Ezekiel 3:21

Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous [man], that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.

Nevertheless if thou warn {H2094} the righteous {H6662} man, that the righteous {H6662} sin {H2398} not, and he doth not sin {H2398}, he shall surely {H2421} live {H2421}, because he is warned {H2094}; also thou hast delivered {H5337} thy soul {H5315}.

But if you warn the righteous person that a righteous person should not sin, and he doesn't sin; then he will certainly live, because he took the warning; and you too will have saved your life."

But if you warn the righteous man not to sin, and he does not sin, he will indeed live because he heeded your warning, and you will have saved yourself.”

Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he took warning; and thou hast delivered thy soul.

Ezekiel 3:21 continues the Lord's instruction to the prophet Ezekiel, detailing his crucial role as a "watchman" not only for the wicked but also for the righteous. This verse underscores the divine principle of accountability and the continuous need for vigilance, even for those who are already walking in obedience to God.

Context

The book of Ezekiel takes place during the Babylonian captivity, with Ezekiel serving as a prophet to the exiled Israelites. Chapters 1-3 describe Ezekiel's profound call and commission by God. Earlier in this chapter, specifically in Ezekiel 3:17, the Lord explicitly appointed Ezekiel as a "watchman" to the house of Israel. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 3:18-20) outline the watchman's responsibility concerning the wicked: if the wicked are not warned and they perish, the watchman is held accountable for their blood. Conversely, if the wicked are warned and turn from their sin, both they and the watchman are spared.

Ezekiel 3:21 then shifts the focus to the righteous. It highlights that the prophet's duty extends to those who are already in a covenant relationship with God. Even the righteous need warnings and admonishments to prevent them from stumbling or falling into sin, thereby preserving their spiritual integrity and life. This shows God's comprehensive care and His desire for His people to persevere in righteousness.

Key Themes

  • The Watchman's Comprehensive Duty: Ezekiel's role is not limited to calling sinners to repentance but also involves sustaining the righteous in their walk with God. This responsibility is a recurring theme, further elaborated in Ezekiel 33.
  • Preservation of Righteousness: The verse emphasizes that even the righteous are susceptible to sin and need guidance. The warning serves as a preventative measure, helping them avoid falling away and thus ensuring their continued "life" (spiritual flourishing and divine favor).
  • Divine Accountability: God holds His messengers accountable for delivering His word faithfully, regardless of the recipient's response. If the watchman fulfills their duty, their own "soul" is delivered from guilt, whether the listener heeds the warning or not.
  • The Value of Godly Counsel: The verse underscores the importance of instruction and admonition for spiritual growth and perseverance, even for those who are already walking uprightly. This echoes the wisdom of Proverbs 9:9: "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "warn" is zahar (זָהַר), which implies more than just a casual notice. It means to admonish, instruct, caution, or illuminate. It suggests a serious and intentional act of bringing light or understanding to a situation, often with a sense of urgency and consequence. The phrase "delivered thy soul" uses the Hebrew natsal nephesh (נָצַל נֶפֶשׁ), meaning to rescue, save, or snatch away one's life or self. In this context, it signifies that the prophet has fulfilled his obligation and is therefore free from culpability for the actions of others.

Practical Application

This verse has profound implications for both spiritual leaders and individual believers today:

  • For Spiritual Leaders: Those in positions of teaching and leadership (pastors, teachers, mentors) bear a solemn responsibility to faithfully deliver God's Word to all, including those who are already committed believers. This involves not only evangelism but also discipleship, encouragement, and sometimes, firm admonition to help believers persevere in their faith and avoid stumbling.
  • For All Believers: The verse reminds us that no one is beyond the need for spiritual instruction and warning. Even "righteous" individuals can be tempted or misled. It highlights the importance of humility, receptiveness to godly counsel, and continuous vigilance in one's spiritual walk. As 1 Corinthians 10:12 warns, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."
  • The Importance of Community: This passage implicitly encourages a community of believers where mutual encouragement, accountability, and gentle correction are practiced, helping each other to "sin not" and to "surely live." Just as the prophet warns, believers can also exhort one another in love.

Ultimately, Ezekiel 3:21 teaches us about God's comprehensive plan for His people's salvation and sanctification, emphasizing the vital role of His messengers in that ongoing process.

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.

  • 1 Timothy 4:16

    Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

  • Titus 2:15

    ¶ These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

  • 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.

  • Proverbs 9:9

    Give [instruction] to a wise [man], and he will be yet wiser: teach a just [man], and he will increase in learning.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:14

    ¶ I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn [you].

  • Ezekiel 3:19

    Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

  • 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.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back