Ezekiel 18:26
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.
Original Language Analysis
בְּשׁוּב
man turneth away
H7725
בְּשׁוּב
man turneth away
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
1 of 11
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
מִצִּדְקָת֛וֹ
from his righteousness
H6666
מִצִּדְקָת֛וֹ
from his righteousness
Strong's:
H6666
Word #:
3 of 11
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
עָשָׂ֖ה
and committeth
H6213
עָשָׂ֖ה
and committeth
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יָמֽוּת׃
and dieth
H4191
יָמֽוּת׃
and dieth
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
6 of 11
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם
H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we hold together assurance of salvation with warnings against apostasy?
- What does perseverance in faith reveal about the genuineness of conversion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.