Ezekiel 33:13

Hebrew Bible Modern 1977

באמרי לצדיק חיה יחיה והוא בטה על צדקתו ועשה עול כל צדקתו לא תזכרנה ובעולו אשר עשה בו ימות:

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, God says that even if someone has been considered righteous, if they trust only in their own righteousness and then do wrong things, their past good deeds will not save them. They will be punished for their wrong actions.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're really good at cleaning your room, but one day you decide not to listen to your parents and mess it up. Even though you cleaned it many times before, that one bad choice means you still get in trouble.

Historical Background

Ezekiel wrote this verse around 593-571 BC. He was speaking to the Israelites who were in exile in Babylon, warning them that their past righteousness would not save them if they now turned to iniquity.

Living It Out Today

Think of a person who has a perfect driving record but then gets a DUI. Even though they were a safe driver for years, that one bad decision can ruin their record and lead to serious consequences.

Topics

• righteousness
• judgment
• trust
• consequences
• forgiveness
• sin

Related Verses

• Ezekiel 18:21-24
• Romans 2:6-11
• James 2:10-12
• Proverbs 11:21
• Jeremiah 17:10

Recommended Reading

Commentary Ezekiel Commentaries → Get This Bible Hebrew Bible Modern Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to trust in one's own righteousness?

It means relying solely on one's own good deeds or actions to justify oneself before God, rather than depending on God's grace and mercy.

Does this verse suggest that past righteousness is completely forgotten?

Yes, the verse indicates that a person's past righteousness will not be remembered if they commit iniquity, emphasizing the importance of continuous righteousness.

How does this verse apply to today's believers?

It reminds believers that regardless of past righteousness, they must continue to walk in faith and righteousness, as one wrong choice can have significant consequences.

What does this verse teach about the concept of judgment?

This verse teaches that judgment is based on a person's current actions and trust in God, rather than solely on their past deeds, highlighting the importance of ongoing faithfulness.