Add parallel Print Page Options

21 But if the wicked returns from all of his sins[a] that he has done and he keeps all of my statutes and he does justice and righteousness, he shall surely live; he shall not die! 22 All of his transgressions that he committed will not be remembered against[b] him. Through[c] his righteousness that he has done he shall live. 23 Have I delight by any means[d] in the death of the wicked, declares[e] the Lord Yahweh, and not at his turning from his way, so that[f] he lives? 24 And when the righteous turns[g] from his righteousness, so that[h] he does injustice, and does all of the detestable things that the wicked do, then[i] will he live because of all of his righteousness[j] that he did? Those things will not be remembered because of his infidelity that he displayed, and because of his sin that he committed.[k] Through[l] them he shall die.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Ezekiel 18:21 According to the reading tradition (Qere)
  2. Ezekiel 18:22 Or “for”
  3. Ezekiel 18:22 Or “By means of”
  4. Ezekiel 18:23 Or “in any way”
  5. Ezekiel 18:23 Literally “declaration of”
  6. Ezekiel 18:23 Literally “and”
  7. Ezekiel 18:24 Literally “at turning of the righteous”
  8. Ezekiel 18:24 Literally “and”
  9. Ezekiel 18:24 Or “and”
  10. Ezekiel 18:24 According to the reading tradition (Qere)
  11. Ezekiel 18:24 Literally “sin that he sinned”
  12. Ezekiel 18:24 Or “in/by”

21 But if wicked people turn away from all their sins and begin to obey my decrees and do what is just and right, they will surely live and not die. 22 All their past sins will be forgotten, and they will live because of the righteous things they have done.

23 “Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign Lord. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live. 24 However, if righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things and act like other sinners, should they be allowed to live? No, of course not! All their righteous acts will be forgotten, and they will die for their sins.

Read full chapter