How can Ezekiel 16:4 deepen our understanding of spiritual rebirth in Christ?

Ezekiel 16:4 declares, “On the day you were born, your cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water to cleanse you; you were not rubbed with salt, nor wrapped in cloths.” The prophet uses the image of an abandoned newborn to depict Jerusalem’s original condition, but the verse also sharpens our grasp of spiritual rebirth in Christ.

First, “your cord was not cut.” In physical birth the severed cord marks independence from the old life in the womb. Spiritually, it pictures separation from the dominion of sin. Without Christ, the “old self” remains attached and dominant (Romans 6:6). New birth in Him decisively breaks that cord: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Second, “nor were you washed with water to cleanse you.” A newborn must be bathed; otherwise infection and filth remain. Apart from Christ, hearts stay uncleansed. At conversion He performs the cleansing we could never achieve: “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). The external washing in Ezekiel anticipates the internal washing in the gospel.

Third, “you were not rubbed with salt.” Ancient midwives massaged salt onto an infant’s skin for purification and hardening. By nature we lack the preserving, purifying influence of grace. Jesus calls His followers “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13), but we become that only after He first salts us—sanctifies and preserves us—through His Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Fourth, “nor wrapped in cloths.” Swaddling provided warmth, security, and proper growth. Left unwrapped, the baby remained exposed and deformed. In salvation Christ wraps us in His righteousness: “He has clothed me with garments of salvation” (Isaiah 61:10). Romans 13:14 urges believers, “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,” echoing the swaddling care God supplies.

Ezekiel’s neglected infant therefore mirrors every soul outside Christ: still bound to the old life, unwashed, unsalted, uncovered. The same chapter goes on to describe God finding the child, declaring “Live!” (Ezekiel 16:6), cleansing her, adorning her, and entering covenant with her. That rescue prefigures what Christ accomplishes for all who believe—new life (John 3:3), full cleansing (1 John 1:7), ongoing preservation (Jude 1), and righteous covering (Philippians 3:9).

Recognizing our original helplessness magnifies the grace of spiritual rebirth. What we could never perform for ourselves, God lovingly provides in Christ, turning abandoned orphans into adopted heirs (Ephesians 1:5).