Bible Strands
Ezekiel 18:23
Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn’t I prefer that he turn from his ways and live?
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The Lord God speaks through Ezekiel to the exiled community, addressing a dispute over individual accountability and the fate of those who abandon wickedness.
The words — חָפֹץ (cha.Fotz) and אֶחְפֹּץ ('ech.Potz) literally mean "to take pleasure" or "to desire," while מוֹת (Mot) denotes "death." The text states God’s rhetorical question: He does not delight in the destruction of the wicked but desires their repentance.
The thread — This declaration echoes in Ezekiel 33:11, aligns with 1 Timothy 2:4 on God’s desire for universal salvation, and appears in 2 Peter 3:9 regarding divine patience.
Why it lands — The verse demands readers reject fatalistic excuses and actively pursue repentance, recognizing that divine judgment follows personal choices rather than inherited patterns.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?
Cross-references
- Ezekiel 33:11 Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’
- 1 Timothy 2:4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
- 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.
- Ezekiel 18:32 For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!
- Psalms 147:11 The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion.
- Luke 15:10 In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.”
- Luke 15:32 But it was fitting to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
- Luke 15:4 “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?
- Luke 15:22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
- Exodus 34:6 Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness,