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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ezekiel 18:25 Yet you say, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' Hear now, O house of Israel: Is it My way that is unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezekiel/18-25.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/26_Ezk_18_25.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezekiel 18:25 - The Soul who Sins will Die" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Yet you say, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' Hear now, O house of Israel: Is it My way that is unjust? 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Is it not your ways that are unjust?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Yet you say, ‘The Lord isn’t doing what’s right!’ Listen to me, O people of Israel. Am I the one not doing what’s right, or is it you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ezekiel/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way not just? Is it not your ways that are not just?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear now, O house of Israel: Is it My way that is unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ezekiel/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ Hear now, O house of Israel, is it not My way which is fair, and your ways which are not fair?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ezekiel/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not right.’ Hear now, house of Israel! Is My way not right? Is it not your ways that are not right?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Yet you say, &#8216The way of the Lord is not right.&#8217 Hear now, O house of Israel! Is My way not right? Is it not your ways that are not right?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not right.’ Hear now, O house of Israel! Is My way not right? Is it not your ways that are not right?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ezekiel/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not right.’ Hear now, O house of Israel! Is My way not right? Is it not your ways that are not right?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ezekiel/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not right.’ Hear now, O house of Israel! Is My way not right? Is it not your ways that are not right?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ezekiel/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“But you say, ‘The Lord’s way isn’t fair.’ Now listen, house of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair? Instead, isn’t it your ways that are unfair?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But you say, &#8216The Lord&#8217s way isn&#8217t fair.&#8217 Now listen, house of Israel: Is it My way that is unfair? Instead, isn&#8217t it your ways that are unfair? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ezekiel/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel: Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ezekiel/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You people of Israel accuse me of being unfair! But listen--I'm not unfair; you are! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ezekiel/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel: Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ezekiel/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"But you say, 'The Lord's way is unfair.' Listen, nation of Israel, isn't my way fair? Isn't it your ways that are unfair?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ezekiel/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"But you say, 'What the Lord does isn't right.' Listen to me, you Israelites. Do you think my way of doing things isn't right? It is your way that isn't right. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ezekiel/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Yet you keep saying, 'The LORD isn't being consistent with his standards.' Pay attention, you house of Israel: Is my behavior really inconsistent with my standards? Isn't it your behavior that isn't just?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ezekiel/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"Yet you say, 'The Lord's conduct is unjust!' Hear, O house of Israel: Is my conduct unjust? Is it not your conduct that is unjust?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ezekiel/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"'Yet you say, "The way of the LORD is not just." Hear now, house of Israel: "Is my way not just? Aren't your ways unjust?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ezekiel/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ezekiel/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear now, O house of Israel: Is it My way that is unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ezekiel/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not equal.’ Hear now, house of Israel: Is my way not equal? Aren’t your ways unequal? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ezekiel/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And you have said, The way of the Lord is not pondered. Now hear, O house of Israel, "" My way—is it not pondered? Are not your ways unpondered?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ezekiel/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And ye have said, Not pondered is the way of the Lord. Hear, I pray you, O house of Israel, My way -- is it not pondered? Are not your ways unpondered?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ezekiel/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And ye said, The way of Jehovah will not make even. Hear ye now, O house of Israel; shall not my way make even? shall not your ways make hot even?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ezekiel/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And you have said: The way of the Lord is not right. Hear ye, therefore, O house of Israel: Is it my way that is not right, and are not rather your ways perverse? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And you have said, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ Therefore, listen, O house of Israel. How could it be that my way is not fair? And is it not instead your ways that are perverse?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ezekiel/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You say, “The LORD’s way is not fair!” Hear now, house of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair? Are not your ways unfair?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Yet you say, “The way of the Lord is unfair.” Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way unfair? Is it not your ways that are unfair?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ezekiel/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Yet you say, The ways of the LORD are not fair. Hear now, O house of Israel; my ways are fair, but it is your ways that are not fair.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ezekiel/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And you said, “The ways of LORD JEHOVAH are not beautiful.” Hear therefore, you of the house of Israel: my ways are beautiful, but your ways are not beautiful<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ezekiel/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Yet ye say: The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel: Is it My way that is not equal? is it not your ways that are unequal?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ezekiel/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Yet ye have said, The way of the Lord is not straight. Hear now, all the house of Israel; will not my way be straight? Is your way straight?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ezekiel/18-25.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vET3Gmwku4s?start=4752" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/18.htm">The Soul who Sins will Die</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">24</span>But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, committing the same abominations as the wicked, will he live? None of the righteous acts he did will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness and sin he has committed, he will die. <span class="reftext">25</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wa·’ă·mar·tem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">Yet you say,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: de·reḵ (N-csc) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">‘The way</a> <a href="/hebrew/136.htm" title="136: ’ă·ḏō·nāy (N-proper-ms) -- Lord. Am emphatic form of 'adown; the Lord.">of the Lord</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">is not</a> <a href="/hebrew/8505.htm" title="8505: yit·tā·ḵên (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to balance, i.e. Measure out; figuratively, arrange, equalize, through the idea of levelling.">just.’</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šim·‘ū- (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">Hear</a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. ">now,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bêṯ (N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">O house</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel:</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: hă·ḏar·kî (Art:: N-csc:: 1cs) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">Is it My way</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">that is unjust?</a> <a href="/hebrew/8505.htm" title="8505: yit·tā·ḵên (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to balance, i.e. Measure out; figuratively, arrange, equalize, through the idea of levelling."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: hă·lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">Is it not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: ḏar·ḵê·ḵem (N-cpc:: 2mp) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">your ways</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">that are unjust?</a> <a href="/hebrew/8505.htm" title="8505: yit·tā·ḵê·nū (V-Nifal-Imperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to balance, i.e. Measure out; figuratively, arrange, equalize, through the idea of levelling."></a> </span><span class="reftext">26</span>If a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, he will die for this. He will die because of the iniquity he has committed.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a></span><br />“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-14.htm">Romans 9:14-21</a></span><br />What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Certainly not! / For He says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” / So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/34-10.htm">Job 34:10-12</a></span><br />Therefore listen to me, O men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wrong, and from the Almighty to act unjustly. / For according to a man’s deeds He repays him; according to a man’s ways He brings consequences. / Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly, and the Almighty does not pervert justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-4.htm">Deuteronomy 32:4</a></span><br />He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-5.htm">Romans 3:5-6</a></span><br />But if our unrighteousness highlights the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unjust to inflict His wrath on us? I am speaking in human terms. / Certainly not! In that case, how could God judge the world?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/145-17.htm">Psalm 145:17</a></span><br />The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-5.htm">Romans 2:5-11</a></span><br />But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. / God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” / To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-20.htm">Isaiah 5:20-21</a></span><br />Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter. / Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/20-1.htm">Matthew 20:1-16</a></span><br />“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. / He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. / About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/92-15.htm">Psalm 92:15</a></span><br />to proclaim, “The LORD is upright; He is my Rock, and in Him there is no unrighteousness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-33.htm">Romans 11:33-36</a></span><br />O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! / “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” / “Who has first given to God, that God should repay him?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-39.htm">Lamentations 3:39-40</a></span><br />Why should any mortal man complain, in view of his sins? / Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-16.htm">Matthew 11:16-19</a></span><br />To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: / ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ / For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-2.htm">Proverbs 21:2</a></span><br />All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Yet you say, The way of the LORD is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?</p><p class="hdg">way</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/18-29.htm">Ezekiel 18:29</a></b></br> Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/33-17.htm">Ezekiel 33:17,20</a></b></br> Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/32-2.htm">Job 32:2</a></b></br> Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.</p><p class="hdg">my</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/18-25.htm">Genesis 18:25</a></b></br> That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/32-4.htm">Deuteronomy 32:4</a></b></br> <i>He is</i> the Rock, his work <i>is</i> perfect: for all his ways <i>are</i> judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right <i>is</i> he.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/50-6.htm">Psalm 50:6</a></b></br> And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God <i>is</i> judge himself. Selah.</p><p class="hdg">are</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/50-21.htm">Psalm 50:21</a></b></br> These <i>things</i> hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether <i>such an one</i> as thyself: <i>but</i> I will reprove thee, and set <i>them</i> in order before thine eyes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/2-17.htm">Jeremiah 2:17-23,29-37</a></b></br> Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, when he led thee by the way? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/16-10.htm">Jeremiah 16:10-13</a></b></br> And it shall come to pass, when thou shalt shew this people all these words, and they shall say unto thee, Wherefore hath the LORD pronounced all this great evil against us? or what <i>is</i> our iniquity? or what <i>is</i> our sin that we have committed against the LORD our God? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/18-15.htm">Children</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-35.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/ezekiel/4-5.htm">Equal</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-35.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-15.htm">House</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-15.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-11.htm">Pondered</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-21.htm">Right</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-23.htm">Unequal</a> <a href="/jeremiah/17-11.htm">Unjust</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-29.htm">Unpondered</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-23.htm">Way</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-23.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/18-29.htm">Children</a> <a href="/ezekiel/33-7.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-29.htm">Equal</a> <a href="/ezekiel/19-4.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-29.htm">House</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-29.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-29.htm">Pondered</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-27.htm">Right</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-29.htm">Unequal</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-29.htm">Unjust</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-29.htm">Unpondered</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-29.htm">Way</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-29.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Ezekiel 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/18-1.htm">God defends his justice</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/18-31.htm">and exhorts to repentance</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezekiel/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’</b><br>This phrase reflects the people's complaint against God's fairness. In the context of Ezekiel, the Israelites were in exile, and many believed they were suffering unjustly for the sins of their ancestors. This sentiment echoes earlier complaints found in <a href="/jeremiah/31-29.htm">Jeremiah 31:29-30</a>, where the proverb about sour grapes is mentioned. The accusation against God's justice is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where people often question divine justice when faced with suffering or punishment (<a href="/job/21-7.htm">Job 21:7-9</a>, <a href="/malachi/2-17.htm">Malachi 2:17</a>).<p><b>Hear now, O house of Israel:</b><br>The call to "hear" is a prophetic summons, urging the Israelites to listen and understand God's perspective. This is a common prophetic introduction, emphasizing the importance of the message (<a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4</a>, <a href="/isaiah/1-10.htm">Isaiah 1:10</a>). The "house of Israel" refers to the collective nation, highlighting that the message is for all the people, not just individuals. This collective address underscores the communal nature of the covenant relationship with God.<p><b>Is it My way that is unjust?</b><br>God challenges the accusation by questioning the justice of His own ways. This rhetorical question invites the Israelites to reflect on their understanding of justice. Biblically, God's ways are described as perfect and just (<a href="/deuteronomy/32-4.htm">Deuteronomy 32:4</a>, <a href="/psalms/145-17.htm">Psalm 145:17</a>). The question implies that God's justice is beyond human comprehension and that His actions are always righteous, even when they seem otherwise to human eyes.<p><b>Is it not your ways that are unjust?</b><br>Here, God turns the accusation back on the Israelites, suggesting that it is their actions that are unjust. This reflects the biblical theme of human sinfulness and the tendency to stray from God's commandments (<a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a>, <a href="/romans/3-23.htm">Romans 3:23</a>). The Israelites' misunderstanding of justice is highlighted, pointing to their need for repentance and alignment with God's righteous standards. This phrase also foreshadows the New Testament teaching on self-examination and repentance (<a href="/matthew/7-3.htm">Matthew 7:3-5</a>, <a href="/1_corinthians/11-28.htm">1 Corinthians 11:28</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/ezekiel.htm">Ezekiel</a></b><br>A prophet during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/h/house_of_israel.htm">House of Israel</a></b><br>The collective term for the people of Israel, who are being addressed by God through Ezekiel.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/babylonian_exile.htm">Babylonian Exile</a></b><br>The period when the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, a significant backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecies.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The sovereign Lord who is addressing the perceived injustice of His ways by the Israelites.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/judgment_and_justice.htm">Judgment and Justice</a></b><br>Central themes in this passage, focusing on God's fairness in dealing with His people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_divine_justice.htm">Understanding Divine Justice</a></b><br>God's justice is perfect and beyond human comprehension. We must trust in His righteous character even when we do not understand His ways.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>The Israelites are challenged to reflect on their own actions and attitudes. We too should examine our lives to ensure we are living in alignment with God's standards.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_responsibility.htm">Repentance and Responsibility</a></b><br>The call to recognize our own unjust ways and turn back to God is crucial. Personal responsibility and repentance are key to restoring our relationship with Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Acknowledge that God, in His sovereignty, has the ultimate authority to define justice. Our role is to submit to His will and trust in His perfect plan.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_character.htm">Faith in God's Character</a></b><br>Strengthen your faith by focusing on God's unchanging nature. His justice, love, and mercy are consistent throughout Scripture.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezekiel_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/ezekiel_18_25__are_god's_ways_truly_fair.htm">Ezekiel 18:25 – How can God declare His ways fair when the reality of suffering and injustice seems to contradict this claim? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_lam_3_31-33_with_ot_judgments.htm">How do we reconcile Lamentations 3:31-33, where God claims not to afflict willingly, with the harsh judgments described throughout the Old Testament?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/proof_of_amalek's_erasure.htm">Deuteronomy 25:17-19: Where is the archaeological or historical proof of Amalek's complete destruction and erasure from memory?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_evidence_of_the_ammonites'_fall.htm">In Ezekiel 25:2-7, can any solid historical or archaeological evidence confirm the exact downfall of the Ammonites as predicted?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezekiel/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(25) <span class= "bld">The way of the Lord is not equal.</span>--The word means literally, <span class= "ital">weighed out, balanced. </span>The accusation of the Israelites was still (here and in <a href="/ezekiel/18-29.htm" title="Yet said the house of Israel, The way of the LORD is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal?">Ezekiel 18:29</a>) that the Lord was arbitrary and unjust. His statement in reply is that He rewards and punishes according to eternal and immutable principles of right. Every man must reap that which he has sown. (Comp. <a href="/context/romans/2-5.htm" title="But after your hardness and impenitent heart treasure up to yourself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;">Romans 2:5-10</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezekiel/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 25.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Are not my ways equal?</span> The. primary meaning of the Hebrew adjective is that of something ordered, symmetrically arranged. Men would find in the ways of God precisely that in which their own ways were wanting, and which they denied to him - the workings of a considerate equity, adjusting all things according to their true weight and measure. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/18-25.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Yet you say,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם</span> <span class="translit">(wa·’ă·mar·tem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">‘The way</span><br /><span class="heb">דֶּ֣רֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(de·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the Lord</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲדֹנָ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḏō·nāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_136.htm">Strong's 136: </a> </span><span class="str2">The Lord</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">just.’</span><br /><span class="heb">יִתָּכֵ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(yit·tā·ḵên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8505.htm">Strong's 8505: </a> </span><span class="str2">To balance, measure out, arrange, equalize, levelling</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Hear</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁמְעוּ־</span> <span class="translit">(šim·‘ū-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">now,</span><br /><span class="heb">נָא֙</span> <span class="translit">(nā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4994.htm">Strong's 4994: </a> </span><span class="str2">I pray', 'now', 'then'</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O house</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּ֣ית</span> <span class="translit">(bêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Israel:</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Is it My way</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲדַרְכִּי֙</span> <span class="translit">(hă·ḏar·kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - common singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that is unjust?</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Is it not your ways</span><br /><span class="heb">דַרְכֵיכֶ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(ḏar·ḵê·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that are unjust?</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/18-25.htm">Ezekiel 18:25 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/18-25.htm">Ezekiel 18:25 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ezekiel/18-25.htm">Ezekiel 18:25 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/18-25.htm">Ezekiel 18:25 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/18-25.htm">Ezekiel 18:25 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/18-25.htm">Ezekiel 18:25 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/18-25.htm">Ezekiel 18:25 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/18-25.htm">Ezekiel 18:25 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/18-25.htm">Ezekiel 18:25 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ezekiel/18-25.htm">Ezekiel 18:25 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ezekiel/18-25.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 18:25 Yet you say The way (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/18-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 18:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 18:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/18-26.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 18:26"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 18:26" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>