Ezekiel 18:27

27 And when the wicked turn from their wicked deeds and act justly and responsibly, they will preserve their lives.

Ezekiel 18:27 Meaning and Commentary

Ezekiel 18:27

Again, when the wicked [man] turneth away from his wickedness
that he hath committed
Repents of his sins, and forsakes the vicious course of life he has lived: and doeth that which is lawful and right;
or "judgment" and "righteousness" ^F14; that which is agreeable to the law and will of God, and is just and right between man and man: he shall save his soul alive;
from famine, pestilence, the sword, or captivity; he shall be preserved, and not be involved in calamities and distress: or, "shall quicken his own soul" ^F15; which, in a spiritual sense, is only done by the Spirit and grace of God, and not by man himself; nor is the enjoyment of eternal life by the works of men, but through the grace of God, and righteousness of Christ.

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FOOTNOTES:

F14 (hqduw jpvm) "judicium et justitiam", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Calvin, Cocceius.
F15 (hyxy wvpn ta awh) "animam suam vivificabit", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Calvin; "vivificat", Cocceius.

Ezekiel 18:27 In-Context

25 But you say, "My Lord's way doesn't measure up." Listen, house of Israel, is it my ways that don't measure up? Isn't it your ways that don't measure up?

26 When those who do the right thing turn from their responsible ways and act maliciously, they will die because of it. For their malicious acts they will die.

27 And when the wicked turn from their wicked deeds and act justly and responsibly, they will preserve their lives.

28 When they become alarmed and turn away from all their sins, they will surely live; they won't die.

29 Yet the house of Israel says, "My Lord's way doesn't measure up." Is it my ways that don't measure up? Isn't it your ways that don't measure up, house of Israel?