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.

Ezekiel 18:24 (KJV)

Context

The book of Ezekiel was written during the Babylonian exile, when the Israelites were taken captive. In Ezekiel 18, the Lord corrects the proverb about fathers eating sour grapes and children’s teeth being set on edge, teaching that each person is judged by their own conduct, not their ancestors’ sins.

Meaning

This verse poses a rhetorical question: if a righteous person turns away and commits iniquity, shall they live? The answer is decisive: their former righteousness will not be mentioned, and they will die in their trespass and sin. The language of “abominations” and “trespass” indicates a deliberate, conscious turning away, not a momentary lapse. Past righteousness cannot cover present, willful sin.

Biblical connections

The immediately preceding verse, Ezekiel 18:23, declares that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but rather that they turn from their way and live. This verse contrasts with that, showing God’s desire for repentance while He will not overlook persistent sin.

Application

This verse calls for personal accountability. Righteousness is not merely a past record but a present and ongoing relationship with God. The warning urges believers to remain steadfast, to practice continuous repentance, and to seek forgiveness when they fall into sin. It guards against complacency, reminding us that God’s judgment is just and that we cannot presume upon His mercy while willfully sinning.

Reflection

While this verse emphasizes the seriousness of turning away from righteousness, the broader context of Ezekiel offers hope and restoration. The verse implicitly points to the need for a righteousness that is not our own—one that is imputed by Christ and cannot be lost. For the believer, this is a call to persevere in faith and obedience, relying on God’s grace rather than on past achievements.