Ezekiel 18:5

“But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,”

This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Ezekiel where God addresses the people of Israel through the prophet Ezekiel. In this particular section, God confronts a common proverb among the Israelites that suggests they were experiencing the consequences of their ancestors’ sins.

The verse you mentioned emphasizes the importance of individual accountability before God. It begins with the phrase “But if a man be just,” indicating that the focus is on a person’s individual righteousness and obedience to God’s laws.

The phrase “and do that which is lawful and right” emphasizes the significance of both doing what is morally right and adhering to God’s commandments. It underscores the idea that righteousness is not merely about maintaining an outward appearance but involves sincere obedience to God’s standards in all aspects of life.

This verse teaches us that God judges individuals based on their own actions and character, rather than punishing them for the sins of their ancestors. It highlights personal responsibility and the potential for individual transformation. In the preceding verses (Ezekiel 18:2-4), God states that all souls belong to Him, emphasizing His sovereignty and the fact that every individual is accountable for their own choices and behaviour.

Throughout the rest of Ezekiel 18, God explains how He rewards righteousness and punishes wickedness based on individual conduct. The chapter emphasizes that anyone, regardless of their family background or past, can turn from their wicked ways, seek righteousness, and find favour with God.

This passage has broader implications in the context of biblical theology. It highlights the importance of personal repentance and the transformative power of God’s grace. It challenges the notion that one’s fate is determined solely by external circumstances or the actions of others, emphasising the individual’s role in their relationship with God.