Ezekiel 18:26

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

When a righteous {H6662} man turneth away {H7725} from his righteousness {H6666}, and committeth {H6213} iniquity {H5766}, and dieth {H4191} in them; for his iniquity {H5766} that he hath done {H6213} shall he die {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the righteous person turns away from his righteousness and commits wickedness, he will die for it - for the wickedness he commits he will die.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 18:26 delivers a stark warning concerning the dire consequences for an individual who, having previously walked in righteousness, deliberately abandons that path to commit iniquity. This verse underscores the principle of individual accountability before God, asserting that past good deeds do not negate the personal responsibility for present and future sin, and that a return to wickedness will inevitably lead to spiritual death, a just recompense for the unrepented transgression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 18:26 is a pivotal statement within a broader theological discourse in [Ezekiel chapter 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility and Divine Justice"). The entire chapter serves as a direct refutation of a popular proverb circulating among the exiles in Babylon: "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge" (as quoted in [Ezekiel 18:2](/ezekiel/18-2 "Ezekiel 18:2 - The Proverb of Sour Grapes")). This proverb reflected a fatalistic view that the current generation was suffering solely for the sins of their ancestors, absolving themselves of personal guilt. God, through Ezekiel, dismantles this notion by unequivocally declaring individual responsibility for sin and righteousness. Verse 26, specifically, addresses the scenario of a righteous person who turns away, forming a crucial counterpoint to the wicked person who repents (as seen in [Ezekiel 18:27-28](/ezekiel/18-27 "Ezekiel 18:27-28 - The Wicked Who Repent")) and the righteous who persevere (as described earlier in [Ezekiel 18:5-9](/ezekiel/18-5 "Ezekiel 18:5-9 - Description of a Righteous Man")). The verse emphasizes that divine judgment is dynamic, based on one's current moral standing, not merely a static record of past deeds.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel was written during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), a period of profound national crisis and spiritual despair for the Israelites. Stripped of their land, temple, and monarchy, many felt that God had abandoned them or that they were being unfairly punished for generations of idolatry. The "sour grapes" proverb was a common expression of this sentiment, reflecting a communal understanding of sin and punishment that often overshadowed individual culpability. In this context, Ezekiel's message of individual accountability was revolutionary and deeply challenging. It aimed to dismantle fatalism, encourage personal repentance, and reaffirm God's perfect justice and impartiality. The concept of "righteousness" in ancient Israel was intrinsically linked to covenant faithfulness and adherence to the Mosaic Law, encompassing ethical conduct, justice, and worship. Deviation from this path was seen as a betrayal of the covenant, incurring severe consequences.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. Foremost is the theme of **Individual Responsibility**, asserting that each person stands accountable before God for their own choices, a radical departure from the prevailing communal guilt mindset. It highlights the **Dynamic Nature of Righteousness**, demonstrating that it is not a static state achieved once but a continuous walk requiring ongoing faithfulness. The verse also underscores the **Consequences of Apostasy**, revealing that turning away from God's path leads to spiritual death, a separation from the life-giving presence of God, which is a recurring motif throughout the chapter (e.g., [Ezekiel 18:32](/ezekiel/18-32 "Ezekiel 18:32 - God Desires Life, Not Death")). Finally, it vividly portrays **Divine Justice and Equity**, assuring the audience that God's judgments are perfectly fair, based on present actions rather than past merits or ancestral sins, thereby challenging their perception of God's character and encouraging them towards genuine repentance and a renewed relationship with Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Righteous (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** From H6662, this term denotes one who is just, lawful, or morally upright. In the context of Ezekiel, it refers to an individual whose life aligns with God's covenant commands, characterized by ethical behavior, justice, and faithfulness. The verse posits that even such a person, if they deviate, will face judgment, emphasizing that righteousness is not a permanent, unchangeable status but a lived reality.
* **Turneth away (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** From H7725, this primitive root means "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively." It implies a deliberate, conscious act of departure or withdrawal from a previous path. Here, it signifies a willful abandonment of righteousness, indicating a conscious choice to forsake God's ways rather than an accidental stumble. This turning away is an act of spiritual apostasy.
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻevel'_):** From H5766, this word refers to moral evil, perverseness, or unrighteousness. It describes a deviation from what is straight or right, a crookedness in character or action. When a righteous person "committeth iniquity," it means they engage in acts that are morally perverse, unjust, or wicked, thereby actively embracing a lifestyle contrary to their former righteousness.
* **Die (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** From H4191, this root means "to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill." In Ezekiel 18, "die" often carries a spiritual connotation, referring to separation from God, cessation of divine favor, or a state of spiritual condemnation, rather than merely physical death. The repetition of this word underscores the certainty and severity of the spiritual consequence for unrepented sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When a righteous [man] turneth away from his righteousness":** This clause sets the condition for the divine judgment that follows. It describes a person who was genuinely righteous, living in accordance with God's standards, but then consciously and deliberately chooses to abandon that path. The phrase "turneth away from his righteousness" implies a willful act of apostasy, a conscious decision to depart from a life of obedience and moral rectitude.
* **"and committeth iniquity":** Following the turning away, this clause specifies the active engagement in sin. It's not merely a passive departure but an active embrace of wickedness. The "iniquity" refers to actions that are morally perverse, unjust, or contrary to God's will, demonstrating a complete reversal of their former righteous conduct.
* **"and dieth in them":** This phrase indicates the persistence in the state of iniquity until death, implying a lack of repentance. The "death" here, as throughout Ezekiel 18, primarily signifies spiritual death – a state of separation from God, His life-giving presence, and His favor. It is the ultimate consequence of unrepented sin, a forfeiture of the life that comes from walking with God.
* **"for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die":** This final clause reiterates the principle of individual accountability and divine justice. The death is directly linked to the iniquity committed, emphasizing that the consequence is a just recompense for their own actions. It underscores the certainty of judgment for those who persist in their wickedness, irrespective of their past righteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 18:26 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Conditional Statement** is central, as the verse begins with "When..." setting up a clear cause-and-effect relationship between a specific action (turning from righteousness and committing iniquity) and its inevitable consequence (death). This structure highlights the direct link between moral choice and divine judgment. **Repetition** of the word "die" (H4191, _mûwth_) at the end of the verse ("and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die") serves to emphasize the certainty and severity of the outcome, reinforcing the finality of the judgment. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** within the broader chapter, and specifically implied here, between the initial state of "righteousness" and the subsequent state of "iniquity," underscoring the radical shift in the individual's moral standing and its devastating implications. Finally, the language carries **Legal/Forensic Imagery**, presenting God as the righteous judge who weighs individual actions and dispenses just penalties, reinforcing the theme of divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 18:26 profoundly impacts our understanding of salvation, perseverance, and divine justice. It challenges any notion of a static, irreversible righteousness that is immune to future moral failure, emphasizing instead a dynamic relationship with God that requires ongoing faithfulness and vigilance. The verse serves as a sober warning against spiritual complacency and apostasy, reminding us that genuine faith is evidenced by a life of continuous obedience and repentance, not merely a past decision or declaration. It underscores that God's justice is perfectly equitable, judging individuals based on their present moral standing rather than their past merits or demerits, thereby affirming His impartiality and challenging fatalistic views of judgment. This passage stresses that true life is found in sustained communion with God, and a deliberate turning away from Him results in spiritual death.

* [Hebrews 6:4-6](/hebrews/6-4 "Warning Against Apostasy")
* [2 Peter 2:20-22](/2_peter/2-20 "The Danger of Returning to Sin")
* [Galatians 5:4](/galatians/5-4 "Falling Away from Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 18:26 serves as a powerful and timeless call to spiritual vigilance and perseverance for all who claim to walk with God. It shatters any illusion that past religious experiences or good deeds grant immunity from the consequences of present sin. For believers, this verse is a profound reminder that the Christian life is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of faith, repentance, and obedience. It compels us to regularly examine our hearts, confess our sins, and actively "turn back" to God whenever we stray. It challenges the notion that salvation is merely a declaration, instead emphasizing that genuine faith is demonstrated through a life transformed by God's Spirit, marked by a consistent pursuit of righteousness. The "death" spoken of here should stir within us a holy fear of spiritual separation from God, motivating us to cling ever more tightly to Christ, who alone empowers us to live righteously.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly "turning away" from righteousness, perhaps through complacency or unconfessed sin?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of "once saved, always saved," and what does it teach me about the ongoing nature of faith and repentance?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a consistent and active pursuit of God's righteousness in my daily life?**
* **How can the warning of "spiritual death" motivate me to a deeper commitment to Christ and His transforming power?**

### FAQ
**Does Ezekiel 18:26 mean that a truly saved person can lose their salvation?**

Answer: This verse, within the broader context of [Ezekiel chapter 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Accountability"), presents a strong warning about the consequences of apostasy for those who were once righteous. While various theological traditions interpret "losing salvation" differently (e.g., Arminianism vs. Calvinism), the primary emphasis of Ezekiel is on the principle of individual accountability and the dynamic nature of one's moral standing before God. It highlights that a person's ultimate destiny is determined by their final state of righteousness or wickedness. The "death" refers to a spiritual separation from God, which is the natural outcome for those who deliberately and persistently abandon His ways and commit iniquity without repentance. It serves as a serious caution against spiritual complacency and a call to persevere in faith, rather than a definitive statement on the theological concept of "eternal security." The New Testament further elaborates on how true faith endures and is sustained by God's grace (e.g., [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God's Faithfulness to Complete His Work")), but also warns against falling away (e.g., [Hebrews 10:26-31](/hebrews/10-26 "Hebrews 10:26-31 - A Stern Warning Against Willful Sin")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 18:26, with its stark warning about the righteous turning from righteousness, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament law, while revealing God's standard of righteousness, also exposed humanity's inability to consistently maintain it, as highlighted by the very premise of this verse. No one, apart from Christ, can perfectly and perpetually maintain righteousness. Jesus, however, is the [righteous One](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Jesus Christ, the Righteous"), who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness (as seen in [Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")) and never turned away from God's will, even to the point of death on the cross. His death was not for His own iniquity, but for ours, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through faith in Him, believers are not merely called to strive for righteousness, but are [clothed in His righteousness](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Our Righteousness in Christ"), a perfect and imputed righteousness that cannot be lost. While Ezekiel warns of spiritual death for those who turn from their own righteousness, Christ offers [eternal life](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World") to all who believe, a life that is secure in Him because He is the one who [keeps His sheep](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them Out of My Hand"). The New Covenant, established in His blood, provides the Holy Spirit who indwells believers, enabling them to persevere in faith and empowering them to live a life pleasing to God, thus addressing the very human tendency to "turn away" that Ezekiel highlights (as promised in [Ezekiel 36:27](/ezekiel/36-27 "Ezekiel 36:27 - God's Spirit in the New Covenant") and fulfilled in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Coming of the Holy Spirit")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.