Ezekiel 3:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Again {H7725}, When a righteous {H6662} man doth turn {H7725} from his righteousness {H6664}, and commit {H6213} iniquity {H5766}, and I lay {H5414} a stumblingblock {H4383} before {H6440} him, he shall die {H4191}: because thou hast not given him warning {H2094}, he shall die {H4191} in his sin {H2403}, and his righteousness {H6666} which he hath done {H6213} shall not be remembered {H2142}; but his blood {H1818} will I require {H1245} at thine hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Similarly, when a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and commits wickedness, I will place a stumblingblock before him - he will die; because you failed to warn him, he will die in his sin; his righteous acts which he did will not be remembered; and I will hold you responsible for his death.

Berean Standard Bible

Now if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. If you did not warn him, he will die in his sin, and the righteous acts he did will not be remembered. And I will hold you responsible for his blood.

American Standard Version

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 righteous deeds which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thy hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 3:20 delivers a sobering warning regarding the accountability of God's appointed watchman. It describes the dire consequences for a person who, having once walked in righteousness, turns away to commit iniquity. If the watchman fails to warn such an individual, that person will die in their sin, their past righteousness will be forgotten, and their spiritual demise will be held against the watchman. This verse profoundly underscores the gravity of prophetic ministry and the eternal stakes involved in both spiritual leadership and personal faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 3:20 is an integral part of Ezekiel's divine commission as a "watchman" for the house of Israel, beginning in [Ezekiel 3:17](/ezekiel/3-17 "Ezekiel 3:17 - Ezekiel's Commission as Watchman"). The preceding verses ([Ezekiel 3:18-19](/ezekiel/3-18 "Ezekiel 3:18-19 - Warning the Wicked")) establish the watchman's responsibility to warn the wicked; if he fails, their blood will be on his hands, but if he warns them and they do not turn, their blood is on their own head. Verse 20 extends this responsibility to a new, perhaps more challenging, scenario: the "righteous man" who turns from his path. This progression highlights the comprehensive nature of the watchman's duty, encompassing both the overtly wicked and those who apostatize from a previously righteous standing. The immediate context emphasizes the prophet's unique and weighty role as God's messenger, whose faithfulness directly impacts the spiritual destiny of the people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (c. 597-571 BC), a period of immense national and spiritual crisis for Judah. The people were displaced, their temple destroyed, and their understanding of God's covenant and justice was severely challenged. In ancient Near Eastern cities, a watchman stood on city walls, responsible for spotting approaching danger (enemies, natural disasters) and sounding an alarm. Failure to warn the city resulted in the watchman being held accountable for any resulting deaths. God appropriates this familiar cultural role to describe Ezekiel's spiritual function. The exiles, many of whom had previously considered themselves righteous, were prone to spiritual complacency or despair, making the warning against apostasy particularly relevant. The concept of individual accountability, further developed in [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility"), also undergirds this passage.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it reiterates **The Watchman's Solemn Responsibility**, emphasizing that God holds His messengers accountable for faithfully delivering His warnings, regardless of the message's popularity or the recipient's response. This theme is echoed in [Ezekiel 33:1-9](/ezekiel/33-1 "Ezekiel 33:1-9 - The Watchman's Role Reaffirmed"). Secondly, it highlights **The Danger of Apostasy and Backsliding**, a stark warning that even those who have walked in righteousness are susceptible to falling away, with severe, eternal consequences. This concept challenges any notion of automatic, unconditional security based solely on past deeds, underscoring the need for ongoing faithfulness and perseverance, a truth found in passages like [Hebrews 6:4-6](/hebrews/6-4 "Hebrews 6:4-6 - The Peril of Falling Away"). Thirdly, the verse underscores **Divine Justice and Impartiality**, demonstrating that God's judgment is based on a person's current spiritual state, not merely their past. The righteousness "shall not be remembered" if one turns to iniquity, aligning with the principle articulated in [Ezekiel 18:24](/ezekiel/18-24 "Ezekiel 18:24 - Righteousness Forgotten When One Turns to Sin").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stumblingblock (Hebrew, _mikshôwl'_):** From H4383, this term denotes an obstacle, snare, or cause of ruin, literally or figuratively. In Ezekiel 3:20, when God states, "I lay a stumblingblock before him," it does not imply God actively causes the righteous person to sin. Rather, it speaks to God's sovereign permission or judicial judgment, where He allows circumstances or consequences to expose or confirm the heart's already chosen path of departure from righteousness, leading to their deserved ruin. It can also refer to a divinely ordained test that reveals one's true spiritual state.
* **warning (Hebrew, _zâhar'_):** From H2094, this primitive root means "to gleam; figuratively, to enlighten (by caution); admonish, shine, teach, (give) warn(-ing)." The watchman's duty is not merely to observe but actively to "enlighten by caution," to admonish with clear, divine truth. The absence of this "warning" (the act of shining light on the path and danger) is precisely why the watchman is held accountable for the righteous person's death in sin. It signifies a proactive, illuminating communication of God's standards and consequences.
* **require (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** From H1245, this primitive root means "to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after; ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for)." When God says, "his blood will I require at thine hand," it signifies a thorough and unavoidable demand for accountability. It's not a casual request but a divine inquisition, a searching out of responsibility for the spiritual demise of the un-warned. The watchman's failure to warn will be met with a divine investigation and a severe reckoning.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Again, When a righteous [man] doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity":** This clause introduces the specific scenario: an individual previously characterized by "righteousness" (tsaddîyq) who actively "turns" (shûwb) away from that state and "commits" (ʻâsâh) "iniquity" (ʻevel). This is not a momentary lapse but a deliberate, sustained departure from a life aligned with God's will, indicating a change in heart and conduct.
* **"and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die":** Here, God declares His sovereign involvement. The "stumblingblock" (mikshôwl) is not a temptation to sin, but a divinely ordained consequence or a test that reveals the person's true spiritual condition, leading to their spiritual "death" (mûwth). This death is the natural outcome of their chosen path of iniquity, permitted or orchestrated by God as a just judgment.
* **"because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin":** This is the core of the watchman's accountability. The "death" (mûwth) of the apostate is attributed to the watchman's failure to "warn" (zâhar) him. The emphasis is on dying "in his sin" (chaṭṭâʼâh), meaning without repentance and under the full weight of his transgression, because the necessary prophetic intervention was absent.
* **"and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered":** This crucial phrase highlights the principle of present accountability. Past acts of righteousness (tsᵉdâqâh) are rendered irrelevant in the face of current, unrepentant iniquity. God's judgment is based on one's final standing, not a cumulative tally that can be offset by past good deeds if one ultimately turns away.
* **"but his blood will I require at thine hand":** This powerful idiom signifies the watchman's ultimate culpability. "His blood" (dâm) represents his life and spiritual destiny, and it will be "required" (bâqash) "at thine hand" (yâd), meaning the watchman will be held fully responsible for the spiritual death of the un-warned individual. This underscores the immense weight and seriousness of the prophetic office.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 3:20 is rich with literary devices that amplify its message. The central **Metaphor** of the "watchman" (established in prior verses) vividly portrays the prophet's role, drawing on a familiar image of civic responsibility to convey spiritual duty. The phrase "his blood will I require at thine hand" is a potent **Idiom**, signifying ultimate accountability and culpability for another's demise, emphasizing the severity of the watchman's neglect. There is also a stark **Contrast** presented between "righteousness" and "iniquity," highlighting the binary nature of spiritual allegiance and the catastrophic consequences of shifting from one to the other. Furthermore, the repeated emphasis on "he shall die" creates a sense of **Repetition** and **Foreshadowing**, reinforcing the certainty and gravity of the judgment for both the apostate and the negligent watchman.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 3:20 profoundly shapes our understanding of divine justice, human responsibility, and the nature of true spiritual standing. It shatters any notion of automatic salvation or a "once saved, always saved" doctrine if such a doctrine implies a license to sin without consequence. Instead, it posits that a person's ultimate standing before God is determined by their present and final state of faithfulness. God's justice is not merely retributive but also redemptive, aiming to call people back to Himself through warnings. The verse also underscores the corporate responsibility of spiritual leaders to shepherd God's flock with diligence and courage, knowing that the eternal destiny of individuals can be impacted by their faithfulness or negligence. It compels both leaders and individuals to a posture of continual self-examination and perseverance in righteousness.

* [Ezekiel 33:6](/ezekiel/33-6 "Ezekiel 33:6 - The Watchman's Accountability")
* [Hebrews 6:4-6](/hebrews/6-4 "Hebrews 6:4-6 - The Warning Against Apostasy")
* [Ezekiel 18:24](/ezekiel/18-24 "Ezekiel 18:24 - Righteousness Not Remembered in Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 3:20 resonates deeply with believers today, serving as a powerful reminder of the ongoing call to vigilance in our faith and the solemn responsibility we bear for one another. For those in spiritual leadership—pastors, teachers, mentors—it is a sobering charge to faithfully proclaim God's truth, to warn against sin, and to guide with integrity, recognizing the eternal weight of their words and actions. Their failure to speak truth can have devastating consequences for those under their care. For every believer, this verse is a stark warning against spiritual complacency and the deceptive allure of backsliding. It reminds us that our walk with God is not a static event but a dynamic journey requiring continuous repentance, perseverance, and active pursuit of righteousness. Our past good deeds do not guarantee our future if we turn away from the Lord. Therefore, we are called to examine our hearts regularly, to live in humble dependence on God's grace, and to lovingly encourage and admonish fellow believers, participating in the "watchman" role within the community of faith, ensuring that no one stumbles unwarned.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, as a believer, be called to act as a "watchman" for others in my sphere of influence, offering loving warning or encouragement?**
* **How does this verse challenge any assumptions I might hold about the permanence of salvation or the nature of true righteousness?**
* **What "stumblingblocks" might God allow in my life, not to cause me to sin, but to reveal the true state of my heart or confirm a path I have chosen?**
* **Am I actively cultivating a lifestyle of ongoing repentance and pursuit of righteousness, or am I relying on past spiritual experiences?**

### FAQ
**Does God actively cause people to stumble into sin when He says, "I lay a stumblingblock before him"?**

Answer: No, the phrase "I lay a stumblingblock before him" (H4383, _mikshôwl_) does not mean God actively tempts or causes a righteous person to sin. Instead, it refers to a divinely ordained consequence or a judicial act. When a person has already chosen to turn from righteousness and commit iniquity, God may allow circumstances, trials, or even the natural consequences of their sin to become a "stumblingblock." This "stumblingblock" serves to reveal or confirm the person's chosen path of rebellion, leading to their deserved judgment. It's a manifestation of God's justice, not an instigation of sin. This concept is further clarified in passages like [Romans 1:24-28](/romans/1-24 "Romans 1:24-28 - God Giving People Over to Their Sins"), where God "gives them over" to the consequences of their unrighteous choices.

**Can a truly righteous person lose their salvation according to this verse?**

Answer: Ezekiel 3:20 speaks of a "righteous man" who "doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity." This verse, along with others in Ezekiel (e.g., [Ezekiel 18:24-26](/ezekiel/18-24 "Ezekiel 18:24-26 - The Righteous Who Turn Away")), clearly presents the possibility of an individual, who was once living righteously, departing from that path and facing divine judgment. The theological interpretation of this passage varies among Christian traditions. Some understand it as a warning that genuine believers can apostatize and forfeit their salvation, emphasizing the need for perseverance. Others interpret "righteous man" as someone who outwardly conformed to God's law but never possessed true saving faith, and their turning away reveals their true, unregenerate heart. Regardless of the specific theological framework, the verse unequivocally warns against the grave danger and eternal consequences of turning away from a life of obedience to God, underscoring the necessity of continuous faithfulness.

**What does it mean that "his blood will I require at thine hand"?**

Answer: This is a powerful idiom signifying ultimate accountability. "His blood" (H1818, _dâm_) represents the life and spiritual destiny of the individual who dies in their sin. To "require at thine hand" (H1245, _bâqash_, and H3027, _yâd_) means that God will hold the watchman (Ezekiel, and by extension, any spiritual leader or messenger) fully responsible for the spiritual demise of the un-warned individual. It implies that the watchman's negligence in delivering God's warning contributed directly to the person's death in sin. This emphasizes the immense gravity of the prophetic office and the severe consequences for failing to fulfill one's divine commission to speak truth and warn against sin. It highlights the principle that knowledge brings responsibility, and failure to act on that responsibility can lead to culpability for others' spiritual ruin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 3:20, with its stark warning about the watchman's accountability for the righteous who turn to sin, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. While Ezekiel was a watchman whose faithfulness was crucial, his warnings, like the Law itself, could only expose sin and condemn the unrighteous; they could not provide a lasting solution for the human heart prone to turning away. Jesus, however, is the **Good Shepherd** and the ultimate Watchman, who not only warns but also actively seeks and saves the lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). He laid down His life, not to require blood from others, but to shed His own blood as the perfect sacrifice for sin, taking away the "stumblingblock" of our iniquity ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

The conditional righteousness of Ezekiel 3:20, which could be "not remembered" if one turned to sin, is superseded by the **imputed righteousness** of Christ. Through faith in Him, believers are clothed in His perfect righteousness, which is an eternal and unchangeable gift ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Righteousness Through Christ")). While the New Testament still warns against apostasy and the danger of falling away (e.g., [Hebrews 10:26-31](/hebrews/10-26 "Hebrews 10:26-31 - Warning Against Deliberate Sin")), it is within the context of Christ's perfect and sufficient work. He is the one who continually intercedes for His own ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Intercessor")) and promises to keep those who belong to Him ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28 "John 10:28-29 - No One Can Snatch Them Out of My Hand")). Thus, Ezekiel's warning highlights the dire need for a Savior who could perfectly fulfill the watchman's role and provide a righteousness that endures, a need profoundly met in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

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 18:24

But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, [and] doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked [man] doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

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.

Ezekiel 33:12

Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his [righteousness] in the day that he sinneth.

Ezekiel 33:13

When I shall say to the righteous, [that] he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.

Hebrews 10:38

Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

2 Peter 2:18

For when they speak great swelling [words] of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, [through much] wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

2 Peter 2:22

But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.