Definition: But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, [and] doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked [man] doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 18:24. It's a really important and somewhat challenging passage about judgment and the consequences of choosing to disobey God’s rules. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying that if you consistently choose to do wrong – to break God’s laws and principles – you will not be rewarded with eternal life. It’s a stark warning about the consequences of sin. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness…” – This means someone who is trying to live according to God’s law and commandments is not living righteously. They are choosing to disobey him. “…and committeth iniquity, [and] doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man [man] doeth…” – “Iniquity” means a moral failing or a tendency to be bad. “Abominations” refers to things that are considered deeply wrong and offensive by God’s standards. The verse describes someone who consistently acts in ways that are against God’s laws – like lying, stealing, violence, etc. “…shall he live?” - This is the crucial question. It's asking if this person will be granted eternal life after they commit these wrongdoings. “All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned…” – The verse emphasizes that all the good things the person has done before their transgressions will be forgotten or dismissed. They won’t be praised for anything positive. It's about the negative actions that matter most. “…in them shall he die.” - This is the ultimate consequence – death, literally. It means that those who are living a life of wickedness and disobedience will ultimately face judgment and punishment. In simpler terms: The verse paints a picture of someone who consistently chooses to break God’s rules, and because of it, they won't be blessed with eternal life. Their bad deeds will be forgotten, but their ultimate fate is death. Important Note: This is a very dramatic and somewhat frightening image. It’s meant to highlight the seriousness of sin and the importance of obedience to God. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious advisor. This explanation is for informational purposes only and does not constitute religious commentary. Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or concept from the Bible?