Ezekiel 18:5

5 “Suppose there is a righteous man who does what is just and right.

Ezekiel 18:5 in Other Translations

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

5 “If a man is righteous and does what is just and right—

5 “Suppose a certain man is righteous and does what is just and right.

5 "Imagine a person who lives well, treating others fairly, keeping good relationships -

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

5 "Suppose a righteous person does what is fair and right.

5 "Now suppose a man is righteous and does what is just and right:

5 "Suppose a godly man does what is fair and right.

Ezekiel 18:5 Meaning and Commentary

Ezekiel 18:5

But if a man be just
Not legally, as to be wholly free from sin, for there is no such just man, ( Ecclesiastes 7:20 ) ; but evangelically, through the imputation of the righteousness of Christ unto him; and who has a principle of grace and holiness wrought in him; a man of a just principle and good conscience; who is disposed by the grace of God to that which is just and right; for this seems to refer to the inward frame of the mind, as distinct from actions, and as the source of them, as follows: and do that which is lawful and right;
or "judgment" ^F3 and "justice"; true judgment and justice, as the Targum; that which is just and right by the law of God, and is so between man and man; the particulars of which follow:

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FOOTNOTES:

F3 (hqduw jpvm) "judiciam et justitiam", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus

Ezekiel 18:5 In-Context

3 “As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel.

4 For everyone belongs to me, the parent as well as the child—both alike belong to me. The one who sins is the one who will die.

5 “Suppose there is a righteous man who does what is just and right.

6 He does not eat at the mountain shrines or look to the idols of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor’s wife or have sexual relations with a woman during her period.

7 He does not oppress anyone, but returns what he took in pledge for a loan. He does not commit robbery but gives his food to the hungry and provides clothing for the naked.