Ezekiel 18:5 - “But if a man is just, and does that which is lawful and right,
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What does "Ezekiel 18:5" mean?
Ezekiel 18:5, "But if a man is just, and does that which is lawful and right," sets the stage for a description of righteous behavior. Let's break it down:
"But if a man is just..." This sets up a condition. The following description applies to someone who is considered "just." In the Old Testament context, "just" (or righteous) is someone who is in right standing with God and lives according to God's laws and principles. It implies moral uprightness, integrity, and fairness.
"...and does that which is lawful and right..." This elaborates on what it means to be just. It emphasizes that inward righteousness manifests in outward actions. "Lawful" refers to adherence to God's laws and commandments (specifically the Mosaic Law in the Old Testament context). "Right" is a broader term encompassing moral and ethical behavior that aligns with God's standards of goodness, fairness, and justice, whether or not it's specifically spelled out in the Law. This may refer to actions like showing compassion, being honest in business dealings, and protecting the vulnerable.
In summary, the verse means:
If a person is truly righteous, both in their heart and in their actions, they will consistently obey God's laws and do what is morally right in all areas of their life. It's a description of a person who strives to live according to God's will and embodies moral uprightness. It emphasizes that true righteousness isn't just about feelings or beliefs; it's demonstrated through consistent righteous actions.
Context within Ezekiel 18:
This verse is the beginning of a longer explanation of individual responsibility. The people of Israel were blaming their exile on the sins of their fathers, using the proverb "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge" (Ezekiel 18:2). God, through Ezekiel, is refuting this notion. He is emphasizing that each person is responsible for their own sins and righteousness. This verse introduces the idea that if a man lives righteously, he will be blessed, regardless of the actions of his ancestors. Conversely, a wicked son of a righteous father will be judged for his own wickedness.
Ezekiel 18:5 - “But if a man is just, and does that which is lawful and right,
What does "Ezekiel 18:5" mean?
Ezekiel 18:5, "But if a man is just, and does that which is lawful and right," sets the stage for a description of righteous behavior. Let's break it down:
"But if a man is just..." This sets up a condition. The following description applies to someone who is considered "just." In the Old Testament context, "just" (or righteous) is someone who is in right standing with God and lives according to God's laws and principles. It implies moral uprightness, integrity, and fairness.
"...and does that which is lawful and right..." This elaborates on what it means to be just. It emphasizes that inward righteousness manifests in outward actions. "Lawful" refers to adherence to God's laws and commandments (specifically the Mosaic Law in the Old Testament context). "Right" is a broader term encompassing moral and ethical behavior that aligns with God's standards of goodness, fairness, and justice, whether or not it's specifically spelled out in the Law. This may refer to actions like showing compassion, being honest in business dealings, and protecting the vulnerable.
In summary, the verse means:
If a person is truly righteous, both in their heart and in their actions, they will consistently obey God's laws and do what is morally right in all areas of their life. It's a description of a person who strives to live according to God's will and embodies moral uprightness. It emphasizes that true righteousness isn't just about feelings or beliefs; it's demonstrated through consistent righteous actions.
Context within Ezekiel 18:
This verse is the beginning of a longer explanation of individual responsibility. The people of Israel were blaming their exile on the sins of their fathers, using the proverb "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge" (Ezekiel 18:2). God, through Ezekiel, is refuting this notion. He is emphasizing that each person is responsible for their own sins and righteousness. This verse introduces the idea that if a man lives righteously, he will be blessed, regardless of the actions of his ancestors. Conversely, a wicked son of a righteous father will be judged for his own wickedness.