Ezekiel 33:15

Translations

Modern

…if he restores a pledge, makes restitution for what he has stolen, and walks in the statutes of life without practicing iniquity—then he will surely live; he will not die.

Traditional

If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Literal

…if a wicked one restores a pledge for what he has stolen, makes restitution in the statutes of life, and he walks without doing iniquity, he will surely live; he will not die.

Latin

…et pignus restituerit ille impius, rapinamque reddiderit, in mandatis vitæ ambulaverit, nec fecerit quidquam injustum: vita vivet, et non morietur.

Original

Hebrew

English

…if he restores a pledge, makes restitution for what he has stolen, and walks in the statutes of life without practicing iniquity—then he will surely live; he will not die.

Notes

Ezekiel 33:12–16

The principle in Ezekiel 33:10–11 is explained through two examples.

The first example concerns righteous people. Some trust in their past good behavior to save them. But later they turn to sin. God says he will judge them for their present sin, even if they once lived righteously. Their past obedience will not protect them if they now reject what is right.

The second example concerns wicked people who repent. If they turn away from their evil actions and begin to do what is just and right, God will forgive them completely. No matter what they did in the past, they will live if they truly change.

This teaching repeats an earlier message. In Ezekiel 18, the people said they were suffering because of their parents’ sins. Here, they seem to say something different. They think their parents’ sins have placed the nation under a permanent curse. Because of this, they believe repentance is useless.

Theme notes and profiles

Apostasy and Renewal

Events

Prophecies of Ezekielc. 593 BC

Related verses

Ezekiel 20:11
And I gave them My statutes and made known to them My ordinances—for the man who does these things will live by them.
Luke 19:8
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold.”
Exodus 22:1–4
“If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters or sells it, he must repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep.
Leviticus 6:2–5
“If someone sins and acts unfaithfully against the LORD by deceiving his neighbor in regard to a deposit or security entrusted to him or stolen, or if he extorts his neighbor
Leviticus 18:5
Keep My statutes and My judgments, for the man who does these things will live by them. I am the LORD.
Ezekiel 18:7
He does not oppress another, but restores the pledge to the debtor. He does not commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.
Psalm 119:93
I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have revived me.
Ezekiel 18:27–28
But if a wicked man turns from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he will save his life.
Deuteronomy 24:6
Do not take a pair of millstones or even an upper millstone as security for a debt, because that would be taking one’s livelihood as security.
Ezekiel 18:16
He does not oppress another, or retain a pledge, or commit robbery. He gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.
Revelation 22:12–14
“Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done.
Ezekiel 18:12
He oppresses the poor and needy; he commits robbery and does not restore a pledge. He lifts his eyes to idols; he commits abominations.

Glossary

Ezekiel (Person) Ezekiel, Book of

Topics

Condescension of God: Expostulates with Backsliding Israel Contingencies in Divine Government of Man Death: Second God: Judge, and his Justice Obedience: General Scriptures Concerning Opportunity: The Measure of Responsibility Pawn: General Scriptures Concerning Penitent: Promises To Repentance: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Responsibility: According to Privilege Restitution: To be Made for Dishonesty Restitution: To be Made for Theft Righteousness: Fruits of Robbery: Forgiven Sin: Forgiveness of Stealing Money Surety (Guarantee): General Scriptures Concerning Works: Insufficiency of, for Salvation

Ezekiel 33:15

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