None of the sins that he has committed shall be remembered against him. He has done what is just and right; he shall surely live.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about a clean slate after repentance; it emphasizes that God actively chooses not to mention or recall past sins. It's a powerful picture of God's grace, showing that genuine turning from sin results in a complete and permanent erasure, not just a temporary pause.
None of the sins that he has committed shall be remembered against him. He has done what is just and right; he shall surely live.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God is responding to the people's despair, assuring them that their past sins won't condemn them if they genuinely turn from their wicked ways. This verse follows God's explanation that a wicked person who repents and acts justly will live, directly contrasting the grim pronouncements of judgment. It echoes earlier promises from chapter 18, emphasizing that true repentance and a life of righteousness guarantee life, not condemnation.
Have you ever messed up so badly that you felt like the guilt would never leave you? Ezekiel 33:16 offers a radical promise about God's forgiveness.
This verse declares a stunning truth: when a person turns from sin and embraces what is just and right, none of their past transgressions will be remembered against them. This isn't about our sins being swept under the rug; it's about a profound, divine erasure. God doesn't just forgive; He chooses not to hold those sins against us, making a complete break from our old life.
This echoes Jesus' sacrifice. Through Him, our sins are not only pardoned but also removed from God's sight. It's a transformative forgiveness that allows a new life to flourish.
What does it look like when someone truly turns from sin? Ezekiel says it results in living a life of justice and rightness.
The verse isn't just about a change of heart; it's about a change of behavior. 'He has done what is just and right' signifies a life actively pursuing God's will. This isn't about earning salvation through good deeds, but about good deeds flowing from genuine repentance and a renewed heart.
When God forgives, the evidence is seen in our actions. A life transformed by God’s grace will naturally seek to live in accordance with His commands, demonstrating a settled separation from sin.
Understand the original words
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chattā'th · Hebrew Noun
A transgression against divine law or a falling short of God's holy standard. It implies a departure from the path of righteousness and a rebellion against the will of God.
mishpāṭ · Hebrew Noun
A judicial, moral, and social standard reflecting God's character. It involves acting in conformity with God's law, fairness, and truth in one's dealings with God and others.
Ezekiel's words here offer a powerful message of hope amidst the despair of exile, assuring the people that genuine repentance can lead to forgiveness and life, echoing themes from earlier prophetic warnings about individual responsibility.
722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, leading to the exile of many Israelites. This event significantly impacted Jewish identity and understanding of God's judgment.
597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports King Jehoiachin and thousands of Judeans, including Ezekiel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian Exile for Judah.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and the First Temple, exiling most of the remaining population to Babylon. This event is a profound national catastrophe and a crisis of faith for the exiles.
c. 571 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Ministry Concludes
Ezekiel's final recorded prophecy is given. His ministry has focused on God's judgment, the reasons for Israel's exile, and a vision of future restoration.
This passage from the same prophet directly parallels Ezekiel 33:16, emphasizing that a wicked person who repents and turns from their sins will live and their past transgressions will not be remembered.
Acts 3:19Peter's sermon echoes this theme of repentance, assuring listeners that their sins will be 'blotted out' when they turn to God, highlighting the cleansing and renewal that comes with genuine change.
Romans 8:1This verse proclaims 'no condemnation' for those in Christ Jesus, which is the ultimate fulfillment of Ezekiel's promise that sins will not be remembered against the repentant, assured by Christ's atoning work.
2 Corinthians 5:17The concept of being a 'new creation' in Christ directly relates to the idea that past sins are no longer the defining feature of a person who has turned to God, and they are empowered to live a life of righteousness.
cambridgeEzekiel 33:16: "None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live."
16 . Cf. Ezekiel 18:22 . shall be mentioned ] Or, remembered against him, as Ezekiel 33:13 .
gillEzekiel 33:16: "None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live."
None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him,.... Imputed to him; placed to his account; charged upon him, or ever be spoke of to him, either now, or at the day of judgment, by way of accusation and complaint, or to his condemnation: he hath done that which is lawful and right; has repented of his sin; looked to Christ by…
This verse isn't just about a clean slate after repentance; it emphasizes that God actively chooses not to mention or recall past sins. It's a powerful picture of God's grace, showing that genuine turning from sin results in a complete and permanent erasure, not just a temporary pause.
God is responding to the people's despair, assuring them that their past sins won't condemn them if they genuinely turn from their wicked ways. This verse follows God's explanation that a wicked person who repents and acts justly will live, directly contrasting the grim pronouncements of judgment. It echoes earlier promises from chapter 18, emphasizing that true repentance and a life of righteousness guarantee life, not condemnation.
God is responding to the people's despair, assuring them that their past sins won't condemn them if they genuinely turn from their wicked ways. This verse follows God's explanation that a wicked person who repents and acts justly will live, directly contrasting the grim pronouncements of judgment. It echoes earlier promises from chapter 18, emphasizing that true repentance and a life of righteousness guarantee life, not condemnation.
"None of the sins that he has committed shall be remembered against him. He has done what is just and right; he shall surely live." — This verse isn't just about a clean slate after repentance; it emphasizes that God actively chooses not to mention or recall past sins. It's a powerful picture of God's grace, showing that genuin…
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Last reviewed October 2026