What is the meaning of Ezekiel 33:18? If a righteous man turns God is speaking about someone already identified by their righteous walk—one who has been living in obedience (Ezekiel 3:20; 18:24). • The warning affirms personal responsibility; prior obedience does not grant a lifetime exemption (1 Corinthians 10:12). • Scripture consistently urges steadfastness: “But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him” (Hebrews 10:38). from his righteousness Turning “from” pictures a conscious pivot away from what is right. • This is not a stumble but an abandonment, similar to Israel’s frequent departures (Deuteronomy 30:17–18). • Jesus said, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). and commits iniquity The turn is proven by actions. Sin moves from thought to deed (James 1:14–15). • Iniquity is lawlessness (1 John 3:4), willful rebellion rather than ignorance. • Paul contrasts yielding ourselves to God with yielding to sin, warning that the latter makes us its slaves (Romans 6:13, 16). he will die for it The consequence is certain and just: “The soul who sins is the one who will die” (Ezekiel 18:20). • Death here includes temporal judgments—Israel’s exile exemplifies this—and ultimately spiritual death if unrepentant (Romans 6:23; Revelation 21:8). • The clause underscores God’s impartiality: He “shows no favoritism” (Romans 2:11). What matters is present posture toward Him, not past merits. summary Ezekiel 33:18 is a sober reminder that righteousness must be maintained, not merely begun. A person who abandons obedience and embraces sin forfeits the life that righteousness brings. God’s justice is unwavering: the outcome hinges on our ongoing response to Him. |
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