Ezekiel 3:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 3:18 delivers a profound and weighty declaration concerning the prophet's non-negotiable responsibility as a divine watchman. God unequivocally states that if He decrees death upon the wicked, and His appointed messenger, Ezekiel, fails to issue a warning that could lead to repentance and life, then the wicked individual will indeed perish in their sin. However, the prophet will be held directly accountable for their demise, with their "blood" being required at his hand, underscoring the immense gravity of prophetic silence and the solemnity of God's call to faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in the book of Ezekiel, immediately following God's explicit commission of Ezekiel as a "watchman" for the house of Israel in [Ezekiel 3:17](/ezekiel/3-17 "Ezekiel 3:17 - The Watchman's Commission"). The preceding chapters detail Ezekiel's dramatic call and vision of God's glory, establishing his divine authority. Chapters 2 and 3 focus on the nature of his prophetic ministry, emphasizing its difficulty due to Israel's rebellion, but also its absolute necessity. Verse 18, along with the subsequent verses ([Ezekiel 3:19-21](/ezekiel/3-19 "Ezekiel 3:19-21 - Consequences for the Watchman and the Wicked")), lays out the dual accountability: that of the wicked for their sin, and that of the prophet for his faithfulness in delivering the divine message. It forms a foundational statement for Ezekiel's entire ministry of warning and judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, specifically during the Babylonian exile. He was among the first wave of exiles deported to Babylon in 597 BC, ministering to the Jewish community by the Chebar Canal. The people were largely unrepentant, clinging to false hopes of a swift return to Jerusalem and resisting the reality of God's judgment. The concept of a "watchman" was well-understood in ancient Near Eastern societies, referring to someone stationed on city walls or towers to warn of approaching danger (e.g., [2 Samuel 18:24-27](/2_samuel/18-24 "2 Samuel 18:24-27 - The Watchman on the Wall")). God appropriates this familiar role to describe Ezekiel's spiritual duty: to warn the people of impending divine judgment due to their idolatry and unrighteousness, thereby offering them a chance to turn from their "wicked way" and live.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 3:18 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel and biblical theology. The primary theme is the **Watchman's Responsibility**, highlighting the solemn duty of God's messenger to faithfully proclaim His word, regardless of the people's reception. This is further developed in [Ezekiel 33](/ezekiel/33 "Ezekiel 33 - The Watchman's Duty Revisited"), where the commission is reiterated. Another crucial theme is **Individual Accountability**, emphasizing that while the prophet is responsible for delivering the warning, each wicked person remains accountable for their "iniquity" and the choices they make in response to the divine truth. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that "the wages of sin is death" found in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin"). Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Mercy**, where God's justice is seen in the consequence for sin, but His mercy is evident in providing a warning through the prophet, offering a path to "save his life" from certain death.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** (H7563) This term describes someone who is morally wrong, an actively bad person, often used in a legal context to mean "guilty" or "condemned." In Ezekiel 3:18, it refers to individuals whose lifestyle and choices are characterized by rebellion against God's standards, leading them down a path that results in spiritual and physical death. Their "wicked way" is a deliberate course of action contrary to God's will.
* **warn (Hebrew, _zâhar'_):** (H2094) This primitive root means "to gleam" or "to enlighten," and figuratively, "to caution" or "admonish." It implies providing clear, illuminating instruction or warning to prevent harm. Ezekiel's duty is not merely to speak, but to "warn" in a way that brings understanding of the danger and the path to safety, aiming to enlighten the wicked to their perilous state.
* **blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** (H1818) Derived from a root meaning "to be silent" or "to cease," "blood" here refers to that which, when shed, causes death. Figuratively, especially in the context of "requiring blood," it signifies responsibility for bloodshed or death. In this verse, "his blood will I require at thine hand" means God will hold Ezekiel directly accountable for the wicked person's death if he fails to issue the warning, implying a severe judgment for dereliction of duty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die;":** This clause establishes the divine decree. God, in His sovereign judgment, determines that a wicked person's unrepentant sin warrants death. The emphatic Hebrew idiom "mûwth tāmûth" (surely die) underscores the certainty and inevitability of this judgment if the individual persists in their "wicked way." It is a declaration of divine justice against sin.
* **"and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life;":** This is the crucial condition placed upon the prophet. Ezekiel's failure is twofold: he does not "give warning" (a general act of cautioning) and he does not "speak to warn" (a more active, verbal proclamation). The purpose of this warning is explicitly "to save his life," indicating that the divine judgment is not irreversible if the wicked person repents and turns from their path. The prophet's silence, therefore, directly hinders the opportunity for salvation.
* **"the same wicked [man] shall die in his iniquity;":** This clause reiterates the fate of the wicked. Even if the prophet fails to warn, the wicked person still dies, not because of the prophet's silence, but "in his iniquity." This emphasizes the individual's ultimate responsibility for their own sin and the inherent consequence of persistent rebellion against God. The death is a direct result of their unrepentant "wicked way."
* **"but his blood will I require at thine hand.":** This is the chilling consequence for the unfaithful watchman. "His blood" symbolizes the life lost due to unheeded warning, and "at thine hand" signifies direct accountability. God will hold Ezekiel personally responsible for the spiritual demise of the wicked if he neglects his prophetic duty. It is a powerful statement about the immense weight of God's call and the severe repercussions for disobedience or negligence in ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 3:18 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Repetition** is prominently used, particularly with the word "wicked" (râshâʻ), which appears four times, emphatically highlighting the character of those needing warning and the nature of their path. The phrase "surely die" (mûwth tāmûth) is an example of a **cognate accusative** or **emphatic infinitive**, a Hebrew idiom that intensifies the verb, underscoring the absolute certainty of death as a consequence of unrepentant sin. The entire verse functions as a **Conditional Statement**, setting up a clear "if-then" scenario: if the prophet fails to warn, then the wicked will die in their sin, and their blood will be required of the prophet. This creates a sense of immediate consequence and moral imperative. Furthermore, the phrase "his blood will I require at thine hand" serves as a potent **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. "Blood" here symbolizes life, and its "requirement" at the prophet's "hand" (a **synecdoche** for his agency or responsibility) metaphorically represents the prophet being held accountable for the loss of that life due to his inaction. This vivid imagery powerfully communicates the gravity of the watchman's dereliction of duty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 3:18 stands as a stark reminder of the profound responsibility entrusted to those who bear God's message. It underscores that divine judgment is real and inevitable for unrepentant sin, but also that God, in His mercy, provides a means of escape through warning. The prophet's role is not merely to observe but to actively intervene by proclaiming truth, thereby offering a path to life. This passage highlights the interconnectedness of divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the messenger's faithfulness. It teaches that silence in the face of spiritual danger is not neutral; it carries severe consequences for the messenger, making them complicit in the spiritual demise of those they were called to warn.

* [Ezekiel 33:1-9](/ezekiel/33-1 "Ezekiel 33:1-9 - The Watchman's Duty Reaffirmed")
* [Acts 20:26-27](/acts/20-26 "Acts 20:26-27 - Paul's Declaration of Innocence")
* [James 5:19-20](/james/5-19 "James 5:19-20 - Restoring a Sinner")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 3:18 resonates deeply with believers today, extending beyond the prophetic office to encompass the responsibility of all who know the truth of God's saving grace. We are called to be salt and light in a world adrift in sin, bearing witness to the consequences of rebellion against God and, more importantly, to the glorious hope offered through repentance and faith in Christ. This verse challenges us to consider our own faithfulness in sharing the gospel and speaking truth in love. Are we silent when we should speak? Do we prioritize comfort over conviction? The "blood" of those perishing in their iniquity is not literally required of us as it was of Ezekiel, but the spiritual principle remains: our apathy or fear can hinder others from hearing the life-saving message. This passage compels us to courageously and compassionately proclaim God's warnings and His salvation, understanding the eternal stakes involved for both ourselves and those around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I being called to be a "watchman" for others, whether in my family, community, or workplace?**
* **What fears or hesitations prevent me from speaking God's truth to those who need to hear it, especially concerning the consequences of sin?**
* **How can I better equip myself to "warn the wicked from his wicked way" with both clarity and compassion?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to share the message of repentance and salvation with someone who may be perishing in their iniquity?**

### FAQ

**Does Ezekiel 3:18 mean that if I don't tell someone about Jesus, I'm responsible for their eternal damnation?**

Answer: Ezekiel 3:18 applies directly to Ezekiel's specific prophetic commission as a watchman for Israel, where God explicitly states He will "require their blood" from his hand if he fails to warn. While the principle of accountability for sharing truth is universal, it's crucial not to misapply this verse to suggest that an individual believer is solely responsible for another's eternal damnation. Salvation is ultimately a matter of an individual's response to God's grace and their personal accountability for their "iniquity" ([Ezekiel 3:18](/ezekiel/3-18 "Ezekiel 3:18 - The Watchman's Accountability")). God is sovereign, and His justice is perfect. However, the passage does underscore the serious responsibility of those who know the truth to share it, as it is God's appointed means for people to hear and respond ([Romans 10:14-15](/romans/10-14 "Romans 10:14-15 - How Shall They Hear?")). Our role is to be faithful messengers, not to determine another's eternal destiny.

**What does "his blood will I require at thine hand" mean in a modern context?**

Answer: In a modern context, "his blood will I require at thine hand" means that God holds His people, particularly those in positions of spiritual leadership or those who have been given clear divine truth, accountable for their faithfulness in proclaiming His message. It's a powerful metaphor for spiritual culpability. For Ezekiel, it meant he would be held responsible for the physical and spiritual demise of the wicked if he failed to deliver God's warning. For believers today, it serves as a sobering reminder that our silence or inaction in sharing the gospel or speaking truth to spiritual danger has serious spiritual implications. While we don't literally bear the "blood guilt" for another's eternal state (as salvation is by grace through faith), we are certainly accountable for our stewardship of the truth and our obedience to the Great Commission ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). It emphasizes the gravity of our calling to be witnesses for Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 3:18, with its solemn declaration of the watchman's accountability, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential Watchman, the true Prophet of God who perfectly fulfilled the divine mandate to warn humanity of its "wicked way" and the impending judgment of sin. Unlike Ezekiel, who was commanded to warn of physical death and exile, Jesus came to warn of eternal spiritual death and separation from God, proclaiming, "Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish" ([Luke 13:3](/luke/13-3 "Luke 13:3 - Call to Repentance")). Yet, His mission was not merely to warn, but "to save his life." Jesus did not merely speak; He embodied the warning and the salvation. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering His own "blood" (life) as the ultimate sacrifice to atone for humanity's iniquity. Through His death and resurrection, He provided the only way for the "wicked" to turn from their "wicked way" and truly live, fulfilling the very purpose of the watchman's warning. Thus, the accountability for "blood" is removed from those who believe, as Christ's blood covers their sin, and the call to warn now becomes a joyful proclamation of the Good News, empowered by the Spirit, for all who would turn to Him ([Acts 2:38-40](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38-40 - Peter's Call to Repentance")).

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 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.