After that they have borne their shame, and all their trespasses whereby they have trespassed against me, when they dwelt safely in their land, and none made them afraid.

EZEKIEL 39:26KJV
Know the Bible

Ezekiel 39:26 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 39:26 mean?

Ezekiel 39:26 says that after Israel has suffered the consequences of their wrongdoing and shame, they will remember how they sinned against God, especially during times when they lived securely in their land without fear. The verse points to a time of reflection after judgment, when the people realize the seriousness of their past actions.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Israel, describing what will happen after a period of punishment and restoration. The setting is after Israel has been invaded and exiled because of their unfaithfulness, but now God is promising a future where they will return and recognize their past mistakes. The verse highlights the contrast between the safety they once enjoyed and the shame they now bear because of their disobedience.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 39:26

  • "borne" (נָשָׂא, nāśā’): This word means to carry or endure. Here, it emphasizes that Israel has fully experienced the weight and consequences of their shame.
  • "shame" (כְּלִמָּה, kelimmāh): This refers to disgrace or humiliation. The verse stresses that Israel’s shame is not just a feeling but a public reality tied to their actions.
  • "trespasses" (מַעַל, ma‘al) and "trespassed" (מָעַל, mā‘al): Both words refer to acts of unfaithfulness or betrayal, especially in a covenant relationship. The repetition underlines the seriousness and repeated nature of Israel’s disobedience.
  • "dwelt" (יָשַׁב, yāshav) and "safely" (בֶּטַח, betach): These words together paint a picture of Israel once living in peace and security, which makes their betrayal during that time even more striking.

Why Ezekiel 39:26 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Israel’s suffering was random; it connects their shame directly to their own actions during a time of peace, showing a cause-and-effect relationship.
  • Ezekiel 39:26 emphasizes that God’s restoration of Israel includes not just bringing them back to their land, but also a deep, honest reckoning with their past.
  • The verse fits into the wider message of Ezekiel 38–39, where God promises both judgment and future hope, highlighting the importance of learning from past failures.

Where else these words appear

“shame” Hebrew H3639 · used in 29 verses

  • Job 20:3 I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.
  • Isaiah 30:3 Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.
  • Ezekiel 16:63 That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.

“trespasses” Hebrew H4604 · used in 29 verses

  • Leviticus 5:15 If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering:
  • Joshua 22:20 Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity.
  • Ezra 9:2 For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass.

“trespassed” Hebrew H4603 · used in 35 verses

  • Leviticus 5:15 If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering:
  • 1 Chronicles 2:7 And the sons of Carmi; Achar, the troubler of Israel, who transgressed in the thing accursed.
  • Ezra 10:2 And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.

“afraid” Hebrew H2729 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 27:33 And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed.
  • 1 Samuel 28:5 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.
  • Jeremiah 46:27 But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid.