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Ezekiel 33:12

Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth.

Ezekiel 33:12 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse from the book of Ezekiel emphasizes the idea that both the righteous and the wicked will be judged based on their actions. It conveys the message that the righteousness of a righteous person will not save them if they commit transgressions, and similarly, the wickedness of a wicked person will not condemn them if they turn from their wicked ways. It highlights the importance of repentance and redemption, suggesting that one's actions in the present moment ultimately shape their fate. The verse serves as a reminder that individuals should not rely solely on their past good deeds or let their past mistakes define them. Instead, they are encouraged to continually strive for righteousness and make amends for their transgressions in order to live a righteous life. Overall, this verse conveys a message of accountability, forgiveness, and the potential for transformation in the eyes of the divine.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of repentance and the consequences of sin. It highlights the fact that even the most righteous person's past deeds cannot save them from the consequences of their current transgressions. Similarly, a wicked person who turns away from their sinful ways will not be defined by their past actions. The verse serves as a reminder that it is not enough to rely on one's own righteousness or past good deeds to justify present sins. Instead, true repentance and turning away from wickedness are necessary for redemption. This passage challenges the notion of self-righteousness and emphasizes the need for humility and accountability in the face of wrongdoing. It underscores the dynamic nature of morality and the importance of genuine repentance in one's spiritual journey.

Ezekiel 33:12 in other translations

American Standard Version

And thou, son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression; and as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall he that is righteous be able to live thereby in the day that he sinneth.

World English Bible

You, son of man, tell the children of your people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his disobedience; and as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turns from his wickedness; neither shall he who is righteous be able to live thereby in the day that he sins.

Douay-Rheims

Thou therefore, O son of man, say to the children of thy people: The justice of the just shall not deliver him, in what day soever he shall sin: and the wickedness of the wicked shall not hurt him, in what day soever he shall turn from his wickedness: and the just shall not be able to live in his justice, in what day soever he shall sin.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Therefore thou sonne of man, saye vnto the children of thy people, The righteousnesse of the righteous shall not deliuer him in the day of his transgression, nor the wickednesse of the wicked shall cause him to fall therein, in the day that he returneth from his wickednesse, neither shall the righteous liue for his righteousnesse in the day that he sinneth.