Ezekiel 18:31
New International Version
Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel?

New Living Translation
Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel?

English Standard Version
Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel?

Berean Standard Bible
Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel?

King James Bible
Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

New King James Version
Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel?

New American Standard Bible
Hurl away from you all your offenses which you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! For why should you die, house of Israel?

NASB 1995
“Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! For why will you die, O house of Israel?

NASB 1977
“Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! For why will you die, O house of Israel?

Legacy Standard Bible
Cast away from yourselves all your transgressions which you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Now why will you die, O house of Israel?

Amplified Bible
Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed [against Me], and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! For why should you die, O house of Israel?

Christian Standard Bible
Throw off all the transgressions you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, house of Israel?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Throw off all the transgressions you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, house of Israel?

American Standard Version
Cast away from you all your transgressions, wherein ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Contemporary English Version
Give up your evil ways and start thinking pure thoughts. And be faithful to me! Do you really want to be put to death for your sins?

English Revised Version
Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereto ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Stop all the rebellious things that you are doing. Get yourselves new hearts and new spirits. Why do you want to die, nation of Israel?

Good News Translation
Give up all the evil you have been doing, and get yourselves new minds and hearts. Why do you Israelites want to die?

International Standard Version
Stop your transgressing—the deeds by which you've rebelled—and then make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, you house of Israel?

Majority Standard Bible
Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel?

NET Bible
Throw away all your sins you have committed and fashion yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why should you die, O house of Israel?

New Heart English Bible
Cast away from you all your transgressions, in which you have transgressed; and make yourself a new heart and a new spirit: for why will you die, house of Israel?

Webster's Bible Translation
Cast away from you all your transgressions, by which ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

World English Bible
Cast away from you all your transgressions in which you have transgressed; and make yourself a new heart and a new spirit. For why will you die, house of Israel?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Cast away all your transgressions from over you, "" By which you have transgressed, "" And make a new heart and a new spirit for yourselves, "" And why do you die, "" O house of Israel?

Young's Literal Translation
Cast from off you all your transgressions, By which ye have transgressed, And make to you a new heart, and a new spirit, And why do ye die, O house of Israel?

Smith's Literal Translation
Cast away from you all your transgressions which ye transgressed against me, and make to you a new heart and a new spirit: and wherefore will ye die, O house of Israel?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Cast away from you all your transgressions, by which you have transgressed, and make to yourselves a new heart, and a new spirit: and why will you die, O house of Israel?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Cast all your transgressions, by which you have transgressed, away from you, and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. And then why should you die, O house of Israel?

New American Bible
Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed, and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, house of Israel?

New Revised Standard Version
Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed against me, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Cast away from you all the iniquities which you have committed; and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit, so that you may not die, O house of Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And cast away from you all the evil that you have done, and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit, and you shall not die, those of the house of Israel
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Cast away from you all your transgressions, wherein ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Cast away from yourselves all your ungodliness wherein ye have sinned against me; and make to yourselves a new heart and a new spirit: for why should ye die, O house of Israel?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Soul who Sins will Die
30Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. 31Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? 32For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!…

Cross References
Jeremiah 31:33
“But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!

Jeremiah 24:7
I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD. They will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with all their heart.

Hebrews 8:10
For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.

Romans 6:4
We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.

Ephesians 4:22-24
to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; / to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; / and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Deuteronomy 30:6
The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, and you will love Him with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.

Colossians 3:9-10
Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, / and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.

Matthew 3:8
Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance.

Joel 2:13
So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.

Acts 3:19
Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away,

Jeremiah 4:4
Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and remove the foreskins of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem. Otherwise, My wrath will break out like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it, because of your evil deeds.”


Treasury of Scripture

Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby you have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will you die, O house of Israel?

Cast

Ezekiel 20:7
Then said I unto them, Cast ye away every man the abominations of his eyes, and defile not yourselves with the idols of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.

Psalm 34:14
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

Isaiah 1:16,17
Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; …

make

Ezekiel 11:19
And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:

Ezekiel 36:26
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

for why

Ezekiel 33:11
Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Deuteronomy 30:15,19
See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; …

Proverbs 8:36
But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

Jump to Previous
Cast Children Committed Death Desiring Die Evil-Doing Heart House Israel New Offenses Rid Sin Spirit Transgressed Transgressions Whereby Wherein Wherewith Yourselves
Jump to Next
Cast Children Committed Death Desiring Die Evil-Doing Heart House Israel New Offenses Rid Sin Spirit Transgressed Transgressions Whereby Wherein Wherewith Yourselves
Ezekiel 18
1. God defends his justice
31. and exhorts to repentance














Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed
This phrase calls for personal responsibility and repentance. In the context of Ezekiel, the Israelites were in exile due to their persistent idolatry and disobedience to God's laws. The call to "cast away" suggests a deliberate and active rejection of sin, similar to the call for repentance found in the New Testament (Acts 3:19). The emphasis is on individual accountability, a theme that runs throughout Ezekiel 18, contrasting with the belief that children suffer for the sins of their parents. This reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where obedience leads to blessing and disobedience to judgment (Deuteronomy 28).

and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit
This phrase emphasizes transformation and renewal, echoing the promise of a new covenant found in Jeremiah 31:31-34. The "new heart" and "new spirit" signify an inner change that aligns with God's will, a theme further developed in Ezekiel 36:26-27, where God promises to give His people a heart of flesh instead of stone. This transformation is a precursor to the New Testament concept of being "born again" (John 3:3-7) and is ultimately fulfilled in the work of Jesus Christ, who offers spiritual renewal through the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Why should you die, O house of Israel?
This rhetorical question underscores God's desire for His people's repentance and life rather than death. It reflects God's character as merciful and patient, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). The "house of Israel" refers to the collective nation, emphasizing that the call to repentance is both individual and communal. Historically, this plea comes during a time of national crisis, as the Babylonian exile threatened the very existence of Israel. The question serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin but also of the hope and life available through turning back to God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel conveyed God's messages to the Israelites, urging them to repent and turn back to God.

2. House of Israel
Refers to the collective people of Israel, who were in exile due to their disobedience and idolatry.

3. Babylonian Exile
A period when the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, serving as a backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecies.

4. Transgressions
The sins and rebellious acts committed by the Israelites against God's commandments.

5. New Heart and New Spirit
Symbolic of inner transformation and renewal that God desires for His people.
Teaching Points
Repentance and Renewal
True repentance involves a conscious decision to turn away from sin and embrace a new way of living.

God calls us to actively participate in our spiritual renewal by casting away our sinful behaviors.

The Role of the Heart and Spirit
A new heart and spirit signify a complete transformation that begins internally and manifests externally.

This transformation is essential for living a life that pleases God and aligns with His will.

God’s Desire for Life, Not Death
God’s question, "Why should you die, O house of Israel?" highlights His desire for His people to choose life through obedience and faithfulness.

This reflects God’s overarching plan for redemption and restoration rather than punishment.

Personal Responsibility
Each individual is responsible for their own actions and spiritual state.

We are called to take ownership of our spiritual journey and seek God’s help in transforming our hearts.

Hope for Restoration
Despite past transgressions, there is always hope for renewal and restoration through God’s grace.

This hope is available to all who earnestly seek God and commit to His ways.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Cast away
הַשְׁלִ֣יכוּ (haš·lî·ḵū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 7993: To throw out, down, away

from yourselves
מֵעֲלֵיכֶ֗ם (mê·‘ă·lê·ḵem)
Preposition-m | second person masculine plural
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the transgressions
פִּשְׁעֵיכֶם֙ (piš·‘ê·ḵem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 6588: Transgression

you have committed,
פְּשַׁעְתֶּ֣ם (pə·ša‘·tem)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 6586: To break away, trespass, apostatize, quarrel

and fashion
וַעֲשׂ֥וּ (wa·‘ă·śū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make

for yourselves
לָכֶ֛ם (lā·ḵem)
Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

a new
חָדָ֖שׁ (ḥā·ḏāš)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2319: New

heart
לֵ֥ב (lêḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

and a new
חֲדָשָׁ֑ה (ḥă·ḏā·šāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 2319: New

spirit.
וְר֣וּחַ (wə·rū·aḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit

Why
וְלָ֥מָּה (wə·lām·māh)
Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

should you die,
תָמֻ֖תוּ (ṯā·mu·ṯū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

O house
בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of Israel?
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc


Links
Ezekiel 18:31 NIV
Ezekiel 18:31 NLT
Ezekiel 18:31 ESV
Ezekiel 18:31 NASB
Ezekiel 18:31 KJV

Ezekiel 18:31 BibleApps.com
Ezekiel 18:31 Biblia Paralela
Ezekiel 18:31 Chinese Bible
Ezekiel 18:31 French Bible
Ezekiel 18:31 Catholic Bible

OT Prophets: Ezekiel 18:31 Cast away from you all your transgressions (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 18:30
Top of Page
Top of Page