Ezekiel 18:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Douay-RheimsHebrew (Masoretic text)

But if the wicked do penance for all his sins which he hath committed, and keep all my commandments, and do judgment, and justice, living he shall live, and shall not die.
Douay-Rheims

וְהָרָשָׁ֗ע כִּ֤י יָשׁוּב֙ מִכָּל־חטאתו חַטֹּאתָיו֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשָׂ֔ה וְשָׁמַר֙ אֶת־כָּל־חֻקּוֹתַ֔י וְעָשָׂ֥ה מִשְׁפָּ֖ט וּצְדָקָ֑ה חָיֹ֥ה יִחְיֶ֖ה לֹ֥א יָמֽוּת׃
Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

3 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Jerome of Stridon
Theodoret of Cyrus
Tichon of Zadonsk

Jerome of Stridon

4th centuryChurch Father

If the unrighteous turn away from their wrongdoing and truly repent of their transgressions, observing all of my commandments, practicing justice and righteousness, they shall have life and not face death. I will not recall any of their past offenses. This illustrates that the iniquities of the fathers do not impact the children, and a father’s wrongs do not diminish the goodness of the son; individuals are not held accountable for the sins of others. Even someone who has lived in wickedness can be welcomed into My fold for their new virtues if they genuinely repent, amend their ways, and rectify their prior failings. It is essential to understand the type of repentance that is acceptable.

Theodoret of Cyrus

5th centuryChurch Father

I am so far from meting out punishment on behalf of another that even the sinner, despite having committed countless wrongs, will find acceptance and support from me if he turns away, repents, and embraces the path of righteousness. This reflects His own goodness.

Tichon of Zadonsk

18th centuryChurch Father

The Tsar, with the intention to grant clemency and reform those who break the law and engage in corruption—bringing ruin upon themselves and their homeland—encourages them towards righteousness with the offer of his grace. He proclaims through his decree that if they openly confess their transgressions, amend their ways, and commit to living honorably, all their previous wrongdoings will be forgiven and forgotten. They will then experience peace and tranquility, like other citizens of the realm. Those who recognize the Tsar's favor and adhere to his decree are rewarded with his goodwill. Similarly, God, the Heavenly Sovereign, sovereign over all, desires to extend mercy to sinners by proclaiming the call to repentance through His sacred Word.

Read more (369 words)

This invitation prompts them to turn from their sins and return to Him with sincere remorse and contrition, undergoing true transformation; “Repent!” (Matthew 3:2). When they achieve this, the loving and benevolent God promises to forgive all their sins, regardless of what they may have committed, and will not hold them against them. “If the wicked man turns from all his iniquities, he shall live and not die; ... all his transgressions which he has committed shall not be remembered against him” (Jeremiah 31:34; Ezekiel 18:21-22). This gracious covenant, made even more solemn by His oath, reassures frail sinners, encouraging them to embrace repentance without fear. “As I live,” declares the Lord God, “I desire not the death of the sinner, but that he repent ... and live” (Ezekiel 33:11; Hebrews 6:13, 17-18). This extraordinary and unmatched mercy of God, declared universally, has reached the ears of countless sinners, including robbers, adulterers, and other serious offenders, who responded with heartfelt acceptance, turning from their wicked ways to return to their compassionate Creator. They found mercy, and through their repentance, they were cleansed, becoming friends of God and entering His everlasting kingdom. O sinner! Why do you linger upon hearing such a compassionate invitation from your heavenly Father? The tax collectors and those who have repented find their place in the kingdom of heaven; why then do you remain entrenched in sin? Your loving Father eagerly awaits your return. Awaken to your situation and rush to Him in repentance. Truly, I tell you, He will welcome you with joy and regard you with compassion, “He will have mercy on you and will run, and fall ... and embrace you.” Be not afraid; He will not chastise you for your flaws but will dress you in “fine garments” and bestow a ring upon your hand and shoes for your feet. The angels of God will rejoice alongside you. Then, it will be proclaimed of you, “This son of Mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (Luke 15:20, 22, 24). Let us hasten, let us hasten, dear sinner, to our heavenly Father while He waits for us and the doors to His kingdom stand wide open!

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.