prophetic communication in the Old Testament, where God often used prophets to convey His will and warnings to His people. ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. He is known for his vivid visions and symbolic acts. 2. The Lord GOD The sovereign and compassionate God who desires repentance and life for His people rather than their destruction. 3. The House of Israel The collective term for the Israelites, God's chosen people, who are in exile due to their disobedience and idolatry. 4. Babylon The place of exile for the Israelites, representing both physical and spiritual captivity. 5. Repentance A central theme in this passage, emphasizing a turning away from sin and a return to God. Teaching Points God's Desire for RepentanceGod does not delight in judgment but in the repentance and restoration of His people. This reflects His loving and merciful character. The Urgency of Turning The repeated call to "Turn! Turn!" emphasizes the urgency and necessity of repentance. It is a call to immediate action. Personal Responsibility Each individual is responsible for their own repentance. The call is personal and direct, urging a change in heart and behavior. Life Through Repentance True life is found in turning away from sin and towards God. Repentance leads to spiritual renewal and life. God's Sovereignty and Compassion While God is sovereign and just, His compassion and desire for life over death are evident. This balance is crucial in understanding His nature. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 33:11?2. How does Ezekiel 33:11 emphasize God's desire for repentance over punishment? 3. What actions can we take to "turn from [our] evil ways"? 4. How does Ezekiel 33:11 connect with 2 Peter 3:9 on God's patience? 5. In what ways can we encourage others to choose life over sin? 6. How does understanding God's heart in Ezekiel 33:11 impact our daily choices? 7. How does Ezekiel 33:11 reflect God's desire for repentance over punishment? 8. Why does God express no pleasure in the death of the wicked in Ezekiel 33:11? 9. What does Ezekiel 33:11 reveal about God's character and justice? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 33? 11. Ezekiel 33:11 – How can God claim He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked while other Old Testament passages describe mass destruction commanded by God? 12. How can one draw near to God? 13. How do we address potential contradictions or editing in Exodus 33 when compared to other Pentateuch texts describing Moses's encounters with God? 14. Isaiah 66:15–16: How can a loving deity be reconciled with the depiction of fiery vengeance and widespread destruction? What Does Ezekiel 33:11 Mean Say to them:God instructs Ezekiel to speak, underscoring the prophet’s role as a watchman (Ezekiel 33:7–9; 3:17). His word must be declared, not withheld—just as every believer is called to “proclaim the excellencies” of the Lord (1 Peter 2:9) and “preach the word” in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2). Silence in the face of sin endangers souls; faithful warning is an act of love (Acts 20:26–27). As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, Here God swears by His own life, the highest possible oath (Hebrews 6:17-18). It reminds us that His character is unchanging and His promises sure (Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 45:23). The phrase drives home the absolute certainty of what follows: this is not wishful thinking or mere sentiment; it is divine fact. I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, Judgment is real, but it grieves God’s heart (Lamentations 3:33). He does not delight in condemning sinners any more than a loving father delights in disciplining a rebellious child (Hebrews 12:10). Earlier He said the same (Ezekiel 18:23), and the New Testament echoes it: God “is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish” (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:3-4). Hell exists, yet sending people there is never His desire. but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. The alternative to judgment is repentance. • “Turn” means a decisive change of direction—abandoning sin and embracing God (Acts 3:19). • “Live” speaks not only of extended earthly life but of full fellowship with God (John 10:10). Throughout Scripture, repentance is the doorway to life: “Repent and turn…that times of refreshing may come” (Acts 3:19); “Return to Me…and I will return to you” (Zechariah 1:3). Turn! Turn from your evil ways! The double command adds urgency. Time is short; delay is dangerous (2 Corinthians 6:2). Like a parent shouting to a child about to step into traffic, God repeats Himself for emphasis. Proverbs 28:13 promises mercy to the one who confesses and forsakes sin, while Isaiah 55:7 assures that God “will abundantly pardon.” No one is beyond hope if heeding this call. For why should you die, O house of Israel? The question exposes the tragedy of self-chosen ruin (Deuteronomy 30:19-20). Death—both physical exile and spiritual separation—need not happen. The only obstacle is stubborn unbelief (John 8:24). God lays life and death before His people and pleads for the sensible choice (Jeremiah 21:8). summary Ezekiel 33:11 reveals God’s heart: He is a living, speaking God who mourns over sin but joyfully offers life to any who repent. Judgment is certain for the unrepentant, yet entirely avoidable through turning to Him. The passage summons every reader to heed the watchman’s warning, abandon evil, and embrace the life God longs to give. (11) I have no pleasure.--Comp. Ezekiel 18:28; Ezekiel 18:32. Ezekiel meets the despair of the people by the assurance, long before given in another connection, that the Creator and Father of all can have no pleasure in the death of any, and adds an earnest exhortation to repentance that they may be saved. Yet it was very important that there should be no misunderstanding in regard to the basis of acceptance with God, and the prophet therefore, in the following verses (12-20). briefly reiterates the teaching of Ezekiel 18 in regard to the individual responsibility of every one for himself before God. This teaching has already been explained under Ezekiel 18.Verse 11. - Say unto them, etc. To meet that despair the prophet has to fall back on the truth which he had proclaimed once before (Ezekiel 18:32). He must appear as uttering a message of pardon resting on the unchanging character of the great Absolver. Now, as ever, it is true that he willeth not the death of the wicked, that all punishment (in this world, at least) is meant to lead to repentance, and that for those who repent there is the hope of restoration and of life. No righteousness in the past avails against the transgression of the present (Ver. 12); but then also no wickedness of the past prevails to shut out the penitent's claim to pardon. As a man is at any given moment, when the judgment comes on him, so is he dealt with. In some sense, as in Ver. 13, the righteousness of the post may become a stumbling-block. The man may trust in it, and be off his guard, ceasing to watch and pray, and so the temptation may prevail.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Sayאֱמֹ֨ר (’ĕ·mōr) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to them: אֲלֵיהֶ֜ם (’ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to ‘As surely as I אָ֣נִי ׀ (’ā·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I live, חַי־ (ḥay-) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life declares נְאֻ֣ם ׀ (nə·’um) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5002: An oracle the Lord אֲדֹנָ֣י (’ă·ḏō·nāy) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 136: The Lord GOD, יְהוִ֗ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3069: YHWH I take no אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not pleasure אֶחְפֹּץ֙ (’eḥ·pōṣ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 2654: To incline to, to bend, to be pleased with, desire in the death בְּמ֣וֹת (bə·mō·wṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4194: Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin of the wicked, הָרָשָׁ֔ע (hā·rā·šā‘) Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7563: Wrong, an, bad person but rather כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction that the wicked רָשָׁ֛ע (rā·šā‘) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7563: Wrong, an, bad person should turn בְּשׁ֥וּב (bə·šūḇ) Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again from their ways מִדַּרְכּ֖וֹ (mid·dar·kōw) Preposition-m | Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action and live. וְחָיָ֑ה (wə·ḥā·yāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2421: To live, to revive Turn! שׁ֣וּבוּ (šū·ḇū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again Turn שׁ֜וּבוּ (šū·ḇū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again from your evil הָרָעִ֛ים (hā·rā·‘îm) Article | Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 7451: Bad, evil ways! מִדַּרְכֵיכֶ֧ם (mid·dar·ḵê·ḵem) Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action For why וְלָ֥מָּה (wə·lām·māh) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what should you die, תָמ֖וּתוּ (ṯā·mū·ṯū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 4191: To die, to kill O house בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house of Israel?’ יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc Links Ezekiel 33:11 NIVEzekiel 33:11 NLT Ezekiel 33:11 ESV Ezekiel 33:11 NASB Ezekiel 33:11 KJV Ezekiel 33:11 BibleApps.com Ezekiel 33:11 Biblia Paralela Ezekiel 33:11 Chinese Bible Ezekiel 33:11 French Bible Ezekiel 33:11 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Ezekiel 33:11 Tell them As I live says (Ezek. 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