Ezekiel 3:18

When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked [man] shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

When I say {H559} unto the wicked {H7563}, Thou shalt surely {H4191} die {H4191}; and thou givest him not warning {H2094}, nor speakest {H1696} to warn {H2094} the wicked {H7563} from his wicked {H7563} way {H1870}, to save his life {H2421}; the same wicked {H7563} man shall die {H4191} in his iniquity {H5771}; but his blood {H1818} will I require {H1245} at thine hand {H3027}.

If I say to a wicked person, 'You will certainly die'; and you fail to warn him, to speak and warn the wicked person to leave his wicked way and save his life; then that wicked person will die guilty; and I will hold you responsible for his death.

If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to warn him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, and I will hold you responsible for his blood.

When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thy hand.

Ezekiel 3:18 in the King James Version is a powerful and sobering declaration concerning the prophet's responsibility as a watchman for Israel.

Context

This verse comes early in the book of Ezekiel, specifically in the third chapter, where God is commissioning Ezekiel for his prophetic ministry. Following a dramatic vision, Ezekiel is given instructions regarding his role as a "watchman" (see Ezekiel 3:17). God outlines the consequences for both the prophet and the people based on whether the warning is given and heeded. Verse 18 specifically addresses the prophet's accountability if he fails to warn the wicked.

Key Themes

  • The Watchman's Responsibility: God places a heavy burden on Ezekiel to communicate divine warnings to the people, particularly the wicked. This highlights the importance of delivering God's message faithfully.
  • Consequence of Silence: The verse starkly states that if the watchman does not warn the wicked, their death in sin is certain, but their "blood" (representing their life and accountability) will be required from the watchman's hand. This emphasizes the gravity of failing to speak God's truth.
  • Individual Accountability: While the watchman is accountable for delivering the warning, the wicked individual is still responsible for their "wicked way" and dies "in his iniquity" (compare Romans 6:23).
  • Divine Judgment: The passage underscores God's justice, where both the sinner faces the consequence of their sin and the messenger faces accountability for their faithfulness (or lack thereof).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "surely die" translates the Hebrew *moth tamuth*, a common emphatic idiom indicating certain death or severe punishment. The expression "his blood will I require at thine hand" (Hebrew: *edrosh miyadecha*) signifies holding someone accountable for a death or failure, much like requiring payment or restitution.

Reflection and Application

While Ezekiel was a literal watchman for Israel, this passage has broader implications for believers today. It speaks to the responsibility of those who know God's truth to share it with others, particularly regarding the consequences of sin and the need for repentance and salvation. It's a reminder that silence in the face of spiritual danger can have serious implications, not just for those who need the warning, but also for the one who should have delivered it. It encourages faithfulness in sharing the gospel message and being clear in our communication of God's standards and salvation offered through Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 33:6

    But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take [any] person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand.

  • James 5:19

    Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;

  • James 5:20

    Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

  • Ezekiel 3:20

    Again, When a righteous [man] doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

  • Acts 20:26

    Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I [am] pure from the blood of all [men].

  • Acts 20:27

    For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

  • Ezekiel 33:8

    When I say unto the wicked, O wicked [man], thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked [man] shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

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