Ezekiel 18:23

Translations

Modern

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?

Traditional

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?

Literal

Do I take any delight in the death of the wicked? An utterance of the Lord YHWH. No, in his turning aside from his ways, and he lives?

Latin

Numquid voluntatis meæ est mors impii, dicit Dominus Deus, et non ut convertatur a viis suis, et vivat?

Original

Hebrew

English

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?

Notes

Ezekiel 18:23–24

God does not want wicked people to die. He made Ezekiel a watchman to guide the wicked toward a godly life and to warn the righteous not to stray (Ezekiel 3:16–19; 33:1–9).

Ezekiel 18:21–24

Ezekiel gives two more examples.

First, wicked people (those who do evil) who turn away from their sins can receive God’s forgiveness.

Second, righteous people (those who live in a right way before God) who begin to sin will face judgment.

Ezekiel 15:1–24:14

This section includes eight metaphors, each showing from a different angle the certainty of Jerusalem's upcoming judgment. The images are of:

a worthless vine (Ezekiel 15);
a faithless wife (Ezekiel 16);
a vine and two eagles (Ezekiel 17);
Sour grapes (Ezekiel 18);
a lion and her cubs (Ezekiel 19);
a sword (Ezekiel 21);
two corrupt sisters (Ezekiel 23); and
a cooking pot (Ezekiel 24).

Theme notes and profiles

The Choice of Life or Death

Events

Prophecies of Ezekielc. 593 BC

Related verses

Ezekiel 33:11
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?’
1 Timothy 2:4
…who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
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.
Ezekiel 18:32
For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!
Luke 15:32
But it was fitting to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
Luke 15:10
In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.”
Psalm 147:11
The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion.
Luke 15:4–7
“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?
Luke 15:22–24
But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
Exodus 34:6–7
Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness,
Micah 7:18
Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance—who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion?
Hosea 11:8
How could I give you up, O Ephraim? How could I surrender you, O Israel? How could I make you like Admah? How could I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within Me; My compassion is stirred!

People

LORD: Names or title used to refer to God

Glossary

Conversion Death Ezekiel, Book of Proverbs, Book of Sin

Topics

Children: Not Punished for Parents' Sake Conversion of Sinners, a Cause of Joy: To God Death: Second God: Mercy of Judgment: According to Opportunity and Works Judgment: The General Merciful Penitent: Promises To Repentance: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Responsibility: According to Privilege Seekers: General Scriptures Concerning The Death of the Wicked: God Has No Pleasure In

Ezekiel 18:23

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