Ezekiel 36:26

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

A new {H2319} heart {H3820} also will I give {H5414} you, and a new {H2319} spirit {H7307} will I put {H5414} within {H7130} you: and I will take away {H5493} the stony {H68} heart {H3820} out of your flesh {H1320}, and I will give {H5414} you an heart {H3820} of flesh {H1320}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit inside you; I will take the stony heart out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

Berean Standard Bible

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

American Standard Version

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 a heart of flesh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 36:26 stands as a pivotal promise within the prophet's message of restoration, declaring God's sovereign intent to perform a radical inner transformation in His people. This verse unveils a divine act of spiritual regeneration, where God pledges to replace a hardened, unresponsive "stony heart" with a tender, obedient "heart of flesh," simultaneously implanting a "new spirit." This profound work is presented as the foundational prerequisite for true obedience and a renewed covenant relationship, enabling Israel to walk in God's statutes and experience the fullness of His blessings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 36:26 is nestled within a larger prophetic discourse (Ezekiel 36:16-38) concerning the restoration of Israel after their exile. Preceding this verse, God addresses the desolation of the land and the disgrace brought upon His holy name by Israel's unfaithfulness (Ezekiel 36:16-24). Immediately before verse 26, God declares His intention to gather His people from the nations, cleanse them from their defilements, and purify them from their idols (Ezekiel 36:24-25). The spiritual transformation promised in verse 26 is the logical and necessary next step, enabling the people to truly inhabit the restored land and live righteously. Following this verse, God promises to put His Spirit within them, causing them to walk in His statutes and keep His judgments (Ezekiel 36:27), leading to fruitfulness, prosperity, and a renewed awareness of His holiness (Ezekiel 36:28-38). This sequence highlights that physical restoration is contingent upon, and flows from, spiritual renewal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 36 was delivered during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), a period of profound national humiliation and spiritual despair for the Jewish people. They had been removed from their land, the Temple lay in ruins, and their covenant relationship with God seemed broken. Culturally, the people had been steeped in idolatry and had repeatedly broken God's covenant laws, leading to divine judgment. The concept of the "heart" in ancient Near Eastern thought, particularly Hebrew, was not merely the organ of circulation but the seat of intellect, will, emotion, and conscience – the very core of one's being. A "stony heart" would have been understood as a metaphor for spiritual insensitivity, stubbornness, and an inability to respond to God's commands, a condition that had led to their exile. The promise of a "heart of flesh" signified a reversal of this spiritual deadness, allowing for a genuine, internal responsiveness to God's Law, a concept also found in earlier covenant renewal passages like [Deuteronomy 30:6](/deuteronomy/30-6 "Deuteronomy 30:6 - Circumcision of the Heart").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several key themes central to Ezekiel's prophecy and broader biblical theology. Firstly, the **Divine Initiative** is paramount; the repeated "I will" ("I will give," "I will put," "I will take away") underscores that this radical transformation is entirely God's sovereign work, not something achieved by human effort or ritual. Secondly, it emphasizes **Radical Inner Transformation**, moving beyond mere external obedience to a fundamental change at the core of one's being. The "stony heart" represents spiritual death and rebellion, while the "heart of flesh" signifies spiritual life, tenderness, and responsiveness to God. This theme of internal change is a hallmark of the [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31 "Jeremiah 31 - The New Covenant") prophecies, where God's law would be written on hearts, not just on stone tablets (cf. [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - Law Written on the Heart")). Thirdly, the promise of a "new spirit" points to the **Indwelling of God's Spirit**, which is explicitly stated in the subsequent verse (Ezekiel 36:27). This Spirit empowers the transformed heart to walk in obedience, fulfilling the covenant requirements and enabling a true, intimate relationship with God, a promise echoed in the outpouring of the Spirit in the [last days](/joel/2-28 "Joel 2:28 - Outpouring of the Spirit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb_):** This term (H3820) is used extensively in the Old Testament to denote not just the physical organ but, more profoundly, the seat of one's inner life—emotions, will, intellect, and moral character. In Ezekiel 36:26, the contrast between the "stony" and "flesh" heart highlights a complete reorientation of the inner person, moving from spiritual insensitivity and rebellion to responsiveness and obedience.
* **New (Hebrew, _châdâsh_):** The adjective _châdâsh_ (H2319) signifies something fresh, renovated, or entirely distinct from what existed before. When applied to the "heart" and "spirit," it emphasizes that the transformation God promises is not a mere modification or improvement of the old nature, but a radical, qualitative change—a fresh creation of spiritual capacity.
* **Stony (Hebrew, _ʼeben_):** Derived from _ʼeben_ (H68), meaning "a stone," this term vividly describes the hardened, unyielding, and unresponsive nature of the human heart apart from God's intervention. A stony heart is impervious to divine influence, resistant to repentance, and incapable of genuine love or obedience, much like a literal stone is lifeless and unfeeling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A new heart also will I give you,"**: This initial clause immediately establishes God's sovereign initiative. The "new heart" signifies a fundamental change in the core of human personality—the seat of will, affections, and understanding. It implies a renewed capacity for spiritual perception and a desire for God's ways, replacing the old, corrupted nature.
* **"and a new spirit will I put within you:"**: Parallel to the "new heart," the "new spirit" refers to a renewed inner disposition and vitality. This phrase anticipates the indwelling of God's own Spirit (as clarified in Ezekiel 36:27), which empowers the transformed individual to live in accordance with God's will. It speaks to a fresh spiritual life that animates the new heart.
* **"and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh,"**: This clause describes the removal of the old, hardened nature. The "stony heart" symbolizes stubbornness, spiritual insensitivity, and resistance to God's commands, a condition that characterized Israel's unfaithfulness and led to their exile. God pledges to supernaturally remove this impediment to true relationship and obedience.
* **"and I will give you an heart of flesh."**: Completing the transformation, this final clause contrasts sharply with the "stony heart." A "heart of flesh" represents a pliable, responsive, and tender heart—one that is sensitive to God's voice, capable of genuine emotion, and willing to obey. It signifies a living, spiritual organ receptive to divine influence and capable of true communion with God.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 36:26 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, particularly through the contrasting images of the "stony heart" and the "heart of flesh." The stone vividly symbolizes hardness, lifelessness, and unresponsiveness, representing humanity's natural resistance to God. Conversely, "flesh" here symbolizes vitality, pliability, and responsiveness, indicating a renewed capacity for spiritual life and obedience. This contrast is a powerful way to convey the radical nature of the spiritual transformation. The verse also employs **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where "new heart" and "new spirit" convey similar ideas of spiritual renewal, reinforcing the holistic nature of God's work. Furthermore, the repeated phrase "I will" (I will give, I will put, I will take away, I will give) serves as a form of **Anaphora** and emphasizes the **Divine Initiative**, highlighting God's sovereign power and commitment to effect this profound change in His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 36:26 is a cornerstone prophecy concerning spiritual regeneration, deeply connecting with the biblical theme of the New Covenant. It reveals God's ultimate solution to humanity's inherent spiritual brokenness: a divinely initiated, internal transformation that goes beyond external legalism or ritual. This promise anticipates a time when God would not merely command obedience but would empower it from within, addressing the root problem of a rebellious heart. This profound work of grace is essential for true covenant faithfulness and for a people to genuinely reflect God's holiness in the world. It underscores that salvation is not merely forgiveness of sins but also a radical renewal of one's nature, enabling a life of joyful submission to God's will.

* [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The Law Written on the Heart")
* [Deuteronomy 30:6](/deuteronomy/30-6 "Deuteronomy 30:6 - Circumcision of the Heart")
* [Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - Inward Circumcision of the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 36:26 offers profound hope and a clear understanding of the spiritual journey for believers today. It reminds us that our capacity to truly love God, obey His commands, and live righteously does not originate from our own willpower or efforts, but from a miraculous, divine work within us. If we find ourselves struggling with spiritual apathy, persistent sin, or a sense of distance from God—a "stony heart" in modern terms—this verse assures us that God is both willing and able to perform this inner surgery. It calls us to humbly acknowledge our need for His transforming power, to surrender our hardened wills, and to actively seek the "heart of flesh" that is pliable and responsive to His Spirit. This transformation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of yielding to God's grace, allowing Him to continually soften our hearts, renew our spirits, and empower us to walk in His ways. It encourages us to cultivate a tender heart through prayer, Scripture engagement, and communion with the Holy Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I still experience a "stony heart"—resistance, apathy, or insensitivity to God's will?**
* **How does understanding God's initiative in giving a "new heart" change my approach to spiritual growth and obedience?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a "heart of flesh" that is more responsive and tender towards God and His Word?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "stony heart" versus the "heart of flesh"?**

Answer: The "stony heart" symbolizes humanity's natural condition of spiritual insensitivity, stubbornness, and rebellion against God. It represents a heart that is unyielding, unresponsive to divine commands, and incapable of true love or obedience. In contrast, the "heart of flesh" represents a divinely transformed heart that is pliable, tender, responsive, and alive to God. It signifies a renewed capacity for empathy, genuine repentance, and joyful obedience to God's will. This imagery highlights the radical nature of the spiritual regeneration God performs, moving from spiritual death to spiritual life and responsiveness, as seen in the broader context of God's covenant renewal promises in [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Israel's Restoration").

**Is this transformation something I can achieve on my own?**

Answer: No, Ezekiel 36:26 emphatically states that this transformation is entirely God's work. The repeated phrase "I will" ("I will give," "I will put," "I will take away") underscores His sovereign initiative. While human response and cooperation are essential for walking in the newness of life, the initial act of replacing the stony heart with a heart of flesh and putting a new spirit within is a miraculous act of divine grace. This aligns with New Testament teachings that salvation and spiritual rebirth are gifts from God, not achievements of human effort (e.g., [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Grace Through Faith")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 36:26 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The "new heart" and "new spirit" promised by God are precisely what is accomplished through the New Covenant inaugurated by Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. Jesus's invitation to be "born again" (as described in [John 3:3-8](/john/3-3 "John 3:3-8 - Born Again")) speaks directly to this radical inner transformation, where a person receives a new spiritual nature. The "spirit" God puts within us is the Holy Spirit Himself, who indwells believers, empowering them to live according to God's will, as prophesied in Ezekiel 36:27 and fulfilled in passages like [Romans 8:9-11](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9-11 - Spirit Dwelling in Believers"). Through Christ, the old, stony heart of sin and rebellion is crucified with Him (cf. [Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Crucified with Christ")), and believers are raised to walk in newness of life, having been made alive together with Christ even when dead in trespasses (cf. [Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1-5 - Made Alive in Christ")). The "circumcision of the heart" that God promised (cf. [Deuteronomy 30:6](/deuteronomy/30-6 "Deuteronomy 30:6 - Circumcision of the Heart")) is fully realized in Christ, who enables an inward, spiritual transformation that empowers obedience and genuine fellowship with God (cf. [Colossians 2:11-12](/colossians/2-11 "Colossians 2:11-12 - Circumcision of Christ")). Thus, Ezekiel's ancient prophecy is not merely a historical promise to Israel but a vibrant reality for all who are united with Christ by faith.

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.

Cross-References

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 11:20

That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

Psalms 51:10

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

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Deuteronomy 30:6

And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.

John 3:3

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 3:5

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.