King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 18:26 Mean?

Ezekiel 18:26 in the King James Version says “When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity t...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.”

Ezekiel 18:26 · KJV

Context

24

But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

25

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?

26

When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.

27

Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.

28

Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.' This introduces the possibility of apostasy—a righteous person turning away. The Hebrew shuv ('turn') indicates deliberate change of direction. 'And dieth in them'—dying in that state of rebellion brings judgment. This warns against presumption: past righteousness doesn't guarantee future salvation if one turns from faith.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Biblical examples include Saul, Solomon (partially), and Judas. The possibility of falling away is addressed throughout Scripture (Hebrews 6:4-6, 10:26-31, 2 Peter 2:20-22). Reformed theology debates whether true believers can lose salvation, but all agree apostasy is possible for those who profess faith without true regeneration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we hold together assurance of salvation with warnings against apostasy?
  2. What does perseverance in faith reveal about the genuineness of conversion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
בְּשׁוּב1 of 11

“man turneth away”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

צַדִּ֧יק2 of 11

“When a righteous”

H6662

just

מִצִּדְקָת֛וֹ3 of 11

“from his righteousness”

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

עָשָׂ֖ה4 of 11

“and committeth”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בְּעַוְל֥וֹ5 of 11

“in them for his iniquity”

H5766

(moral) evil

יָמֽוּת׃6 of 11

“and dieth”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם7 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בְּעַוְל֥וֹ8 of 11

“in them for his iniquity”

H5766

(moral) evil

אֲשֶׁר9 of 11
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂ֖ה10 of 11

“and committeth”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

יָמֽוּת׃11 of 11

“and dieth”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 18:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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