What does Ezekiel 18:24 mean?
"¶ But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die." - Ezekiel 18:24

Ezekiel 18:24 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die."
This verse is a part of a larger passage in the book of Ezekiel that focuses on the theme of individual responsibility and the consequences of one's actions. In this particular verse, a clear distinction is drawn between the righteous and the wicked, and the consequences that each will face based on their behavior.
The verse begins with the scenario of a righteous person turning away from their righteousness and committing iniquity. This indicates a deliberate choice to abandon their previous moral stance and engage in sinful behavior. The idea of turning away from righteousness suggests a conscious decision to reject or ignore the principles of good and moral conduct that they previously adhered to. This act of turning away from righteousness is significant in the context of the verse, as it highlights the individual's capacity for free will and moral agency. It emphasizes the personal responsibility that each person holds for their own actions and choices.
The verse goes on to describe the specific actions of the unrighteous individual, stating that they commit abominations and engage in behavior that is characteristic of the wicked. The use of the term "abominations" conveys a sense of extreme disgust and moral repugnance, indicating that the actions of the unrighteous individual are particularly detestable. This language serves to highlight the severity of the individual's transgressions and the moral gravity of their behavior.
The verse then raises a question: "shall he live?" This question introduces the central theme of the passage – the consequences of the individual's actions. It prompts the reader to consider the outcome of the unrighteous individual's behavior and what it will ultimately lead to. This question also serves as a rhetorical device, engaging the reader and prompting them to reflect on the moral implications of the scenario presented.
The verse concludes with a clear statement regarding the fate of the unrighteous individual. It declares that all the righteousness that the individual has previously exhibited will not be taken into account. This emphasizes the idea that one's past good deeds or moral conduct will not outweigh or nullify their current sinful behavior. The verse firmly asserts that the individual will face the consequences of their iniquity, and as a result, they will die in their trespasses and sins.
Overall, Ezekiel 18:24 serves as a powerful reminder of the individual's responsibility for their own actions and the moral consequences that accompany them. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining righteousness and integrity, while also highlighting the potential for one to stray from the path of righteousness and face the repercussions of their transgressions. The verse ultimately conveys a message of moral accountability and the enduring significance of personal conduct in shaping one's fate. The themes of moral responsibility, free will, and the consequences of one's actions are central to the verse, making it a thought-provoking and morally compelling passage within the larger context of the book of Ezekiel.
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Ezekiel 18:24 Artwork
Ezekiel 18:24 - "¶ But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die."
"¶ But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die." - Ezekiel 18:24
Ezekiel 24:18 - "So I spake unto the people in the morning: and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded."
Ezekiel 24:24 - "Thus Ezekiel is unto you a sign: according to all that he hath done shall ye do: and when this cometh, ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD."
"So I spake unto the people in the morning: and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded." - Ezekiel 24:18
Genesis 24-18
Genesis 18-24
Ezekiel 24:15 - "¶ Also the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 18:5 - "¶ But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,"
Ezekiel 24:20 - "Then I answered them, The word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 21:18 - "¶ The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying,"
Ezekiel 18:1 - "The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying,"
Ezekiel 12:24 - "For there shall be no more any vain vision nor flattering divination within the house of Israel."
1 Chronicles 24:18 - "The three and twentieth to Delaiah, the four and twentieth to Maaziah."
Joshua 18:24 - "And Chephar-haammonai, and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages:"
Ezekiel 24:4 - "Gather the pieces thereof into it, even every good piece, the thigh, and the shoulder; fill it with the choice bones."
Leviticus 24:18 - "And he that killeth a beast shall make it good; beast for beast."
Ezekiel 42:18 - "He measured the south side, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed."
Ezekiel 40:18 - "And the pavement by the side of the gates over against the length of the gates was the lower pavement."
Ezekiel 24:26 - "That he that escapeth in that day shall come unto thee, to cause thee to hear it with thine ears?"
Ezekiel 48:24 - "And by the border of Benjamin, from the east side unto the west side, Simeon shall have a portion."
Ezekiel 45:24 - "And he shall prepare a meat offering of an ephah for a bullock, and an ephah for a ram, and an hin of oil for an ephah."
Ezekiel 34:24 - "And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it."
1 Samuel 18:24 - "And the servants of Saul told him, saying, On this manner spake David."
Ezekiel 10:18 - "Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims."
Ezekiel 46:24 - "Then said he unto me, These are the places of them that boil, where the ministers of the house shall boil the sacrifice of the people."
Ezekiel 24:9 - "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the bloody city! I will even make the pile for fire great."
Ezekiel 24:19 - "¶ And the people said unto me, Wilt thou not tell us what these things are to us, that thou doest so?"
Matthew 24:18 - "Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes."
John 18:24 - "Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest."