Ezekiel 18:5
“But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,”
Ezekiel 18:5 in 7 translations
- KJVKing James Version
- But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,
- DRADouay–Rheims
- And if a man be just, and do judgment and justice,
- ASVAmerican Standard Version
- But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,
- DARBYDarby
- And if a man be righteous, and do judgment and justice:
- WEBThe World English Bible
- But if a man is just, and does that which is lawful and right,
- YLTYoung's Literal Translation
- And a man, when he is righteous, And hath done judgment and righteousness,
- BPVBiblePics Version
- But if a man is just and does what is lawful and right,
Context: Ezekiel 18
3As I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel.
4Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
5But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,
6And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour's wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman,
7And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;
About Ezekiel 18: Responsibility for One's Own Actions
In Ezekiel chapter 18, the prophet emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility for one's actions. He refutes the notion that children inherit the guilt or righteousness of their parents and emphasizes that every person is accountable for their own choices, both good and bad. God desires that the wicked turn from their ways and live, and that the righteous not become complacent in their obedience.
Commentary
Ezekiel's message is a powerful reminder of the importance of personal responsibility and the potential for change. We live in a society where blame-shifting is common and people often try to deflect accountability onto others. Ezekiel rejects this mindset and emphasizes that each individual must take ownership of their actions. Furthermore, he stresses that it is never too late to turn from wickedness and pursue righteousness. Ultimately, this chapter serves as a call to action for each of us to examine our own lives and take responsibility for our choices.